Band saws consist of a pair of wheels that hold its blade, consisting of a narrow band of toothed metal. Most band saws also come with a fence, used for resawing, and a miter gauge to use when cross-cut sawing. Changing blades is fairly quick and easy on most band saws.
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. Not only will the owner’s manual help you set up your saw properly, but it will also help you become much more familiar with the proper methods for safely cutting with your saw. A band saw is among the safest of power woodworking tools, but the saw must be set up properly before use.
Some cabinetmakers of distinction assert that the band saw is the single most important stationary tool in the workshop, more valuable even than the table saw. Among other things, that means that if you are doing repetitive saw work, the band saw will save time, allowing you to cut through several pieces of wood in a stack to make identical parts. The table on a band saw is typically small, but don’t be deceived: The saw can and will cut long pieces of stock, and when positioning the tool in your workshop, you should allow for considerable space on either side.
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.
The two main things to consider when choosing a band saw are the depth of cut and the throat. 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. A band saw is among the safest of power woodworking tools, but the saw is must be set up properly before use.
band saw cutting depth Related Question:
How tall can a band saw 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 steel can a bandsaw cut?
Bandsaws are the perfect saw for cutting through thick materials. Small bandsaws can easily cut through 4 inch thick woods, and larger ones can handle even 6 inch thickness.
What determines the maximum thickness that can be cut on a band saw?
Band Saw. What Determines the Maximum Thickness That Can be Cut on a Band Saw? The maximum thickness is limited to the distance between the top of the table and the blade guide in its uppermost position.
How thick can a 9 inch band saw cut?
A new guy question please. 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.
What is a raker tooth bandsaw blade?
A raker tooth set has one tooth going to the left, one to the right, followed by a straight, or unset, tooth, which is called a raker. An alternate tooth set has one tooth going left, one going right, then left, right, etc.
What does a 14-inch bandsaw 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.
Can a bandsaw cut hardened steel?
Carbide band saw blades provide high wear resistance and toughness when cutting a variety of applications such as: case hardened steels, spring steels, high speed steels, nickel based alloys, case hardened steels, composite graphite, high nickel alloys, titanium, inconnel, and other exotic metals.
Can all bandsaw cut metal?
Band saws are not suitable for cutting very thin sheet metal; a rule of thumb suggests the metal to be cut should be thicker than the depth of 3 band saw blade teeth, however they are excellent for cutting thin walled profiles such as box and angle.
Is a wider bandsaw blade better?
The wider blades are stiffer overall (more metal) and tend to track better on the band wheels than narrow blades. When cutting thicker material, the wider blade has less ability to deviate because the back end, when in the cut, helps steer the front of the blade, especially if the side clearance is not excessive.
What is the general rule for selecting a band saw for cutting curves?
Choose the widest blade possible based on the cuts you will be making. When cutting curves, the width of the blade will determine the smallest radius that may be cut. Smaller width blades are used for smaller radius cuts, while larger width blades are most often reserved for resawing or near straight line cuts.
How thick can a 12 band saw cut?
A twelve-inch band saw is adequate for most home workshop jobs, typically cutting up to a six-inch capacity. (Cabinetmakers would do well to opt for a larger one, perhaps one with a sixteen- or twenty-inch throat.)
What is a bandsaw throat?
The throat is the distance from the blade to the vertical frame section of the body of the saw. This distance determines the width of cut that can be completed on the band saw. The throat on a free-standing cabinet band saw typically exceeds the 12 to 14-inch throat of smaller, bench-top models.
When using a bandsaw should you maintain it?
Keep guards in place at all times. The blade guard should be from 1/8 to ¼ inch above stock. Keep hands away from blade and do not open upper or lower bandsaw doors while blade is in motion. Maintain a balanced stance and keep your body under control at all times; do not overreach.
How do I know what size bandsaw blade I need?
In inches, determine the radius of each wheel, by measuring from the center to the outside of the wheel. Apply the following formula: (R1 x 3.1416) + (R2 x 3.1416) + (2 x C) = Saw blade length. Put a strip of tape on the floor to mark a starting point.
What size blade does a 9 inch bandsaw take?
9″ Ryobi, 9″ B&D, 9″ Craftsman, 9″ Tradesman, 9″ Pro-Tech, 9″ Collins, B&D 3 Wheel. 0.50 (1/2 in.)