Newb needs help with cutting a notch

Mon, Nov 10, 2003, 1:30pm (EST-3) [email protected] (Bob) asks:
<snip> I am making some pushsticks <snip>

I just cut pushsticks freehand, out of whatever's available,
usually plywood, 1/2", 3/4", doesn't really matter. I consider them
dispsable items, so as long as they work, I don't really care what they
look like, and certainly don't do more than eyeball measure any part of
them. Usually, I use the bandsaw. Scrollsaw would work too. But, I
don't believe I have ever tried cutting one on my bench saw. Hell, if I
don't have pieces big enough to cut a pushstick out of, I have been
known to glue up one out of smaller pieces. Those have worked too.

Not tried it myself, but, apparently frozen cats make pretty decent
pushsticks.

JOAT
My aim is to get through life peacefully, with as little interferrnce
from human beings as possible.

Life just ain't life without good music. - JOAT
Web Page Update 8 Nov 2003.
Some tunes I like.
http://community-2.webtv.net/Jakofalltrades/SOMETUNESILIKE/

you could clamp that sucker down and use a jigsaw to make the notch. or
you could spend $800 and get a Powermatic 14" bandsaw like I did. :)

dave

Bob wrote:

> Hello:
>
> I know this is probably a dumb and basic question, but here goes:
>
> I am making some pushsticks out of 3/4" plywoood. I am trying to cut
> the 90 degree notch out of the business end. However, there is always
> more wood cut underneath the piece because of the shape of the
> tablesaw blade. Does this explaination make sense? How the heck can I
> cut a simple straight notch?!? Do I need a big band saw to make a
> push stick? I have tried everything lowering the blade, raising the
> blade, even attempted to cut it with a handsaw (looks like I cut it
> with a blender)
>
> Any help would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Bob

Bob,
How about gluing a 1" long by 1/2" thick piece to the bottom rear of
the push stick instead of trying to notch it.
Ted


[email protected] (Bob) wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> Hello:
>
> I know this is probably a dumb and basic question, but here goes:
>
> I am making some pushsticks out of 3/4" plywoood. I am trying to cut
> the 90 degree notch out of the business end. However, there is always
> more wood cut underneath the piece because of the shape of the
> tablesaw blade. Does this explaination make sense? How the heck can I
> cut a simple straight notch?!? Do I need a big band saw to make a
> push stick? I have tried everything lowering the blade, raising the
> blade, even attempted to cut it with a handsaw (looks like I cut it
> with a blender)
>
> Any help would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Bob

Thank you for the encouraging posts (just the encouraging ones)!

I guess what I was wondering is if the table saw was the right tool
for the job. It seems like the table saw can do ANYTHING from what Ive
heard. It surprised me that I couldnt use it to make a simple accurate
notch in a piece of wood. I figured there was something I was doing
wrong. Im not obsessed with push sticks Im just trying to do simple
things that dont matter before I tackle the important stuff.

Sounds from what youve said that I can:

1. Use a jigsaw (I have a cheap B&D)
2. Buy a bandsaw
3. Create a jig that will allow me to cut from the top of the blade
4. make the cut part way using the kerf in a previously cut piece of
wood as a guide, then finish up with a handsaw.

Did I summarize your answers correctly?

Thanks again!

Bob

"David Binkowski" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<H%%[email protected]>...
> If God wanted us to use push sticks he wouldn't have given us so
> many spare fingers !!!
>
> --
> The software said it ran under Windows 98/NT/2000, or better.
> So I installed it on Linux...
> "Bob" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Hello:
> >
> > I know this is probably a dumb and basic question, but here goes:
> >
> > I am making some pushsticks out of 3/4" plywoood. I am trying to cut
> > the 90 degree notch out of the business end. However, there is always
> > more wood cut underneath the piece because of the shape of the
> > tablesaw blade. Does this explaination make sense? How the heck can I
> > cut a simple straight notch?!? Do I need a big band saw to make a
> > push stick? I have tried everything lowering the blade, raising the
> > blade, even attempted to cut it with a handsaw (looks like I cut it
> > with a blender)
> >
> > Any help would be greatly appreciated.
> >
> > Bob

On 10 Nov 2003 13:30:55 -0800, [email protected] (Bob) wrote:

>Hello:
>
>I know this is probably a dumb and basic question, but here goes:
>
>I am making some pushsticks out of 3/4" plywoood. I am trying to cut
>the 90 degree notch out of the business end. However, there is always
>more wood cut underneath the piece because of the shape of the
>tablesaw blade. Does this explaination make sense? How the heck can I
>cut a simple straight notch?!? Do I need a big band saw to make a
>push stick? I have tried everything lowering the blade, raising the
>blade, even attempted to cut it with a handsaw (looks like I cut it
>with a blender)
>
>Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Bob, if you're really hung up on how to make a suitable push-stick you
might want to consider a different hobby.

