Hey folks! I'm currently using a Japanese pull saw for rough cuts and then cleaning them up with a router and straight bit. I mostly work with cuts at 90 or 45 degrees, but I'm looking for suggestions on quicker and more accurate methods. I have a circular saw, jigsaw, and trim router, but I'm open to getting more tools if necessary. I've heard that a table saw with a dado stack is ideal, but I find them intimidating and they're quite pricey. I'm also considering using a bandsaw for vertical cuts or maybe a router table. Most of the materials I'm working with are about 1/2 inch thick. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!
6 Answers
I think investing in a cheap router table with a fence and miter gauge could be a good move. It’s safer than using a dado stack and really easy to work with.
Using your trim router with a square guide and making shallow passes would probably be the easiest option with tools you currently own. You might not even need the pull saw at all!
A practical method is to set the blade of your circular saw to the desired depth and use a framing square to create cuts every 1/8 inch or so. When you’re done, you can break the pieces off using a flat-head screwdriver or an old chisel, then clean it up with a chisel or your router. It’s pretty efficient!
For that thickness, I would definitely suggest your router with either a jig or a speed square acting as a guide rail. It’s effective and straightforward!
Consider using a tenon jig for your table saw. You can also use a bowl bit on your router and clean up the corners with a chisel to get a tidy finish.
If you have access to a chop saw with a depth stop, it’s great for rough half laps. Just be cautious because the depth stops can make the blade twist if you push down too hard. A router or router plane is perfect for the cleanup after.
True, but just be careful! The depth stop is usually on one side, so applying too much pressure can lead to uneven cuts. Best to just gently touch the stop.
Exactly! It’s similar to using a table saw; you just move your tool across the piece instead of moving the piece to the tool. I recently did a bunch of these cuts with a cross-cut sled, and while a dado saves some time, it’s essentially the same approach.