A mini table saw is a handy tool for working on dollhouses and miniatures. It helps you make precise and clean cuts, which is especially important for small projects.
As an Amazon and Etsy associate, I earn a small commission from your purchase, with no extra charges for you.
What is a Mini Table Saw?
A mini table saw works just like a regular table saw but is designed for smaller projects. In my opinion, the Proxxon FET Table Saw is one of the best choices for cutting wood, acrylic, and other materials often used in miniatures.
In my video below, I explain the key components of my small table saw, it has:
An On/Off Switch – Easily accessible on the front.
Blade Guard – Helps keep your fingers safe.
Rip Fence – Guides straight cuts.
Miter Angle Gauge – Used for precise angled cuts.
Depth Adjustment Knob – Controls how deep the blade cuts into the material.
Dust Collection Port – Helps keep your workspace clean.
An extension wing – for larger parts to rest on, like dollhouse walls or floors.
But first: some Essential Safety Tips
Let me share a fun little anecdote: I’ve been using my Proxxon mini table saw for years and, thankfully, I still have all my fingers.
My husband, on the other hand, wasn’t so lucky—he managed to take a small chunk off his finger. ( the LOL came afterward, not so much during the incident – lol )
So, ladies, if you’re hesitant about using this saw, don’t be! If anyone should be worried, it’s probably the men 🙂
Safety is crucial when using any tool, including a small saw like the Proxxon mini table saw, and here are the basic rules:
Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from dust and splinters. (seriously!)
Keep your hands at a safe distance from the blade and use a push stick when needed.
A push stick is a small tool that allows you to guide the material through the saw while keeping your fingers safely away from the blade.
Ensure the rip fence and miter gauge are properly aligned.
Work on a stable surface so the saw does not move while cutting.
Unplug the saw before changing blades or adjusting settings.
Not everybody does this, but I also use a mask against inhaling wood dust, especially when I have a lot of cuts to do.
Woodworkers tend to get lung issues caused by smaller particles that can go deep into the lungs causing damage and scarring.
Before making any cuts, take the time to set up your saw correctly:
Adjust the Blade Height – Set the blade so it is just above the material.
Align the Rip Fence – Make sure it is parallel to the blade for straight cuts.
Check the Blade Angle – Use a square to ensure the blade is straight.
Support Your Workpiece – Use clamps or a block to hold your material steady.
Check out my video below to explain a bit more and show you how I worked on my fairy outdoor toilet from tree bark. Pardon my English though and I hope you will understand everything!
Types of Cuts You Can Make
A mini table saw can handle various types of cuts, which is useful for miniatures because different cuts allow for precise shaping and fitting of small pieces, helping to create detailed and realistic models.
Although I never gave these types of cuts much thought, here are the three most common ones:
1. Rip Cuts
A rip cut is a cut along the grain of the wood.
Set the rip fence to the desired width.
Slowly push the wood through the blade while keeping it steady.
Use a push stick to keep your hands safe.
2. Crosscuts
A crosscut is when you cut across the grain of the wood.
Use the miter gauge to guide the wood straight through the blade.
Never use the rip fence and miter gauge together to prevent kickback.
3. Bevel Cuts
The Proxxon saw allows you to tilt the blade for bevel cuts.
Adjust the blade angle using the side knob.
Secure the wood with a fence or clamp to keep it steady.
Slowly push the material through the saw for an accurate cut.
Cutting Thin Materials for Miniatures
Miniature projects often require cutting very thin materials, such as veneer or plywood, which can be challenging because they are delicate and prone to splintering or bending.
My Proxxon mini table saw is particularly helpful for these tasks because it offers precise depth adjustments, a stable cutting surface, and it has a fine-toothed blade that reduces the risk of tearing or damaging the material:
Apply light pressure to prevent splintering.
Place masking tape over the cut line to reduce chipping.
If cutting plastic or acrylic, use a slow feed rate to avoid melting the edges.
Maintaining Your Mini Table Saw
Proper maintenance keeps your saw working efficiently for a long time and should be performed regularly:
After each use: Remove dust and debris.
Weekly: Check and tighten bolts and knobs.
Every few months (depending on usage): Sharpen or replace the blade for clean cuts.
My Final Conclusion
A mini table saw is a valuable tool for anyone working on dollhouses and miniatures.
With the right setup and safety precautions, you can achieve accurate and professional-looking miniature projects with ease.
Do you use a mini table saw for your tiny projects or are you afraid to use it? Let me know in the comment section below!
