Doug Miller wrote:

That's a bit risky IMO -- you'll be making your second cut on a narrow and not
especially stable workpiece. It could easily rock or twist into the blade and
bring your fingers along with it.

I like your method of starting out with a larger board...it's obviously
the safest way to go.

However, if the OP doesn't have a larger board, I suggest inserting a
shim the width of the saw blade into the first cut and taping it back
together with masking tape. Then do the second cut. The shim and tape
should keep it from tipping.

Essentially it would be similar to the method used for cabriolet legs on
a bandsaw.

Chris