Thread: Cutting Baltic Birch

One of the tricks I use to beat tear out, is to take a piece of three ply or MDF and cut it to the size of the work table. Drill a hole small enough to allow the blade to go through it without touching the sides of that hole, and then cut through to that hole. (A long skinny keyhole if you like). I then tape the board to the sides of the work table and place my piece onto that to cut out the small fret cuts. Masking tape on the back of the work piece helps as well. Combine both these tricks and you should reduce tear out to a minimum. My old GMC saw has quite a large hole where the blade goes through, and so I found these tricks very helpful.

I read a lot about baltic birch in the scroll magazines, but can't remember ever seing it here ?
Don't seem to have problems with tear out... only time I did I had used our cheap ply wood.... not a good idea.
I do use masking tape a lot .... they should sell it by the box!

Juvy

oh wow, its been a while since i checked here been keeping that saw busy on alot of stuff.
i did try both the masking tape and also the zero clerence insert BOTH helped so much!!
thanks for the replys!!
JP