JP

>
> Heh, heh, heh, I'd NEVER do that. Well, maybe there was just that one
time
> a long time ago. No more since then. Scares the c*** out of you.
> Ed
>

I'm not sure how to get the crap scared out of me. Usually when I do
something like that, I'm puckered so tight you couldn't get a needle up
there with a pneumatic hammer.

I think a more gentle message is in order.

Bob:

Make the push stick VERY long, and wear lots of protective
wear when you work. We are all pretty afraid for you now...


--
The software said it ran under Windows 98/NT/2000, or better.
So I installed it on Linux...
"Jay Pique" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On 10 Nov 2003 13:30:55 -0800, [email protected] (Bob) wrote:
>
> >Hello:
> >
> >I know this is probably a dumb and basic question, but here goes:
> >
> >I am making some pushsticks out of 3/4" plywoood. I am trying to cut
> >the 90 degree notch out of the business end. However, there is always
> >more wood cut underneath the piece because of the shape of the
> >tablesaw blade. Does this explaination make sense? How the heck can I
> >cut a simple straight notch?!? Do I need a big band saw to make a
> >push stick? I have tried everything lowering the blade, raising the
> >blade, even attempted to cut it with a handsaw (looks like I cut it
> >with a blender)
> >
> >Any help would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Bob, if you're really hung up on how to make a suitable push-stick you
> might want to consider a different hobby.
>
> JP

If God wanted us to use push sticks he wouldn't have given us so
many spare fingers !!!

--
The software said it ran under Windows 98/NT/2000, or better.
So I installed it on Linux...
"Bob" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hello:
>
> I know this is probably a dumb and basic question, but here goes:
>
> I am making some pushsticks out of 3/4" plywoood. I am trying to cut
> the 90 degree notch out of the business end. However, there is always
> more wood cut underneath the piece because of the shape of the
> tablesaw blade. Does this explaination make sense? How the heck can I
> cut a simple straight notch?!? Do I need a big band saw to make a
> push stick? I have tried everything lowering the blade, raising the
> blade, even attempted to cut it with a handsaw (looks like I cut it
> with a blender)
>
> Any help would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Bob

you are ONE SICK PUPPY!

JackD wrote:

> "Bay Area Dave" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
>>Maybe, just MAYBE the OP is trying his hand at "technique" on something
>>SIMPLE before he moves on to something more important. Try, just for
>>once, to actually answer someone's question. I doubt that frozen cats
>>were on his mind...
>>
>>dave
>
>
> If they were, then it would explain why he couldn't figure it out. Having a
> frozen cat on my mind always makes my thoughts sluggish, but on the other
> hand it feels soooo good I sometimes can resist.
>
> -Jack
>
>

Maybe, just MAYBE the OP is trying his hand at "technique" on something
SIMPLE before he moves on to something more important. Try, just for
once, to actually answer someone's question. I doubt that frozen cats
were on his mind...

dave

T. wrote:

> Mon, Nov 10, 2003, 1:30pm (EST-3) [email protected] (Bob) asks:
> <snip> I am making some pushsticks <snip>
>
> I just cut pushsticks freehand, out of whatever's available,
> usually plywood, 1/2", 3/4", doesn't really matter. I consider them
> dispsable items, so as long as they work, I don't really care what they
> look like, and certainly don't do more than eyeball measure any part of
> them. Usually, I use the bandsaw. Scrollsaw would work too. But, I
> don't believe I have ever tried cutting one on my bench saw. Hell, if I
> don't have pieces big enough to cut a pushstick out of, I have been
> known to glue up one out of smaller pieces. Those have worked too.
>
> Not tried it myself, but, apparently frozen cats make pretty decent
> pushsticks.
>
> JOAT
> My aim is to get through life peacefully, with as little interferrnce
> from human beings as possible.
>
> Life just ain't life without good music. - JOAT
> Web Page Update 8 Nov 2003.
> Some tunes I like.
> http://community-2.webtv.net/Jakofalltrades/SOMETUNESILIKE/
>

Very good advice. Get yourself a backsaw and learn how to use it. You will
find that a lot of things (like this) are faster and easier done by hand.

"Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Not every cut needs to be made on a table saw.
>
> You're on the right track with your last effort ... _finish_ the cut with
a
> Hack saw, coping saw, any number of other hand types of hand saws, a jig
> saw, scroll saw, or band saw, ... it's not like you'll have very far to
cut.
>
> Good hand saws are far better than table saws for many types of cuts.

Not every cut needs to be made on a table saw.

You're on the right track with your last effort ... _finish_ the cut with a
Hack saw, coping saw, any number of other hand types of hand saws, a jig
saw, scroll saw, or band saw, ... it's not like you'll have very far to cut.

Good hand saws are far better than table saws for many types of cuts.

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 9/21/03


"Bob" wrote in message
> Hello:
>
> I know this is probably a dumb and basic question, but here goes:
>
> I am making some pushsticks out of 3/4" plywoood. I am trying to cut
> the 90 degree notch out of the business end. However, there is always
> more wood cut underneath the piece because of the shape of the
> tablesaw blade. Does this explaination make sense? How the heck can I
> cut a simple straight notch?!? Do I need a big band saw to make a
> push stick? I have tried everything lowering the blade, raising the
> blade, even attempted to cut it with a handsaw (looks like I cut it
> with a blender)
>
> Any help would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Bob

"Bob" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hello:
>
> I know this is probably a dumb and basic question, but here goes:
>
> I am making some pushsticks out of 3/4" plywoood. I am trying to cut
> the 90 degree notch out of the business end. However, there is always
> more wood cut underneath the piece because of the shape of the
> tablesaw blade. Does this explaination make sense? How the heck can I
> cut a simple straight notch?!? Do I need a big band saw to make a
> push stick? I have tried everything lowering the blade, raising the
> blade, even attempted to cut it with a handsaw (looks like I cut it
> with a blender)
>
> Any help would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Bob

1) It does not matter. It is only a push stick.
2) If it matters make the cut with the plywood held vertically and control
depth of cut with blade height. - This will require you to use some sort of
miter gauge, crosscut sled or even a mortising jig. Don't do it freehand.
3) If you can't cut straight with a handsaw I question your safety using a
table saw. If it is just that you are getting a lot of splintering etc, see
#1 above.

-Jack

"T." <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:2989-3FB02703-408@storefull-

> Not tried it myself, but, apparently frozen cats make pretty decent
> pushsticks.

At least until they start melting.

-Jack

"Bay Area Dave" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Maybe, just MAYBE the OP is trying his hand at "technique" on something
> SIMPLE before he moves on to something more important. Try, just for
> once, to actually answer someone's question. I doubt that frozen cats
> were on his mind...
>
> dave

If they were, then it would explain why he couldn't figure it out. Having a
frozen cat on my mind always makes my thoughts sluggish, but on the other
hand it feels soooo good I sometimes can resist.

-Jack

Sounds about right.
I'd just use the one you already made that looks like crap.

-Jack

"Bob" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Thank you for the encouraging posts (just the encouraging ones)!
>
> I guess what I was wondering is if the table saw was the right tool
> for the job. It seems like the table saw can do ANYTHING from what Ive
> heard. It surprised me that I couldnt use it to make a simple accurate
> notch in a piece of wood. I figured there was something I was doing
> wrong. Im not obsessed with push sticks Im just trying to do simple
> things that dont matter before I tackle the important stuff.
>
> Sounds from what youve said that I can:
>
> 1. Use a jigsaw (I have a cheap B&D)
> 2. Buy a bandsaw
> 3. Create a jig that will allow me to cut from the top of the blade
> 4. make the cut part way using the kerf in a previously cut piece of
> wood as a guide, then finish up with a handsaw.
>
> Did I summarize your answers correctly?
>
> Thanks again!
>
> Bob

"Jay Pique" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On 10 Nov 2003 13:30:55 -0800, [email protected] (Bob) wrote:
>
> >Hello:
> >
> >I know this is probably a dumb and basic question, but here goes:
[snip]
> > even attempted to cut it with a handsaw (looks like I cut it
> >with a blender)
> >
> >Any help would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Bob, if you're really hung up on how to make a suitable push-stick you
> might want to consider a different hobby.

