Hi,
What material is best for making featherboards? maple/beech/ash/poplar? Pine would be too flimsy wouldn’t it. For an all purpose featherboard how wide should the fingers be? Should I cut the ends at a 45 or 30 degree angle.
Wanda
Hi,
What material is best for making featherboards? maple/beech/ash/poplar? Pine would be too flimsy wouldn’t it. For an all purpose featherboard how wide should the fingers be? Should I cut the ends at a 45 or 30 degree angle.
Wanda
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Replies
Hi Wanda,
Mine are construction grade pine 3/4 * 3" (actually they are some metric size thats close) The fingers are about 3" long and less than 3/16 thick. Space between the fingers is the kerf on my bandsaw. I have never broken a finger.
Rather than a straigt angle, I cut then with a gentle curve, the cord of which is probably about 30 deg (never bothered measuring it) Thereason for the curve is that I sometimes use them to hold the bark edge of a log on the bandsaw (I don't own a table saw so the requirement may be different). The curve allows steady pressure over an irregular surface.
Dave
Wanda200 ,
Any of the woods you mention could be used , Poplar being my last choice , but it would probably work just fine .
Like Dave say's , about 3/16" wide or a bit less for the fingers and at least 2" or more deep to give them some room to flex .
I do cut a 45° angle or a tad less makes for a wider holdown surface and seems like it would do a better job of gripping .In case you were not sure , cut the angle before the fingers .
dusty
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