OL

"Owen Lawrence"

22/03/2008 4:51 PM

I think my new splitter just paid for itself

I installed my new splitter the other day:
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=3&p=51151&cat=1,41080,51225&ap=1

Ripping a spruce 2x4 it tried to close up on me:

http://www.manyirons.com/images/splitter1.jpg

I turned off the saw and lifted the board away. The splitter came with it:

http://www.manyirons.com/images/splitter2.jpg

I'm sure it would've kicked back without the splitter. One thing I realized
was that I had no idea it was happening (other than it started to take more
pressure to push the board through), because I was watching the leading edge
of the cut not the trailing edge.

Maybe I can finish the cut by two opposing less than 1/2 thickness cuts and
split the last bit apart by hand. Would that work? I don't think I'll be
ripping spruce 2x4s their full thickness again any time soon.

- Owen -


This topic has 17 replies

so

sailor

in reply to "Owen Lawrence" on 22/03/2008 4:51 PM

22/03/2008 8:00 PM

On Mar 22, 4:51=EF=BF=BDpm, "Owen Lawrence" <[email protected]> wrote:
> =EF=BF=BD =EF=BF=BD I installed my new splitter the other day:http://www.l=
eevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=3D3&p=3D51151&cat=3D1,41080,51225...
>
> Ripping a spruce 2x4 it tried to close up on me:
>
> http://www.manyirons.com/images/splitter1.jpg
>
> I turned off the saw and lifted the board away. =EF=BF=BDThe splitter came=
with it:
>
> http://www.manyirons.com/images/splitter2.jpg
>
> I'm sure it would've kicked back without the splitter. =EF=BF=BDOne thing =
I realized
> was that I had no idea it was happening (other than it started to take mor=
e
> pressure to push the board through), because I was watching the leading ed=
ge
> of the cut not the trailing edge.
>
> Maybe I can finish the cut by two opposing less than 1/2 thickness cuts an=
d
> split the last bit apart by hand. =EF=BF=BDWould that work? =EF=BF=BDI don=
't think I'll be
> ripping spruce 2x4s their full thickness again any time soon.
>
> =EF=BF=BD - Owen -

I rip 2 x 4's a fair amount. Just watch the cut behind the blade, and
if it looks to be closing, stop the saw, and stick a wedge in the cut
and finish the cut. Sounds like a wedge works better than a splitter
for this cut.

Ll

Leuf

in reply to "Owen Lawrence" on 22/03/2008 4:51 PM

22/03/2008 10:11 PM

On Sat, 22 Mar 2008 16:17:36 -0700 (PDT), Robatoy
<[email protected]> wrote:

>I have a berillium/platinum oxide alloy splitter on my Festool table
>saw.

Cute. Actually got me thinking about that Sawstop contractor saw
version. Checked the website. Still says Available Spring 2008. And
it says Status: Production PLANNING in progress.

Uh huh. One of those two is not right.

How long are ya supposed to season cast iron?


-Leuf

ZY

Zz Yzx

in reply to "Owen Lawrence" on 22/03/2008 4:51 PM

22/03/2008 6:39 PM

>> Well *I* have a hafnium-plated ytterbium electro-plated, solid-core,
>> dynamically-balanced, oscillating-frequency, hand-polished knobs on
>> ALL my tools!
>>
>*sigh*.... to have that kinda money.....

You should see my kitchen cutlery.

But NOT my balance sheet.

-Zz

OL

"Owen Lawrence"

in reply to "Owen Lawrence" on 22/03/2008 4:51 PM

23/03/2008 5:14 PM

"Andy Dingley" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On 23 Mar, 00:51, Zz Yzx <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> Well *I* have a hafnium-plated ytterbium electro-plated, solid-core,
>> dynamically-balanced, oscillating-frequency, hand-polished knobs on
>> ALL my tools!
>
> I cut my riving knife to shape with the plasma cutter, so there
> probably _is_ a tiny amount of hafnium stuck in it somewhere.
>
> I can't believe these plastic doohickeys could last "a while". With me
> I'd side-swipe the things clean off the table before lunchtime.

