Rob Johnstone: Band saw sizes are derived from the diameter of the wheels in the saw. Tim Inman: Following from Rob’s answer regarding wheel size, you also need to allow for the frame of the saw, and some safety gear, which reduces the actual cutting depth of a band saw to a couple of inches less than the wheel diameter. Rod Burrow, RIKON Power Tools: Band saws are sized by both wheel diameter and throat depth.
In case you do not own a table saw and want to use the band saw occasionally for ripping short boards, consider a 10″ band saw with a hp motor – it is not fast, but will get the job done. “The minimum blade width for most standard band saw sizes is 1/8″. These very fine blades allow cutting tight curves and have a narrow kerf. The maximum blade width varies with saw size. Most 9-inch band saws take blades up to 1/4″ or 3/8″ wide, 10-inch saws up to ½” wide, 14-inch up to 3/4″ wide, and 18/19-inch saws up to an inch or a bit more. Band saw blade thickness is also connected to saw size: bigger saws are able to take thicker blades than small ones.
In order to determine bandsaw blade length for your saw, please reference our Bandsaw Blade Lengths & Manufacturers page for a list of common saws and sizes. If you cannot find your saw model or are unable to locate a manual, Detroit Band Saw can teach you how to determine bandsaw blade length. If you do not have an existing blade, there is a mathematical equation to help determine saw blade length in inches.
The size of the bandsaw wheel has nothing to do with the resaw capability. All of the 14″ & 15″ bandsaws have the same rounded look. There are very few bandsaw specific parts on “the import” compared to other saws.
To determine the size of a band saw, measure the distance from the blade to the throat. The band saw’s large circular blade is placed around the tool’s top and bottom wheels. The throat on a free-standing cabinet band saw typically exceeds the 12 to 14-inch throat of smaller, bench-top models.
Many 14″ saws with a 6″ riser will cut about 12″ but obviously the rest of the saw would have to be up to it. A saw with fabulous cut quality that struggles through 1″ material is of no more use to me than a saw with a substantial cutting height and plenty of power that wanders unpredictably through the cut. ” So a 14″ band saw will give you a 14″ cut between the blade and the backbone of the saw.
If you plan to use your band saw on a continuous basis for large and heavy gauge wood, metal, or plastic cuts, you should lean towards a larger 18″ band saw. Your depth of cut will help indicate how thick of wood you are able to cut with your band saw while the throat will tell you the distance from the blade to the vertical frame of the band saw. With the help of this guide, you should have a thorough understanding to answer the question of what size band saw should I buy.
what determines the size of a bandsaw Related Question:
What determines the size of a bandsaw machine?
The truth is that nothing in a 14-inch saw visible to the outside is exactly 14 inches. Instead of the outer dimensions, the size of a bandsaw is defined by the diameter of the drive and idler wheels inside the machine.
How big bandsaw do I need?
For a hobbyist, a 12″-14″ bandsaw is the ideal size. This size saw will provide plenty of power and a good deal of resawing capability. A professional will be better served with an 18″ bandsaw for a larger resawing capability. Choosing a 14″ band saw would provide plenty of power in a smaller footprint.
How thick of wood can a 9 band saw cut?
There are several $99, 9 inch band saws on the market in my area (Ryobi, Skill). The are able to cut a thickness of 2 ½ inches.
How do you measure a bandsaw on a wheel?
You can easily determine the size of your band saw wheel by measuring its diameter. Simply subtract 2 inches from this total, and you have determined the size of the band saw tire you need as a replacement.
How high can a bandsaw cut?
The resaw capacity is the maximum height (thickness) that can be cut. For the small shop furniture maker, go with 14″ as the minimum for a bandsaw, though 16″ is better. Those doing larger work might even want 18″ or 20″ machines. Just make sure you have a minimum resaw height of 12″ for versatility.
How thick of wood can a bandsaw cut?
Band saws are the undisputed champ when it comes to cutting curves and slicing through thick material. Many small band saws can slice though lumber a full four inches thick, and bigger saws handle six-inch cuts.
Is 1 hp enough for a bandsaw?
1 Horespower is a lot of power, it is aproximately 50% more work than a horse can do on a long term basis, and aproximately 6 times what a person can do. A 3/4 or 1 HP bandsaw is pefectly adequate for re-sawing stock at home….
What does bandsaw size mean?
Rob Johnstone: Band saw sizes are derived from the diameter of the wheels in the saw. So a 14-inch band saw will have wheels that are 14-inches in diameter. There is another measure that indicates how wide a board you can resaw.
How do I choose a bandsaw?
The two main things to consider when choosing a band saw are the depth of cut and the throat. The saw’s depth of cut is the distance from the table to the upper blade guides. Many band saws are marketed on this feature alone, which tells the prospective buyer how thick of stock can be cut using the band saw.
What size blade does a 12 inch bandsaw take?
The Craftsman 12″ Bandsaw-Sander takes an 80″ blade or an 80″, 1/2″ wide sanding belt. There is a Vacuum port on the back of the saw. Hook the shop vac to the port during operations.
How long is a 14 bandsaw blade?
Olson® All Pro&trade band saw blades 93-1/2″ length fits most 14″ band saws (Delta, Jet, etc.), hard back and exclusive material, in skip, hook, or regular teeth.
What does resaw mean on a bandsaw?
A resaw is a large band saw optimized for cutting timber along the grain to reduce larger sections into smaller sections or veneers. Resawing veneers requires a wide blade – commonly 2 to 3 inches (52–78 mm) – with a small kerf to minimize waste.
What is S band saw used for?
A band saw can be used to cut curves, even in thick lumber, such as in creating cabriole legs, to rip lumber and to crosscut short pieces. The most common use for the band saw, however, is in cutting irregular shapes. The second most common use is in resawing or ripping lumber into thinner slabs.
Why are the wheels of band saws fitted with rubber tires?
A primary advantage of rubber band saw tires is that they stretch in place for a perfect fit and offer versatility — they work with virtually any type of portable or stationary vertical band saws. Some rubber tires can even be cut to fit the width of a non-standard wheel.
Do you need bandsaw tires?
Bandsaw tires are an important contributor to the performance and precision that you expect from your bandsaw. They provide grip to drive the blade, and they endure a lot of wear and tear. If your bandsaw isn’t performing like it should, one of the first things to inspect is the tires.