Greetings

I need to make some wooden wedges for a lute instruments I intend to try and build myself. So I will start with a block of wood 6x2x4 LxWxH of soft pine. I will have to cut a 20 degree wedge form it.
What will be easier to use? A "10" table saw or a "12" miter saw? safer one? I will be making these in the future often I guess. Maybe a jig of some sort is needed?

Terry

oh, and forgot to add the wedge will be cut length wise. so a 6 in long 20 degrees wedge.

I am relatively new to woodworking so take this for what it’s worth.

I believe either way would work… if you have accurate jig and a cross cut sled then, a table saw would work. But, I would think the miter saw would be best since you are working with smaller sized material and it may be a little safer also. Just my 2 cents….. probably worth about 1 ½ cents actually.

Hi Terry,
You may find the answer in doing a couple of test cuts, one on the table saw and one on the sliding mitre. I think if I were going to do this, I would opt for a table saw and use a "taper jig" (sometimes called a taper leg jig. You can find a plan for this if you click on our "Free Woodworking Plans" link .... scroll down to the bottom to "X-Tremem Woodworking Files" That will take you to a free plan for an Adjustable Taper jig, and there are of course many others on the web.

You could set the jig at the 20 degrees you need and leave it there, that way you will always get consistent results.
Just my 2 bits worth

PS ... would love to see the Lute either during building progress, but certainly after. I love these old world instruments.

Colin

Terry,
You did not mention if you own a band saw. This would be the easiest and safest way to cut wedges. The cutoff sled is quite simple and would enable you to make identical wedges each time. Simple cut the shape and size of your wedge into the sled that will ride right up to the blade. Insert the piece you are cutting into the slot and slide past the blade. Your wedge will be cut quickly and safely and uniformly. If you do not have a band saw, then you can make this same type sled for your table saw. I think this is the safest method and the one that will give you the greatest repeated accuracy.

Just a thought,
Dan

I do have a "14" Bandsaw. I read somewhere that it was hard to get long straight cuts on bandsaws using jigs? the saw has a natural curving of the cut it seems. I have learned through practice that finding the right angle gets you a straight cut.
Great information guys.. Thanks.. I'll have to go find a pattern for the "cut-off" sled.

I will post pictures of the build, once I get started.