Honestly, I waffled for a very long time before deciding to buy one of these
for just that reason. However I stopped to think that it was probably
better than nothing in the meantime, and in spite of the cost (it seems over
priced), I went ahead. I'd say a lot of the cost is worth the thought that
went into its design, which you see when you read the instructions for
installing it.

- Owen -

ZY

Zz Yzx

in reply to "Owen Lawrence" on 22/03/2008 4:51 PM

22/03/2008 5:51 PM

>I have a berillium/platinum oxide alloy splitter on my Festool table
>saw.

Oh yeah?

Well *I* have a hafnium-plated ytterbium electro-plated, solid-core,
dynamically-balanced, oscillating-frequency, hand-polished knobs on
ALL my tools!

-Zz

See here for opportunities: http://www.elementsales.com/

AD

Andy Dingley

in reply to "Owen Lawrence" on 22/03/2008 4:51 PM

23/03/2008 1:38 PM

On 23 Mar, 00:51, Zz Yzx <[email protected]> wrote:

> Well *I* have a hafnium-plated ytterbium electro-plated, solid-core,
> dynamically-balanced, oscillating-frequency, hand-polished knobs on
> ALL my tools!

I cut my riving knife to shape with the plasma cutter, so there
probably _is_ a tiny amount of hafnium stuck in it somewhere.

I can't believe these plastic doohickeys could last "a while". With me
I'd side-swipe the things clean off the table before lunchtime.

RC

Robatoy

in reply to "Owen Lawrence" on 22/03/2008 4:51 PM

22/03/2008 6:32 PM

On Mar 22, 8:51=A0pm, Zz Yzx <[email protected]> wrote:
> >I have a berillium/platinum oxide alloy splitter on my Festool table
> >saw.
>
> Oh yeah?
>
> Well *I* have a hafnium-plated ytterbium electro-plated, solid-core,
> dynamically-balanced, oscillating-frequency, hand-polished knobs on
> ALL my tools!
>
*sigh*.... to have that kinda money.....

RC

Robatoy

in reply to "Owen Lawrence" on 22/03/2008 4:51 PM

22/03/2008 4:17 PM

On Mar 22, 6:58=A0pm, "Leon" <[email protected]> wrote:
> "Owen Lawrence" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> news:[email protected]...
>
>
>
> > =A0 =A0I installed my new splitter the other day:
> >http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=3D3&p=3D51151&cat=3D1,41080,512=
25...
>
> > Ripping a spruce 2x4 it tried to close up on me:
>
> >http://www.manyirons.com/images/splitter1.jpg
>
> > I turned off the saw and lifted the board away. =A0The splitter came wit=
h
> > it:
>
> >http://www.manyirons.com/images/splitter2.jpg
>
> > I'm sure it would've kicked back without the splitter. =A0One thing I
> > realized was that I had no idea it was happening (other than it started =
to
> > take more pressure to push the board through), because I was watching th=
e
> > leading edge of the cut not the trailing edge.
>
> > Maybe I can finish the cut by two opposing less than 1/2 thickness cuts
> > and split the last bit apart by hand. =A0Would that work? =A0I don't thi=
nk
> > I'll be ripping spruce 2x4s their full thickness again any time soon.
>
> > =A0- Owen -
>
> After a while this design splitter breaks. =A0I use it also but have upgra=
ded.
> Microjig also sells this style splitter with a steel core covered in
> translucent plastic. =A0These don't break, as easily. =A0Oddly I have only=
seen
> the steel ones at woodworking shows.

I have a berillium/platinum oxide alloy splitter on my Festool table
saw.

ZY

Zz Yzx

in reply to "Owen Lawrence" on 22/03/2008 4:51 PM

22/03/2008 2:21 PM

On Sat, 22 Mar 2008 16:51:38 -0400, "Owen Lawrence"
<[email protected]> wrote:

> I installed my new splitter the other day:
>http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=3&p=51151&cat=1,41080,51225&ap=1
>
>Ripping a spruce 2x4 it tried to close up on me:
>
>http://www.manyirons.com/images/splitter1.jpg
>
>I turned off the saw and lifted the board away. The splitter came with it:
>
>http://www.manyirons.com/images/splitter2.jpg
>
>I'm sure it would've kicked back without the splitter. One thing I realized
>was that I had no idea it was happening (other than it started to take more
>pressure to push the board through), because I was watching the leading edge
>of the cut not the trailing edge.
>
>Maybe I can finish the cut by two opposing less than 1/2 thickness cuts and
>split the last bit apart by hand. Would that work? I don't think I'll be
>ripping spruce 2x4s their full thickness again any time soon.
>
> - Owen -
>

With construction-grade wood, you takes your chances.

