Tips to save good hardwood with a table saw

When everyone hears the word waste, they think of wasted wood.
Nope...its wasted time, supplies, movement, and energy too.

Do you have every talent possible? Do you know every waste saving technique in the world? How do most people learn these talents? Well, many do it through repetition, through experience and plain hard work and a lot of focus. The following tips may be known by many, but surely not by all. Saving good hardwood requires experience. Even if one of these tips help, the accumulated savings could be enormous. This list is from my original e-mail list of over 2,500 woodworkers. Originally these links were in an email I sent out occasionally, with some pretty good response. I know you've heard it enough, but efficiency is a waste saving procedure. Use jigs to avoid waste, mistake-proof and build an error free a system. When we standardize things, we are less prone to make mistakes, waste time, energy, hardwoods and more.

#1 Keep your tools sharp. Sharp tools waste less hardwoods. Use sharpened tools, ( carbide usually stays sharp very, very long) when used properly. That is why carbide tipped blades were invented. Did you ever go to the lumber store though and the old 24 tooth blades leave splinters ruining almost 5% of the board? Multiply that by thousands of boards cut on a panel saw every day. This not only wastes wood, but time.

#2. If you don't want to splinter the end of a router cut, stop just before the end and hand file or sand the radius in by hand. You can even set up a stop so your piece doesn't pass all the way to the end. Another way to prevent tear out is to butt two pieces together.

#3. Always test a new finish on scrap first. Many times the finish can lose it's quality by sitting in a can for too long or it is not the type of gloss you need. Don't take a chance on using old finishing products on your project

#4. Don't try something new with a project that you have invested long hours to complete. In other words, if a certain glue you have used works good, use it. Don't try to experiment on any project that you invested long hours to complete. One example would be trying a new woodworking glue or finish that you may never have used before only to find out that it doesn't work. Test first. Set the job aside and work on another project in the mean time.

#5. Use lot's of scrap wood when in doubt. Make a test cut out of scrap wood for any complicated projects. Then, at worst you will have made one to give away. Scrap wood should be used liberally to make test cuts for any new set up.

#6. Fresh cut wood can be up to 50% water. That means that a fresh, 25 pound log contains up to 12 pounds of water! It is good to know your wood's moisture content. Damp wood will expand, and drying wood causes shrinkage. Kiln dried wood is not necessarily better than seasoned wood. In any case, if the wood is not at the proper moisture content when worked, it might warp, crack, or check. Don't use wood immediately after bringing it into the shop either. The ultimate precaution is to let it acclimate for awhile first, before machining it if the slightest bit of warping will be a concern.

#7. Use wood jigs to increase productivity, increase accuracy, and reduce mistakes. By using jigs, you expand your range of abilities, and use machines, power tools, and hand tools for their full potential.

#8. Don't plane wood, especially pine on just one side. Many times the wood will cup unevenly.

#9. This is an old bit of jargon "measure twice and cut once, but can't be said enough. Never assume that you made the correct measurement the first time. Check the measurement again beforehand, and then proceed! Some hardwoods cost $30 -$40 dollars or more per board, so measure the best you can.

#10. When your project is assembled try to put sealer, or clear shellac on it if you want to protect it from stains.

Work safe, and always do a number count after your router, planer, or table saw blade stops before touching the blade for any reason.

Jigs are built to "mistake-proof" parts, and to avoid errors. They are a locating device, or
constraint to prevent mistakes. Using jigs fulfill a process of putting precise limits on how a
certain tool will perform. They ensure an accurate procedure with a minimum of
waste, time or effort.

All the right moves?

We were thinking that tools were only for a pastime?
Make volume.. a Mascut
Or, a starter jig.. Minnie Cut

Secret: The right book on jigs can give you all the right moves.

More.. Jigs and gauges

6'' Fractional Digital Caliper
When it comes to measuring stock, fitting precise joints and setting up machines, a digital caliper is one of the handiest tools to have around. This one reads in convenient fractions so you don’t have to memorize decimal equivalents or make conversions in your head. Unlike most fractional calipers, which read in 1/64ths, this one reads in 1/128ths for maximum precision. Best of all, you can switch from fractions to decimals to millimeters with just the push of a button. Ultra-smooth sliding action allows you to dial in your setting quickly, then lock it down with the knurled knob. Measures inside, outside, depth and steps. Includes pre-installed battery, spare battery and padded plastic case.
6'' Fractional Digital Caliper

Many are still using methods that waste hardwoods, trees, time and energy.
The United States exceeded a $400 billion trade deficit for 2002, the largest
imbalance in history.....Associated Press: Swedish sawmills use 98 per cent
of a tree whereas Malaysian mills use only 40 per cent. August 10, 1991
edition, The Economist.