How do you cut a carved spindle or chair rung in half evenly? Do you use a jig or something to guide it through the saw?

I think I would use a scroll saw. That to me would be a safe way to cut something in half.

I believe it can be done on a band saw with a fence to steady/center the spindle.
(very carefully) always remember! safety first!

gail

A bandsaw is your best choice.

I would hot melt the spindle onto a flat board with a couple of blocks glued to the board at the higher ends of the spindle. The blocks will keep the spindle steady and the hotmelt will keep it in place while you cut. You can remove the holtmet after by pealing it with a utility knife or if you want, you can apply lacquer thinner to it to soften it.

You should use a wide blade on the bandsaw as the narrower the blade the more likely it will wonder as you cut. After you have cut it you'll have to sand or hand plane the cut surface. I would use a beltsander belt wrapped around a peice of wood in a wedge shape. This will ensure a flat surface. In order to keep the belt tight on the peice of wood, cut the wood slightly shorter than needed and then wedge a smaller piece of wood into the thicker end.

This will probably be you're "safest" way to do it. Please always respect the tools you use and keep you're hands/fingers out of the path of the blade. With regards to the process above, the wider the board you use, the farther away your hands are from the blade.

Good luck.

MsSippi I think Robo uses a band saw. She may even have a tutorial on her site.

Thanks! I don't have a band saw yet, but my son does...and he is a very good carpenter. I'll get him to do them for me when I need them.

I use a band saw. There are some specifics about the size of blade etc that need to be considered. Here's a tutorial:
http://www.robomargo.com/questions.html

Thanks, Margo! I'll add that information to the other instructions I've received.