Cross cut with L-fence and no miter gauge

[jussi]

I'm in the middle of watching the Morley lounge chair project.  He uses a technique that I've never seen before and was curious if any of you have and whether you think it's safe.  He is cutting the pieces to final dimension using a template.  But instead of completely using a router he cuts the straight portions using an L-fence on a table saw.  It seemed like a cool technique that I couldn't wait to try.  But when he used it to make crosscut (one time with no miter gauge) it made my spidey sense tingle.  Now this guy knows waaay more about ww so far it be it from me to question the man's technique but just based on my limited ww past it made me pause for sure.  Now to be fair he said you can use a miter gauge if you're not comfortable and the piece he is cutting is very small (most if not all will probably be eaten up by the blade since it's not much more than the blade kerf).  But you're still applying lateral (some at least) towards the blade.  Anyway curious to your thoughts.  Can't wait to start the project.  Hopefully my helical heads won't take too long to arrive. 

[Chestnut]

I don't mean to offend anyone but if it seems unsafe do what you think is wise. I wouldn't claim that the makers or content creators that are producing content are experts on safety, they are probably doing what needs to be done to complete the project. They may take more risk than the average person due to their comfort level with the tools. There have been a few recent injuries from content creators that were by no means inexperienced. I don't have this project so I don't really know much about the technique you are talking about though.

[wtnhighlander]

Cross cut with a template, or with the work against the L-fence directly?   If using a template, the off-cut should fall away from the blade with clearance to avoid binding. The 'save' piece might risk twisting into the back of the blade, I suppose. If he's not using a template, then the L is the same as a regular fence.

[Chet]

1 hour ago, wtnhighlander said:

Cross cut with a template, or with the work against the L-fence directly?   If using a template, the off-cut should fall away from the blade with clearance to avoid binding.

Phillip Morley was using the template against the L fence.  And he had removed most of the waste at the band saw.  He went farther then most instructors that I have seen to stress that if you weren't comfortable doing this then by all means use your miter gauge to assist.  Then he shows how to set up the miter gauge to use it with the L fence and template.  I didn't see anything wrong because he gave both techniques equal time.  

I wouldn't do it with out the miter gauge if it was my first time cutting something using a template and L fence.  It is like a lot of things, you have to go through the steps to develop the technique properly.  

[jussi]

Good points. I will wait until I actually start the project but I will probably use a miter gauge.  Just curious because I had never seen this technique before and was wondering if anyone else has used it before. 

[pkinneb]

I don't see an issue doing what he is showing as @Chetsaid you are cutting very little off. I almost think using the miter gauge could get you into more trouble but as @Chestnuteluded to, if you feel uncomfortable with an operation you probably shouldn't be doing it.

BTW @jussithanks for the heads up I didn't realize those videos were up  

[Mark J]

For anyone like me that has never heard of an L fence:

https://www.finewoodworking.com/project-guides/shop-projects/versatile-tablesaw-l-fence

 

[Bmac]

57 minutes ago, Mark J said:

For anyone like me that has never heard of an L fence:

https://www.finewoodworking.com/project-guides/shop-projects/versatile-tablesaw-l-fence

 

Didn't see your post before I posted the exact same thought!