Saws of the trade
When picking saw(s) you want to pick one(s) that will make the cut. If you plan on making professional volumes than your pick will make the difference in your final product.
The first is a table saw. The table saw should have a fence included and the saw blade should have the ability to be angled. It should also include T-slots for different attachments. The larger the angles it can make the better. Most will adjust to around 45 to 50 degrees and this isn’t a limiting factor for angles that you might need to cut that are greater. If this is the case it is possible to use other tools to make these cuts easily and safely. A Tenoning Jig is our recommendation.
The Tenoning Jig will allow you put the wood upright and make those larger acute angles. It does require some math but is easy to do and well worth it for those desired cuts.
There are some other add-ons that will make for cleaner cuts for the table saw.
A zero clearance plate, will prevent thin slices of wood from jamming in between the blade and the throat plate during a cut, and reduce the amount of tear-out.
A push stick is a must. The push stick makes pushing smaller pieces of wood through safe. If you are a climber your fingers are important so don’t lose them by chopping them off. Use a push stick.
A Digital Angle Finder will provide you with the most accurate measurements of your angles for your blade. It is a must of you want precision, it takes the guess work out of setting angles.
The other type of saw we suggest is a circular saw. With a circular saw it is recommended that you get one with a laser or indicator that will keep you on your lines. It makes joinery hard when the cuts are not straight. Though getting a straight edge or making one is not difficult. The thing with circular saws that make it the second of recommendation is the fact that cutting angles past 45 degrees can be difficult and unsafe. It is possible, but the accuracy in comparison is a large gap. Mistakes are not fun to make and using the right tools can help prevent them.
It is best to use both saws in combination. Each serves it’s purpose. Which ever saw you use make sure you are using the right type of blade. The blade used can make a large difference when making clean cuts. First off use a saw blade that is meant for wood, more specifically wood ripping. Make sure the blade is not dull.
If your blade does any of the 4, it may be dull.
Starts binding
Tears or chips wood more than usual
Burns wood
Is tough to push through. there should be little effort needed to make cuts.
If any of these is happening you either need to clean your saw blade or replace it. Cleaning your blade should be the first solution.
Hopefully the saw(s) you pick makes the cut.
If you want to learn more about making professional volumes buy the book.