Thinking of a band saw

[wwalker47]

I'm thinking about buying a band saw. Thinking that I could do straight cuts and other good stuff. What do you think? Would a different saw be better and more versatile?

Thanks.

[Gill]

Band saws are fantastically useful - it's the most used tool in my workshop after the scroll saw. I don't rely on it for cutting perfectly straight lines because band saw blades have a tendency to wander. Like scroll saws, the blades have a bias. However, you can still get good results. I'd have thought a table saw would be better if really accurate straght cuts are what you're after.

The other day I halved a 5 inch mahogany board on my band saw. It's this flexibility of use that makes me love my band saw, plus the fact that there's no danger of 'kick-back'. I own a Kity band saw but I'm not sure if that's available where you are.

Gill

[3_M]

I have a Delta 14" with a riser block, so I can re-saw up to 12" wide boards. It has worked fine for many years. However I also would check out the Jet. It seems that a lot of people are very happy with the Jet. Again make sure you get the riser block. I have done a lot of re-sawing and when you buy the right blade you will not have any wandering. I use the Timberwolf blades, nice thin blades: http://www.timberwolf1.com/ If you call, tell them what you use it for. For re-sawing you need a different blade than for everage sawing.
When re-sawing it would be nice to have a planer also. You can make your own thickness for any project you like to make.

Mike M

[daveww1]

I've had the 14" Jet for several years now, I use it when I do intarsia to resaw the pieces to the proper thickness along with using it for general woodworking. I want to add the riser block as soon as I use up my supply of blades. I've added the Carter ball bearing guides and the Carter quick release to take the tension off the blade when I'm not using the saw. I've had no problems with it and if I were in the market for a new saw would buy the Jet again.

Best advice I can give you on a bandsaw is buy the biggest baddest one you can afford. Absolutely do not buy one of the table top 9" models. Get one that will accept a riser block. Finally, and probably most important, use only premium blades. 3-M mentioned "Timberwolf," which is an excellet cloice as are the Olson premium blades (all pro I think is the name, threw away the package). I struggle with standard blades for a long time before switching to the Timberwolfs and premium all pro's and they make all the difference in the world. No wandering and they last a lot longer also, so really are probably cheaper in the end. I think your seeing a trend develop: Big, riser block, and premium blades.

[wwalker47]

Thanks for all the advice. After reading your comments last night I looked up Jet, found one in my price range (14” and will except a riser block), and ordered it. Should be here in 2 weeks time.

Mike-about resaw. Does that mean to cut a board down the middle, that is, to make a 2” thick bard into a 1” thick board? Also, what is a riser block and what does it do.

Gill-thanks for the comments they really helped. I lived in Flackwell Heath near High Wycombe for a time in my youth.

Daveww1-thanks for the recommendation on the Jet looks like a very good and reliable saw. I know I will like it.

Plane Ol Ed-thanks for the blade advice.

[BobD]

Resawing is taking wood of any thickness and cutting it down. I plan on resawing some 3/4" thick wood into three 3/16" (or as close as possible) thick pieces.


Bob

[GrayBeard Phil]

WWalker47:

If you are new to band saw:

You might want to see if you can optain a copy of:
Band Saw Handbook by Mark Duginske published by Sterling Publishing Co.

You can find out about the advantages of "cool blocks", one method of re-sawing (there is whole long discussions on that subject of how to re-saw elsewere,) and other tips. Others, who own a Jet can let you know about the "co-linear" alignment thing in Mark's book. Many Delta 14" BS owner's swear by the co-linear alignment.

Do read chapter 3, blade basics, on the subject of minimun curve cutting by blade width. This is not a major subject with scroll sawing, but in band sawing it becomes important. Also look for a discussion on the "Three-Teeth" rule.

Also, heed the warning about NEVER back a band saw blade out of a cut while the saw is runing. A real honest-to-goodness safety rule. We do this a lot with scroll sawing, but don't do it on a bandsaw that is running.

You can rest assured that every year, sometimes everyseason, a NEW IMPROVED must have gizzmo accessory to your new bandsaw will come on the market to keep any extra cash you have at a minimum.

Phil

PS: I like the re-saw blades from Highland Hardware (do a google search)

[Neal Moore]

Anyone new to bandsawing would do well to heed Phil's advice. I found a long time ago that learning from experience sometimes involves pain and suffering!! I also learned through experience that wood ain't all that band saw will cut!!!

[Gill]

Originally Posted by wwalker47

I lived in Flackwell Heath near High Wycombe for a time in my youth.

What a coincidence. I was stationed at High Wycombe when I was in the RAF. It's not only a nice part of the world, but it was once the heart of woodworking in the UK due to the extensive beech woods there.

Incidentally, any UK members who are considering new bandsaw blades ought to check out DureEdge once they've chucked away the blade that manufacturers provide with new machines:

DureEdge
21 Station Road
Woodley
Stockport
SK6 1HN
Tel : 08702-252337
Fax : 0161-430-8008

No website, I'm afraid - they say they can barely keep up with business as it is, without having to tend a website too! Those of you with a yen for scotch might be interested to learn that DureEdge blades are used extensively by coopers in the whisky industry.

Gill