Modification Have you tried...? Table saw edition

Ah, mobility joints...these days I won't buy a sculpt that doesn't have them, I like them so much. So I definitely understand the desire to create them if the sculpt doesn't originally have them!

As far as a table saw goes, are you talking about a power saw? I've seen mods done with hand saws, so in theory an electric saw should work, although a hand-powered saw might be more gentle and less likely to crush/crack the limb. But perhaps the more important thing (whatever saw is used) is finding a way to secure the limb in a way that is safe for it and for you. Those little grippy rubber things that are used to remove tight jar lids could be very useful, I think, plus extra padding and a good clamp.

One tip I've seen several times is to score a cut line around the limb before going for the final cut. The scored line helps to guide the cut and prevent wandering of the blade.

Good luck!

 

I would also suggest a handsaw as, although I haven't cut resin with it, a table saw easily makes small bits into projectiles that can hurt you pretty badly when unfortunate enough Table saws also tend to have thicker blades so you'll end up losing millimetres you wouldn't with a thinner handsaw.

Like with any subtractive mod, it's better to go slow for more control and make sure you don't set bits flying to hit you in your face (ask me but don't ask me how I know ).

 

I think a table saw would take a bit too much material out. I think if you wanted to use a power saw the best type would be a scroll saw, or a jig saw if you could get the right blade for it.

 

Linking my project journal here because it’s relevant, but you’d be surprised what a good cutting wheel on a dremel (or off brand king Canada rotary tool) can do. I cut through torso resin that had a good half inch of apoxie sculpt on it, and I cut through the legs no problem. The trick would probably be to score the resin like StellaMarigold suggested to prevent blade wandering.

Also absolutely get a flex arm if you don’t already have one. You’re not gonna get a straight cut if you’re using the dremel just with the bit in, because it’s big and heavy and not as precise of a tool. That or, I’m just not that strong. You’ll also probably want a really good bit to minimize the amount of material you lose. I use a diamond cutting bit I borrowed from my dad 4 years ago, and it means the amount of resin lost to the cutting process is minimal.

 

Resin is so soft there really isn't a need to use power tools if you are making straight cuts. I use a fine-toothed dovetail saw. It's got a deep blade and a reinforced spine so it's kind of perfect for resin limbs. No table saw blade has a thin enough kerf, aside from the multiple hazards involved.
If you're doing heavy material removal inside a socket or something, a rotary tool like a Dremel reduces repetitive motion strain, but ceramic carving knives will do the same thing with finer control and less dust.

 

Yes, table saw blades are rather thick. You wouldn't be just cutting a limb in two, you'd be removing a bit of it too.

 

Not a modder, but a woodworker. A. Unless this limb is huge you run a rather significant risk of getting your finger in there too, however with sawstops and guards might be less of an issue.
B. Saws get can hot when cutting. Sometimes they leave char marks on wood, which is fine, because it’s wood, but resin may melt, burn, or warp in unexpected ways too.

woops. Only now that I have posted this do I realize how old this thread is.

 

@Cuon Very good points!
And no worries about the age of threads here. There are no rules against resurrection on DoA!