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So you are going to use a band saw – one of the most popular machine saws in the world. Whatever you intend to do with this device, you need to learn how to use a band saw first.
It is not a not piece of cake as the mechanics of this saw can be quite confusing, unless you have already used a similar type of saw before.
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Cases Where A Band Saw Helps
Thanks to a band saw’s versatility, it can help you in many cases, and that’s also the reason why this tool is always available at every carpentry shop.
Due to a band saw’s proficiency in flexion cut, not only amateur carpenters but also hobbyists are keen on using it. While other kinds of the saw can hardly perform circular cuts, this ability makes a band saw become a priceless device in your home or workshop.
However, it can even do more than that. A band saw enables you to resaw a plank into smaller parts along its width. With this resawing ability, you can create cabinet doors or matching bookends from the same piece of wood.
Last but not least, bandsaws can also support your creativity in any task with veneers slice at the various thickness and curvy lamination. A standard band saw can easily remake the fringe or surface of a hardwood plank, and bigger versions can play the role of a mini sawmill.
Learn How To Use A Band Saw In The Right Way?
Step 1: Configure your band saw
Establishing a new bandsaw might take a while even for a professional. Also, the operation requires some fundamental knowledge.
Perhaps most of you here are just beginners, so I will guide you step by step to make sure that your saw could run properly.
- Set up the Blade
The first thing you need to do before starting your project is getting a suitable blade for your band saw.
The narrower a blade is, the more accurate it cuts. A blade which is 1/8″ wide should have a minimum radius of 3/16″ while a 3/8″ wide one should have a 1/2″ radius at least. And we use a blade with 1-inch width and a minimum radius of 7” on the other end of the spectrum.
If your work requires resawing, try to utilize the largest blade that your machine can integrate to assure the best feet ratio and straight cuts. For complex tasks which need a gentle finish, you better use a small blade with a lot of mini teeth.
While learning baby steps, it is necessary for you to get used to installing the blade safety height and examining the traction regularly. Try to tune your blade up to be compatible with the thickness of your workpiece, too.
It may be difficult for you to adjust blade tension without the support of tension measurers so you should consider getting one.
- Measure twice before every cut
Boring as they are, measuring and marking on your workpiece is a must-do step. You can do anything else except for putting back any piece of wood which has been separated by mistake.
Whichever cutting techniques, you are going to perform, use a sharp pencil to mark all the decisive points on your workpiece. Therefore, before you turn on the band saw, everything should be well-prepared and ready to go.
- Speed Adjustment
There are bandsaw models that can run at different speeds. This will help you a lot when you work with various kinds of substance.
The safe speed ranges from 2000 to 3000 FPM for cutting easy materials like wood. Lower your band saw speed and replace its blade when you need to cut harder substances like metals.
It is also vital for you to reset the traction and make other readjustments appropriately for different tasks.
Step 2: Turn on your saw and let it do the rest of the work
After all of the above preparation, now your circular saw can work well.
Just push the whirling blade into your substance in the appropriate angles and depth based on the cuts you need to perform (straight or circular cuts, deep or shallow cut, etc.).
Don’t force your workpiece into the saw’s teeth. Just touch on the material firmly and push it slowly then the saw will work smoothly if the setup is good.
Most cuts will take you around 10 to 20 seconds, which depends on the stiffness and density of the substance.
Important Note:
- Keep your hands safe from the blade, and always on the central part of your workpiece.
- Unless you have a push stick handy, turn off the machine immediately when any waste part comes off and gets stuck.
- Wear safety gears (such as safety glasses) and make sure that there is no obstacle around your workspace.
- Turn off the saw and store it in good condition for best maintenance.
Conclusion
Remember what you have learned from the above guide before your ten first projects. I also suggest you try easy cut on cheap materials before performing circular cuts on expensive substances.
Share this detailed guide on how to use a band saw if you find it informative. Feel free to ask me if you have any question below this post.