On Jan 20, 4:21*pm, wrote:
....
In general, any cut where the length of the stock is less than the
length of the blade is asking for trouble.

No, that's taking a general rule and carrying it to an absurd
conclusion.

The point isn't the L/W ratio, it's whether there's sufficient bearing
surface on the fence to keep the piece from wanting to turn as it
heads thru the blade. A rail stile cut to length is obvious.

Where the transition point is, is, imo, somewhat nebulous and
dependent on operator comfort, material and even the saw/blade
combination (a good saw w/ sharp, appropriate blade is far better than
an underpowered one w/ a pos or dull blade that will want to bind/slug
down instead of zipping right on thru. A 5x5 piece of 3" oak I'd
treat differently from the subject ply as well...

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