I can identify with both fellers, here. Even the simplest task can seem
daunting if you lack: adequate tools, adequate experience. Bob got some
good advice on setting up a TS to do the vertical cut. That's good. OTOH -
this isn't rocket science. DAMHIKT.

What caught my eye was the blender part. Bob, if you can't cut a straight
line with a hand saw, it's likely that you have a crappy saw, or at least a
poorly-sharpened one. For plywood, I prefer a medium-to-fine pitch crosscut
saw. It's a compromise, because plywood runs both directions. I'm guessing
your hand saw has way too much set in the teeth, which is what causes it to
wander off-line. For more than you ever wanted to know about hand saws, go
to this site.

http://www.vintagesaws.com

No affiliation blah blah blah.

O'Deen

"Silvan" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> ka-WHANG!! THOCK! Nothing bruised, and nothing cut off, but boy that was
> incredibly stupid, stupid, *stupid*. I won't ever do *that* again.
>

Heh, heh, heh, I'd NEVER do that. Well, maybe there was just that one time
a long time ago. No more since then. Scares the c*** out of you.
Ed

On Mon, 10 Nov 2003 14:32:17 -0800, "Erik Ahrens"
<erikl_nospam_@_nospam_syserco.com> wrote:

>"Jay Pique" <[email protected]> wrote:

>> Bob, if you're really hung up on how to make a suitable push-stick you
>> might want to consider a different hobby.

>Bob, how is that for encouragement 8-{
>
>Hang in there -

Yeah, you're right - sorry for the snide remark Bob. I was lurking
here several years ago when there was a spate of messages about the
painstaking details some go into when making their gold-plated
mahogany and koa wood bench dogs, so I guess if you want perfect push
sticks you should go for it!

JP
***********************************
As if I have *any* idea what I'm talking about anyways.

JackD wrote:

> of miter gauge, crosscut sled or even a mortising jig. Don't do it
> freehand. 3) If you can't cut straight with a handsaw I question your

I'll add... DON'T DO IT FREEHAND!! I was doing something or other. Only
had to cut one little notch in something, and precision wasn't important.
I didn't want to bother to walk three steps to go get the crosscut sled, so
I put it on freehand.

ka-WHANG!! THOCK! Nothing bruised, and nothing cut off, but boy that was
incredibly stupid, stupid, *stupid*. I won't ever do *that* again.

--
Michael McIntyre ---- Silvan <[email protected]>
Linux fanatic, and certified Geek; registered Linux user #243621
http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Rue/5407/

Bob, how is that for encouragement 8-{

Hang in there -

Erik

"Jay Pique" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On 10 Nov 2003 13:30:55 -0800, [email protected] (Bob) wrote:
>
> >Hello:
> >
> >I know this is probably a dumb and basic question, but here goes:
> >
> >I am making some pushsticks out of 3/4" plywoood. I am trying to cut
> >the 90 degree notch out of the business end. However, there is always
> >more wood cut underneath the piece because of the shape of the
> >tablesaw blade. Does this explaination make sense? How the heck can I
> >cut a simple straight notch?!? Do I need a big band saw to make a
> >push stick? I have tried everything lowering the blade, raising the
> >blade, even attempted to cut it with a handsaw (looks like I cut it
> >with a blender)
> >
> >Any help would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Bob, if you're really hung up on how to make a suitable push-stick you
> might want to consider a different hobby.
>
> JP

Adjust the tablesaw blade height to some comfortable working height,
say an inch. Take a scrap of wood, say 8"x4" and attach it to your
miter fence such that it overlaps the blade a few inches. Run it
through the saw to make a kerf cut. Now you can clamp the pushstick
to this board, using the kerf cut as a guide, and when you run it
through the blade the cut goes where you placed the kerf cut. Kind of
like a vertical zero clearance fence.

Or buy a scroll saw ;-)