Be safe, observe the 5 inch rule keeping fingers and thumbs 5 inches away from the blade. When making the cut, be sure to slow down when the blade reaches the end of the wedge, so that the stick doesn't slip forward when it slices through. If you don't want to go to the trouble using a table-saw and jig, I recommend simply using the bandsaw. With the blade all the way down, put in the new piece for the cover, and rotate the handle until the blade is JUST the right height, thereby eliminating any space between the blade and the cover. The remedy is to build a new cover, and fit it to the tablesaw hole. The problem was that the wedges were so narrow, that when I sliced them off, they would stick in the little hole in between the blade and the cover. Additionally, I had to build another piece for safety. It is much safer to use a jig, and I couldn't stress how much easier it was to take the time and build a jig. It angles the stick just slightly, so that it saws off the wedge that you marked earlier. Here you'll see I've built a special jig which rests up against the guide on the table saw. Noting the direction of grain is important, such that when it is time to cut the fret wire grooves, the saw slices perpendicular to the grain. If you want to make a wider one to accommodate more than three strings, that will work too! Our kids have made many with varying lengths, including 12 inches longer than 30.5 inches, as well as shorter "ukulele-sized" instruments with less of a fretboard range. Experimentation is most encouraged! Here the measurements can vary. The reason I suggest ash, is that it may bend more easily in a future step. If acquiring these kinds of wood is just not possible, heck, then try using what is available to you, such as ash or another type of non-instrument-grade wood. All our wood is donated to the Andy Mackie Music Foundation, for the purpose of teaching children to make and play their own musical instrument. Once I built one out of a African wood called bebinca. When choosing your stick, make sure it is planed evenly on all four sides, doesn't bow or bend, and is straight & true! I use "instrument-grade" wood such as mahogany and black walnut.
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