To finish the cut, I'd consider slipping some wedges into the existing
kerf to keep the wood apart and from pinching the blade, then settling
the board over the blade, testing, and then starting the saw well back
of the uncut porton, and slowly advancing the board through.

-Zz

Lr

"Leon"

in reply to "Owen Lawrence" on 22/03/2008 4:51 PM

22/03/2008 10:58 PM


"Owen Lawrence" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I installed my new splitter the other day:
> http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=3&p=51151&cat=1,41080,51225&ap=1
>
> Ripping a spruce 2x4 it tried to close up on me:
>
> http://www.manyirons.com/images/splitter1.jpg
>
> I turned off the saw and lifted the board away. The splitter came with
> it:
>
> http://www.manyirons.com/images/splitter2.jpg
>
> I'm sure it would've kicked back without the splitter. One thing I
> realized was that I had no idea it was happening (other than it started to
> take more pressure to push the board through), because I was watching the
> leading edge of the cut not the trailing edge.
>
> Maybe I can finish the cut by two opposing less than 1/2 thickness cuts
> and split the last bit apart by hand. Would that work? I don't think
> I'll be ripping spruce 2x4s their full thickness again any time soon.
>
> - Owen -
>
>

After a while this design splitter breaks. I use it also but have upgraded.
Microjig also sells this style splitter with a steel core covered in
translucent plastic. These don't break, as easily. Oddly I have only seen
the steel ones at woodworking shows.

sD

[email protected] (Doug Miller)

in reply to "Owen Lawrence" on 22/03/2008 4:51 PM

23/03/2008 5:06 PM

In article <[email protected]>, [email protected] wrote:
[snip]
>>Maybe I can finish the cut by two opposing less than 1/2 thickness cuts and
>>split the last bit apart by hand. Would that work? I don't think I'll be
>>ripping spruce 2x4s their full thickness again any time soon.

>With construction-grade wood, you takes your chances.
>
>To finish the cut, I'd consider slipping some wedges into the existing
>kerf to keep the wood apart and from pinching the blade, then settling
>the board over the blade, testing, and then starting the saw well back
>of the uncut porton, and slowly advancing the board through.

Clarify: WOODEN wedges. <g>

--
Regards,
Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com)

It's time to throw all their damned tea in the harbor again.

RS

"Rick Samuel"

in reply to "Owen Lawrence" on 22/03/2008 4:51 PM

23/03/2008 11:25 AM

I'm a machinist by trade. Ran a Sip jig bore once, made in the early
'80's. Casting was seasoned 15 yrs in a cave. One FINE machine.

"Leuf" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Sat, 22 Mar 2008 16:17:36 -0700 (PDT), Robatoy
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>I have a berillium/platinum oxide alloy splitter on my Festool table
>>saw.
>
> Cute. Actually got me thinking about that Sawstop contractor saw
> version. Checked the website. Still says Available Spring 2008. And
> it says Status: Production PLANNING in progress.
>
> Uh huh. One of those two is not right.
>
> How long are ya supposed to season cast iron?
>
>
> -Leuf

BB

"Bonehenge (B A R R Y)"

in reply to "Owen Lawrence" on 22/03/2008 4:51 PM

22/03/2008 6:04 PM

On Sat, 22 Mar 2008 16:51:38 -0400, "Owen Lawrence"
<[email protected]> wrote:


>
>Maybe I can finish the cut by two opposing less than 1/2 thickness cuts and
>split the last bit apart by hand. Would that work? I don't think I'll be
>ripping spruce 2x4s their full thickness again any time soon.

You could wedge it, or continue the rip with a jigsaw, as I'm guessing
you don't own a band saw.

