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Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! >
Tablesaw harp combs
Tablesaw harp combs
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phogi
102 posts
Oct 31, 2009
12:46 AM
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Anybody out there use a table saw to make combs? Seems to me a good number of combs could be made this way.
1) Get a block of wood with length and width dimensions of a harp comb, but height of several inches.
2) In a crosscut jig, and with dado blade set to the correct width and height, slice out the first slot.
3) Adjust height for next slot, repeat 9x
4) With a regular blade, cut the block down to the thickness of comb desired.
Basically, you'd be cutting a series of long grooves, which end up being the slots. I'd anticipate one possible problem: The teeth might break off in step 4.
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scstrickland
286 posts
Oct 31, 2009
3:25 AM
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you go Bob Vila
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LIP RIPPER
131 posts
Oct 31, 2009
4:10 AM
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I've been really fortunate. So far, every one of my harps had a comb when I bought them. :>}
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BillBailey
49 posts
Oct 31, 2009
5:15 AM
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Works fine if your saw adjusts smoothly and accurately. Some contractor saws can be a bit hard to adjust.
I use a PowerMatic cabinet saw for a lot precision work including my studio-quality rockers that demand dead-on precision for the Maloof joinery: http://www.baileyrockers.com/
You can also make a jig that helps set up the height of the blade faster (an old comb can work, too). Learn to set up your saw for best results (90 degree to table, etc). There will be some handwork at the terminus of the cut with a round file, sandpaper, Abralon and so forth.
I attached my comb to a sacrificial board (too avoid tear out and to retain by digits) and use a high-quality mitre gauge or t-saw sled. I use Tenryu blades---or any sharp blade will do.
In a perfect world you would use a mill, but a t- or b-saw can work if you fiddle with it. Heck you can hand cut, too, if you are willing to take your time and do the finish work that brings the cut into perfection. Some beautiful joinery is still done with back saws, hand planes and other skill-based hand tools. It's satisfying, too.
Have fun and good luck.
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