Suggestions for slicing boards width-wise to about 1/8 inch???

**ibcraig0** · 02-22-2011, 10:13 AM

I am working on a project that I need some very thin wood. I have some walnut that is about 1x5x18 and I need to make it about 1/8 x 5 x 18. I have a band saw and a table saw. My band saw won't accommodate the 5 inches so that is out. I have been reading about circular blades but I don't know which to use for this purpose. My table saw is a 10 inch so I will have to cut through the wood then flip it over and cut the other half.

Any suggestions on which blade to use for this?

**cabinetman** · 02-23-2011, 05:09 PM

WELCOME TO THE FORUM

What size bandsaw do you have? That would be the way to go. If you can't use the bandsaw, use the table saw and cut it with the waste piece (being the 1/8") on the fall off side of the blade. Make sure you have a ZCI (zero clearance insert) throat plate. Use a push shoe and a featherboard (in front of the blade).

**PJS** · 03-29-2011, 06:59 PM

good, simple, detailed direction from cabinetman..I concur.

**Tony B** · 05-08-2011, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by ibcraig0

....I need to make it about 1/8 x 5 x 18. .....I have been reading about circular blades ... My table saw is a 10 inch so I will have to cut through the wood then flip it over and cut the other half.

Any suggestions on which blade to use for this?

Use your standard ripping blade or general purpose blade for this operation. I do this on a fairly regular basis. Make sure you have a good stable push stick. make your cut at an even steady pace and don't force the cut. If you dont have a decent table saw, make your first cuts only halfway to the final thickness. That is, cut up only about 1 1/4 high on the first pass on both sides. Then complete it on the second pass on both sides.
It can be scarey but it is done regularly by lots of woodworkers.