: Bill,

: Due to the space limitations in my shop I cut all of my strips out of 8-10'
: boards. I have been scarfing them into full sized strips with mixed
: results. It takes too long and the allignment is not as good as I would
: hope. I have thought that CA might be a good alternitive but I wonder
: about getting the scarf alligned with the short working time of CA.

: Can you tell us about how you do the CA scarfs.

I used to cut them by hand with so-so results. I have since started using a disc sander. I set the two strips precisely on top of each other, apply a spring clamp a ways back where it will be out of the way, and then sand a scarf cut into the strips holding the strips flat against the table(saw). You could probably set up something similar with a belt sander too. It helps to have a table or bench on the other end of the strips to hold them up and relieve the pressure on the cutting end. I think some people use a jig too, to get the same angle cut every time, but I've just been winging it.
This leaves perfectly aligned, clean edges. After cutting, I lay the pieces out on the floor, apply CA glue (gel kind only!), and press the pieces together putting small spring clamps on each end of the scarf joint. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. With some practice you can get them aligned well. Sometimes I miss a little bit, but it is usually correctable through sanding. One thing though. If you break the joint before the glue dries, recut it. You will have a hard time getting new glue to stick to the old surface. Also be aware that the CA glue joint may appear dark on some lighter colored woods.

Bill