Asked on Oct 18, 2016

Cutting a wooden spool

Linda
by Linda
Can anyone suggest the best way to cut a wooden spool in half length wise. Approx. 16 "tall, ends are wood and the center is thick.
I have several different power saws I can use.
  12 answers
  • William William on Oct 18, 2016
    I would use a sawzall (reciprocating saw) slowly and carefully. Could also use a circular saw on the wood discs (with some measuring) then a jig saw for the round center.
  • Johnchip Johnchip on Oct 18, 2016
    If you could get a hold of a table band saw to use you could have better control over holding it in place and speed of cut. A frame shop might have one.
  • Kathie Mathewsl Kathie Mathewsl on Oct 18, 2016
    A Dremel will do it. It is small and has several different blades to work with.
  • Anna Ibarra Anna Ibarra on Oct 18, 2016

    I used a circular saw, but it didn't reach the whole circumference, then I used a hand saw. It didn't cut evenly, but with my project it didn't matter, & they were small spools. I'm thinking a jigsaw, or reprecicating saw may work.

  • Darla Darla on Oct 18, 2016
    Clamp it in one of those clamping work tables, and use a manual pull saw on the ends. Then maybe a sawzall for the thick center.
  • Aud7492923 Aud7492923 on Oct 19, 2016
    Just curious - what are you planning to do with the two halves?
    • Linda Linda on Oct 19, 2016
      I plan to put yarn or jute string around it, so it looks like spool of thread. Going to hang on walls in my craft room. The wood will be small shelves for small antique irons etc .
  • Chris Chris on Oct 19, 2016
    The safest way would be to use a bandsaw it have to have enough clearance to go through, clamp guides to keep it straight.
  • Mona Clark Mona Clark on Oct 19, 2016
    I made these for my sewing room, love love love them. I purchased the spool at Lowes for $1 and they cut it for free. Greatest bargain ever.
  • G fink G fink on Oct 19, 2016
    My preference would be a chain saw. Brace it, cut slowly.
  • Lori Lori on Oct 19, 2016
    Saw zaw will work. A lot of the spools has metal rebar in the cylinder part to stabilize them, so use caution.
  • Deo13156210 Deo13156210 on Oct 20, 2016
    I use to cut all my wooden spools with a chain saw.
  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Nov 11, 2022

    Find someone local who can help, Would be worth paying for it to be done for you, no mess, no problems, no paying out for tools you may never use again..