I rip all of my green and KD construction wood with the band saw.

sD

[email protected] (Doug Miller)

in reply to "Owen Lawrence" on 22/03/2008 4:51 PM

23/03/2008 5:11 PM

In article <[email protected]>, "Owen Lawrence" <[email protected]> wrote:

>Maybe I can finish the cut by two opposing less than 1/2 thickness cuts and
>split the last bit apart by hand. Would that work? I don't think I'll be
>ripping spruce 2x4s their full thickness again any time soon.

Got a bandsaw?

When I need to rip lumber like that, I always use the bandsaw. If I need a
smooth surface, I'll dress it on the jointer or the planer afterward.

As ZzYzx said, with construction lumber, you take your chances: you're dealing
with species that are more prone to doing this than most hardwoods are to
begin with; when you consider the additional factors of incomplete or improper
drying, and storage in conditions that don't exactly promote dimensional
stability, it adds up to more risk than I'm comfortable with.

Glad you weren't hurt. That new splitter may well have saved you from a
significant injury.

--
Regards,
Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com)

It's time to throw all their damned tea in the harbor again.

md

mac davis

in reply to "Owen Lawrence" on 22/03/2008 4:51 PM

23/03/2008 10:19 AM

On Sun, 23 Mar 2008 10:26:47 -0700, "Chuck Hoffman" <[email protected]>
wrote:

>Now I don't use much pine...preferring poplar instead for most projects.
>And if a board starts to pinch the blade I generally discard it. The cost
>of the wood would be MORE than offset by the cost of having my face
>surgically repaired.
>
Pine is the main source of wood in my area, so I had to use it for the display
cases in the shop and for bookcases and such...

Like you, I've learned to feel the slight resistance when the kerf is closing...
been there So many times in the last year..
I just turn the saw off, pick up the board and finish the cut with the band
saw...


mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

CH

"Chuck Hoffman"

in reply to "Owen Lawrence" on 22/03/2008 4:51 PM

23/03/2008 10:26 AM

Reaction wood. I tangled with a piece of that once.

I was ripping a 1X8 pine board that started to close up and pinch the blade.
Like a dummy, I stuck a wedge in the kerf and tried to continue the cut.
After about another foot, there was a loud CRACK! and the board split.

Fortunately for me, the grain was fairly straight and it split roughly along
the line of the kerf or it might have kicked back.

Now I don't use much pine...preferring poplar instead for most projects.
And if a board starts to pinch the blade I generally discard it. The cost
of the wood would be MORE than offset by the cost of having my face
surgically repaired.

"Owen Lawrence" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I installed my new splitter the other day:
> http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=3&p=51151&cat=1,41080,51225&ap=1
>
> Ripping a spruce 2x4 it tried to close up on me:
>
> http://www.manyirons.com/images/splitter1.jpg
>
> I turned off the saw and lifted the board away. The splitter came with
> it:
>
> http://www.manyirons.com/images/splitter2.jpg
>
> I'm sure it would've kicked back without the splitter. One thing I
> realized was that I had no idea it was happening (other than it started to
> take more pressure to push the board through), because I was watching the
> leading edge of the cut not the trailing edge.
>
> Maybe I can finish the cut by two opposing less than 1/2 thickness cuts
> and split the last bit apart by hand. Would that work? I don't think
> I'll be ripping spruce 2x4s their full thickness again any time soon.
>
> - Owen -
>
>

md

mac davis

in reply to "Owen Lawrence" on 22/03/2008 4:51 PM

23/03/2008 8:53 AM

On Sun, 23 Mar 2008 17:11:02 GMT, [email protected] (Doug Miller) wrote:

<snip>
>When I need to rip lumber like that, I always use the bandsaw. If I need a
>smooth surface, I'll dress it on the jointer or the planer afterward.

I don't do a lot of green lumber, but my preference is to rip them a bit thick
on the bandsaw and then take them to size on the TS..
>
>As ZzYzx said, with construction lumber, you take your chances: you're dealing
>with species that are more prone to doing this than most hardwoods are to
>begin with; when you consider the additional factors of incomplete or improper
>drying, and storage in conditions that don't exactly promote dimensional
>stability, it adds up to more risk than I'm comfortable with.

Yep.. I use mostly "almost dried" pine here in Baja.. hard to get anything else
except hardwoods at a hard price..
Seems like the best way here is to buy 1x12's or wider in 10' foot lengths and
make my own lumber...
>


mac

Please remove splinters before emailing


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