Best way to cut a thin slice in to a block of wood

[RobsonWoodwork]

Hi there,

I'm really new to woodworking, and hoping for some advice.

I'm making some small wooden blocks for a friend's wedding to use as table number stands.

The blocks need to have 90mm wide Polaroid photos sitting in the top in a small slot. The problem is the slot needs to only be about 1mm in diameter, and I want about a 10mm space either side of the slot - so can't just slice across the whole block. The blocks themselves are 100mm x 90mm x 40mm.

- I hope that makes sense?

I'm thinking maybe chiselling the slot, but then I'm worried any chisel I use will leave a slice more than 1mm?

Very grateful for any advice!

Thanks,

Dave

 

[Aggrajag]

You could use a router, perhaps a cheap Dremel type thing with a Line cutter?

I have the Dremel 3000 and one of these:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0035PTTCM/ ... 71_TE_item

Not the best bit of kit ever invented but I think it would make that particular job a breeze coupled with a small spiral cutter.

 

[John Brown]

If by 1mm diameter you mean the slot needs to be 1mm thick to take the photo, then I would say they only way would be to laminate them, i.e. glue two pieces together with 1mm spacers at each side and at the bottom.

 

[oakfield]

how about a multi-tool?

 

[novocaine]

or a dremal like tool.

 

[dzj]

Most smaller handsaws will have a kerf of about a millimeter. A gent's saw, for instance.

 

[novocaine]

I'm assuming he doesn't want the slot all the way across DZJ.

 

[marcros]

i would just slice across and be done with it. i know that it isnt quite what you wanted, but only you will be aware of the design change, and they are only table name holders.

 

[John Brown]

I guess a good starting point would be to ask:
a) How deep do you want the slot?
b) What tools do you have access to?

 

[John Brown]

i would just slice across and be done with it. i know that it isnt quite what you wanted, but only you will be aware of the design change, and they are only table name holders.

+1

 

[Jacob]

THE hand tool for the job would be a 1mm mortice chisel. I've seen them down to 3 ish.
Shouldn't be difficult to file one up if you can find a bit of 1mm steel - a ruler perhaps?
They don't look promising as a slot cutter but in fact they work very well.
But it'd be easier to modify the design and slice straight through with a saw

 

[John Brown]

You can't have a 10mm space either side if the Polaroid is 90mm and the max dimension of the block is 100mm.

 

[dzj]

I'm assuming he doesn't want the slot all the way across DZJ.

You assumption is correct.
Yes, the OP wants a 1mm stopped groove.

+1 for cutting across the whole thing.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Cut the whole thing and if it matters that much fill the ends. Or make it in two parts, route the groove where wanted in one side only and cut it up afterwards.
They're only photo holders - if you ask anyone after the event how they were made no one will be able to tell you. How much life have you got left?

 

[John Brown]

Get your friend to cancel the wedding.

 

[woodenstx]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dremel-2615067 ... rcular+saw

assuming the kerf is thin enough.
I've used one for various tasks where the plung saw is overkill.

 

[Rorschach]

Slice right the way across with a saw of your choice and then glue in little slices of the same wood to fill in the sides. Once sanded and finished I doubt anyone but the keen eyed wood worker would notice.

 

[SteveF]

make in 2 parts and fit a contrast veneer inbetween
or
clamp a ruler either side of slot and cut out with Stanley knife

 

[sammy.se]

What the heck is a Polaroid?

 

[thick_mike]

What the heck is a Polaroid?

They're what gentlemen take.