With the correct blade, a band saw can cut wood or metal, in either curves or straight lines. How to Set Up a Band Saw For a band saw to cut its best, the blade must be installed correctly. Cutting Curves with a Band Saw Start by matching the blade to the curve.
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.
Band Saw.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. A band saw also makes the smoothest cuts and, with the appropriate blade, can be used to cut materials other than wood, including metal. Saw a scrap stock to determine the lead and adjust the ends of the fence to account for the lead. Band saw blades are also available in a variety of sizes and tooth styles, and it’s important to match the blade to the chore.
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.
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.
band saw sizes explained Related Question:
What does the size of a band saw 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.
What determines band saw size?
The Specs. A bandsaw is nominally sized by the diameter of its wheels. The throat width is then immediately recognizable as about 1″ less — that defines the widest board that can be passed between the blade and the column. The resaw capacity is the maximum height (thickness) that can be cut.
How thick 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.
What size bandsaw is best?
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.
What size blade do I need for a 14 inch bandsaw?
Product Description. 3/16″ Wide x 93-1/2″ Long, 10 TPI, Band Saw Blade, . 025″ Thick, Fits All 14″ Delta/Rockwell, 14″ Jet, Grizzly, 14″ Reliant, Enlon, Star, Bridgewood & Most Imported 14″ Band Saws, Mild Scroll Cutting In Wood.
How do I choose a band saw?
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.
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.
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 is throat size on a bandsaw?
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.
How much HP does a bandsaw need?
With general cutting of thinner stock with minor resawing, typically a 1-1/2 horsepower motor will do the trick. If you plan on making your own veneer by resawing larger exotic hardwood or cutting bowl blanks from a log, consider looking at units with a 2-1/2 to 3 horsepower motor.
What is S band saw used for?
A bandsaw (also written band saw) is a power saw with a long, sharp blade consisting of a continuous band of toothed metal stretched between two or more wheels to cut material. They are used principally in woodworking, metalworking, and lumbering, but may cut a variety of materials.
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 the difference between a band saw and a scroll saw?
Now, one of the really big differences is that the scroll saw’s blade moves up and down, whereas the band saw’s blade moves in a continuous downward motion. Band saws also differ in the thickness and size of materials which they can handle.
What is the difference between a band saw and a table saw?
Instead of the solid, circular plate of steel with carbide teeth on a table saw, the blade of the band saw is exactly that—a narrow, flexible band of steel with teeth formed along one edge. The band saw blade is stretched and driven between two or three wheels.
What is the most common bandsaw blade length?
Try a blade of 114″ or 115″ length; it’s more than likely that either one will work just fine. Most bandsaws will accept a range of blade lengths, sometimes with as much as 2″ difference between the shortest and longest blades that the saw can use.