How do you cut your small chunks?

[jpittssr]

Saw Safety

I have some cherry that was cut and split for use in my old stick burner. Since it is gone, I really need this wood cut into about 2 oz chunks. I tried a sliding compound miter saw. It sometimes worked good then all of a sudden it grabbed the wood, snatched it and threw it across the floor. I quickly gave up on that for fear of a major injury. But, I still need to cut the wood.
I don't think my table saw would work because of the irregular shape of the splits.

Remember, I'm a lazy, 80 year old so I quickly ruled out things like a hatchet, bow-saw, axe or anything that requires expending a lot of energy.

 

[swthorpe]

I wish I could help you ... I have a lot of cherry wood that was split for a fireplace, but then the fireplace was converted to natural gas.  So I use a hand saw to cut the wood splits into pieces that will fit in the smoke box, and then chisel to break the pieces into the correct weight(oz) desired.    I would love to find a better way, but table saws scared me because of the way the hard wood grabs the blade.

 

[jpittssr]

Thanks Steve, I think I have found a SAFE answer.
I have a 10" band saw and it should do nicely when I put the wide blade on it.

I'll see what happens. At least, I know it wont be throwing the wood at me.

 

[NDKoze]

I think the band saw is a great idea. Or, for those that don't have one, you could place the chunk in a vise and use a Jig saw if you have one.

 

[jpittssr]

I just sawed two boxes of wood with the band saw. I have a 1/2 blade mounted on the 10'Craftsman saw and it works great.
I sawed enough cherry and sugar maple to do me for months in about ten min.
Now I am stocked up on Hickory, Cherry & maple. Going to cut some Fig and cure it this fall.
Will be looking for some oak.

 

[prudentsmoker]

I bought the Harbor Freight band saw four days ago and it has proved superior/safer to my miter or table saw. Not as fast, but no kick back.

 

[WeekendWarrior]

I use a hammer and sharp wood chisel to split some of the larger chunks into 1 to 2 oz pieces.

 

[prudentsmoker]

My question is did you try that with any seasoned oak?

 

[DivotMaker]

My question is did you try that with any seasoned oak?

Shouldn't be a problem, with a sharp blade!  I split oak a lot, with no problems.  As an old carpenter, I've cut miles of oak.  Right tool for the job - no problem!