The Other Band Saw Fence: A Big Thumbs-Down –
When cutting curved parts on the band saw, there are many times that the curves are parallel to one another. To avoid lumpy curves, I put my thumb down on the band saw’s table to act as a single-point fence.
I prefer this to setting up a fancy single-point fence in wood because my thumb has feelings. I can easily tell if I’m pushing the work in the right direction and with the right amount of force.
This works best with pieces you can steer and push with one hand (my left in this instance) and control with my right.
Here I’m cutting out a pattern for a new crest rail design for an upcoming chair class. The thumb is doing a great job. Once again, a reason that lower species of animals should never be allowed on machinery.
— Christopher Schwarz
