Sawing Techniques for Band Saws
Band saws are a versatile and powerful tool used in many woodworking and metalworking shops. They can be used for a variety of tasks, from general ripping and crosscutting to more specialized tasks such as curve cutting and resawing. The saws are relatively simple to set up and use, and with the proper technique, you can achieve excellent results from your band saw.
In this article, we will cover the basics of woodworking with a band saw, including the best techniques for sawing accurately and safely. We will start with a brief overview of the types of band saws available and their uses, setting up the saw, and then move on to sawing techniques, common sawing mistakes, and finishing.
Types of Band Saws
There are two main types of band saws that are commonly used in a home-shop: the full-sized floor-model band saw and the smaller benchtop model. Floor-model band saws are usually more powerful, durable, and accurate than their benchtop counterparts. They are also a great choice for sawing larger pieces of timber and metals. Benchtop band saws can be a great option for working on smaller projects and tight spaces.
Setting Up the Band Saw
Before you begin sawing with your band saw, it is important to properly set up the saw for your specific tasks. The process for doing this varies depending on the model of your saw, but the basic instructions remain the same.
Be sure to refer to your saw manual for the specific instructions for your saw and also pay attention to all safety instructions that are provided.
Start by properly mounting the saw to your worktable. If you have a floor-model saw, mount it securely to the floor with heavy bolts. If your saw is a benchtop model, make sure that it is firmly mounted and stable on your workbench or saw stand.
Next, check the tension on the saw blade. Check the tension by pushing on the middle of the blade with your finger. You should feel a slight give but the blade should not be loose. If necessary, adjust the tension using the tension adjuster on the saw.
And finally, before you begin sawing, adjust the height of the guide posts and the position of the saw blade relative to the guide posts. The guide posts should be adjusted so that the blade is a comfortable distance away from the edge of the material you will be sawing.
Sawing Techniques
Once your saw is properly set up, you can begin sawing. Here are some tips and techniques to help you achieve professional results.
When ripping and crosscutting, it’s important to keep the blade perpendicular to the edges of the material. To guarantee an accurate cut, use a saw guide to keep the blade in alignment.
For longer cuts, use a miter gauge and a hold-down clamp to maintain the material in place and to keep the blade running true.
When cuttings curves or shapes, use a coping saw for best results. With this method, you will use a coping saw to guide the band saw blade along the desired path.
When resawing, the saw blade should be set to a depth that allows only the tip of the blade to cut the wood. This will help to ensure a clean, even cut without the saw blade wandering off the line.
Common Sawing Mistakes
There are a few common mistakes that can lead to poor results or even saw damage. Here are some of the most common mistakes that people make when using a band saw.
First, always keep the saw blade sharp. Dull blades will not make clean cuts and can cause the saw blade to wander or knock the material off the saw.
Second, always make sure the saw is properly set up and the guide posts and the saw blade positioning is correct. For example, the saw blade should be set so that it is in line with the guide post when cutting curves or shapes.
Finally, make sure that the material you are sawing is properly secured and does not move while cutting. Securing the material will help prevent the blade from coming off the line or the material from becoming trapped in the saw.
Finishing
Once you have finished sawing your material, be sure to turn off the saw and unplug it before cleaning up. Use a brush to dust off the saw and then check the blade tension and guide post position.
Once the saw is clean and all adjustments have been made, you can store the saw in its proper location.
Conclusion
Band saws are essential tools used in any woodworking or metalworking shop. With practice and the proper technique, you can achieve professional results with your band saw. Setting up the saw correctly, being aware of common sawing mistakes, and following the simple tips in this article should help you to get the most out of your sawing experience.
