Aloha!

I know we've discussed this quite a bit, but I don;t think I've ever put in my $0.02. so here it is.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY If I had a table saw I'd cut my strips with it. but I don't and I wouldn't hesitate to cut them with my band saw again.

THE LONG ANSWER When I started, I did not own either a band saw or a table saw. I had to decide which to purchase, but could only afford one. I ended up with a band saw, because I thought it would be more useful for cutting forms and such. The band saw also had a belt sander attachement that is a really handy thing to have.

My feeling is that you will end up with a lower percentage of high quality strips with a band saw. for some folks maybe 25% fewer top quality strips, for a really good woodworker with a good band saw, maybe only 5% fewer top quality strips, and for some maybe only 1% fewer. For me it was about 25% fewer, but I had anticipated that and had ripped one extra 1x6 plank anyway. I also ripped all my strips full length, and knowing that the vast majority of your strips on the boat are shorter than full length, you get shorter usable strips even when you screw up part of a 20 foot long strip.

Paul.

> 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?