What I want to know about bandsaws
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- This topic has 3 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 7 years, 6 months ago by David Allison.
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13 November 2016 at 6:29 pm #142399
Yesterday, I bought a low-budget bandsaw (http://www.scheppach.com/product-details/Bandsaege-HBS20-scheppach—-230V-50Hz-250W.aspx, 129 Euro, 5 years warranty). According to various tests, it should be good enough for my casual tasks. I also found a very instructive video about the use of bandsaws, here on the forum: https://woodworkingmasterclasses.com/discussions/topic/band-saw-clinic-with-alex-snodgrass-bandsaw/ So I could adjust the blade guides, set the tension and make a few test cuts.
So far everything is fine. There are a few flaws in the machine but nothing serious considering the price. This is not a life-time investment, but instead, I can afford it. It cuts straight, curves down to a radius of 10 mm or even less (didn’t measure) with still vertical cut, it is not too loud… Well, I do not want to advertise this machine, I have questions and some ideas that need confirmation.
Obviously finer tpi is for finer cuts, just like handsaws.
Wider blades don’t cut so well in curves, but do they actually help cut straight?
I wonder, if tempered blades are safer, i.e. less prone to break. The obvious downside is, that they can’t be sharpened with normal files.
Most of the time, I will be cutting small short boards to width and taper the sides. What would be a suitable blade witdh for this? My bandsaw can handle 3.5 to 12mm (3/16 to 1/2″).
And one last question: Does better steel make safer blades?There aren’t many topics about bandsaws in this forum, so feel free to add your own questions.
Dieter
21 November 2016 at 9:33 pm #142585Hi Dieter,
I found that the quality of the blade is really important, my first bandsaw came with record blades and I really couldn’t get on with it, I found a company called tuff Saws and the transformation was amazing, the bandsaw started behaving, and I got great results.
In general I would say a wider blade will help cut straighter, especially if you are re-sawing really thick stock, it will help stop the blade wondering in the cut. Though a good quality thin blade will perform well at most tasks.
I would be tempted to look at a 1/2″ 3tpi blade which you’ll be able re-saw, dimension and cut curves to around 2 1/2″ radius. It will probably leave a rough finish but easily cleaned up with a plane. If you want a better finish off the saw, look at a higher tpi blade maybe a 6-10tpi. I have a 1″ 3tpi blade on my machine and rarely change it unless I need to cut curves.
Here is a link that answers some of your questions and I find interesting reading.
http://www.tuffsaws.co.uk/index.php?route=information/information&information_id=13
Cheers David
- This reply was modified 7 years, 6 months ago by David Allison.
21 November 2016 at 9:58 pm #142587Thanks a lot for you reply, it answers some of my questions. The link is interesting reading indeed!
I think, I found a suitable supplier in Germany as well, so I am almost ready to go (read that website first of course).
By the way, I like your signature.
Dieter
22 November 2016 at 9:32 am #142590Hi Dieter,
You probably know how to set up your bandsaw up, but if its any use I found this video which helped me a lot when I first started out.
I like the quote in the signature, it was either that one or this one…Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves. Einstein didn’t half come out with some great quotes.
Good luck
David -
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