Log-Splittin'; or, The Jig is Up!

Problem:
How do you cut a 6-inch dowel in half length-wise?

Solution:
Make a jig!


Here is the jig that Dad built. 1-inch block base with two 2x2 blocks attached to it, spaced one saw-blade apart. The bottom facing edge of each of the 2x2 blocks is angle-cut to provide room for a dowel to fit between the blocks. Each 2x2 block is secured to the base with screws. An additional screw on each 2x2 block is angled down toward the facing edge to hold the dowel in place.


Here is the dowel being inserted into the jig in the space between the blocks.


Here is the dowel being secured into the jig with the screws.


Here is the dowel being sawn length-wise.


Here is the dowel being pushed out of the jig with the other dowel.


And here are the two halves of neatly-divided dowel, ready for use!

Tomorrow, I'll explain what all this was for.