Model question

Great site, glad I found it...Not sure if this question is in the proper forum or not , but I want to build a scale model using White cedar. The first question I have is how to cut the boards to the 1 1/2" to 1' scale I need?. Pls point me in the right direction, thanks

 

try using a scroll saw or small band saw

 

thanks gooblian,,I have found some small hobby table saws, but they are pretty expensive. I may try a coping saw to start out

 

Does your local community college offer evening woodshop classes? They tend to have pretty well-equipped shops, and it's common for students to work on their own projects in a class like that.

 

Table saw may seem like overkill, but it is the absolute best to make exact repetitive cuts. Quality of cut has to be considered as well. Band saw/scroll saw/coping saw will leave saw marks that will drive you nuts trying to eliminate. Depending on the quantity you need to cut, build a sliding fence with a base that will cover the throat plate, this will prevent the cut pieces from falling between the blade and the plate. Guard removal is a necessity so push sticks are in order as is EXTREME CAUTION...
If you cannot make contact with a community college consider local vocational school. If you need pics of the sliding fence, holler at me...mobjack68@yahoo.com....sitting here thinking, how big of a piece of cedar do you need cut??? how many pieces do you need cut??? might be just a whole lot easier to UPS it to me, let me cut what you need, UPS the cut pieces back to you??? Something to think about...
mobjack68

 

muddy

How big is this model going to be, I ask, because for most models planks are less than .5" wide, and to do a really good job they might be as narrow as .125". Speaking from experience I can tell you that trying to cut .125” wide strips on a table saw is an exercise in futility

 

I build an accessory jig that consists of a plywood base that rests on the table of the saw, (matters not if it is a table saw or a band saw), square piece of something at least 1" thick as high as the fence, this piece will be fastened to the ply base with screws and /or glue. Calculate the approx distance from the fence ( this would be the thickness of the pieces to be cut PLUS the thickness of the accessory fence,) Measure to set the new fence, Lower the blade to below the table, place the accessory table so the blade is in the approx middle. Clamp the upright to the fence with the clamp handles "outboard" Turn on the saw and slowly raise the blade into the new table. As soon as the blade breaks thru, turn off the saw and measure....adjust as necessary. I have SUCCESSFULLY cut as thin as 1/32 of an inch (needed to laminate some fine scale beams) Yes it is hard to cut small pieces without a jig because the cut pieces fall thru the throat plate.
If the table saw thing doesn't work, there are some great plans for building a fixture to use your router like a planer....
mobjack68