I suggest you check out a discussion covering 'ripping long thin strips'on www.americanwoodworker.com BB/messages for some refreshingly interesting approaches.

> I am wondering which saw is best for ripping the strips? I have
> heard that a band saw will oscillate (at least with the size band
> saw I can afford). On the other hand, I am concerned that a table
> saw will waste alot of nice wood (what is thinnest blade that will
> work well?). I have some 4quarter African Mahogany in 11'lenghts that
> I would like to use.

> Another question if I may. Which lighter colored woods best complement
> the darker (than Phillipine) African Mahogany?