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Cutting the tiles off the log

rs_closeup 3 log and tiles.jpg (39208 bytes) Individual "tiles" must now be sliced off the end of the log, like slices off a salami. The pieces must be reserved for the subsequent inlay process.
rs_tablesaw log slicing setup.jpg (25344 bytes) A fine-tooth slitting saw blade is ideal for this purpose, although your garden-variety plywood blade will work--although it will gobble up a lot of valuable stock. A table-saw "throat" is inserted to keep the tiny tiles from falling into the saw. A spring clamp fixing a stop block to an extension on the cross-cutting fence, is adjusted until the precise tile thickness--about two-thirds the thickness of the top--is reached.
rs_tiles sliced off log on tablesaw.jpg (20632 bytes) Proceed to slice off the tiles. A log usually yields enough tiles for one rosette.
rs_tile slicing on table saw.jpg (35668 bytes) We accumulate the tiles in the adjacent fence slot in the table so they won't scatter and get lost. Each tile must be henceforth examined for flaws: missing bits, and insufficient or uneven thickness
rs_collection of rosette tiles.jpg (45204 bytes) The tiles are now ready for inlaying. A drill-[ress fly-cutter is the ideal tool for that process.