Hello Thomas,

As a new builder myself, I have been wrestling with the problems you have. After considering alternatives, I bought an inexpensive Delta table saw for approximately $80. I used a piece of 1x4 hard poplar to make a fence extension, made feather boards, and then purchased two inexpensive ($.50 running foot) 1x4x16ft WRC boards to experiment upon. My intention was to cut strips of 1/4 inch. Measuring the result with a digital readout micrometer confirmed near perfect thickness readings. The last few inches of each end would sometimes be slightly out (.008). I went slowly, using a fair amount of pressure with my feather boards, pressing the strip against the fence and down on the table. You will find that the inexpensive saws have a screw down insert that leaves a gap between the saw blade and fence that is nearly as great as the strip width. My first WRC project was to cut a filler piece and epoxy it to the underside of the insert to close the gap. This is necessary to keep the strip from hanging, but also to keep the strip from being bent or twisted in the unsupported area.

My $.02, for what it is worth.

Barry