bandsaw question and advice

[tsb]

Sorry if these questions seem daft but --1. How useful is a bandsaw.-2 What sort of work are they used for.-3 How straight a cut do they do.-4 What sort of finish do they leave.-5 Why use a bandsaw over a table saw

 

[Slim]

Hi tsb,

1, extremely useful

2, resawing, ripping, cutting curves, cutting tenons, cutting veneers, dovetails, etc. You name it....

3, A number of factors can affect accuracy, eg type of blade: a wide blade will cut straighter than a narrow blade. Tracking, blade tension and fence alignment will also affect the accuracy. If the saw is set up properly and the correct blade is used, then it will cut straight.

4, The finish is dependant on the type of blade. The tooth count and type will affect the finish. Feed rate will also be a factor. Again though, if the correct blade and feed rate are used, it will leave a rasonable finish. However a bandsawn surface will always need cleaning up by planing or sanding.

5, Except for ripping and crosscutting, where a tablesaw excels, a bandsaw will do much much more. See the answer to question 1. The finish from a tablesaw is superior. My tablesaw is the centre of my workshop, it is used in every project.

HTH

 

[mailee]

It is a broad question but I will answer the best I can. I have a Draper BS350 and I find mine very useful in cutting timber to thickness. I also use it for curves using a narrow blade. They can cut very straight indeed but it depends on how well they are set up. I have to say that mine cuts very straight with a large blade of 1/2" or above and this is what I use if I am resawing timber. I should also add that if you use a blade to cut curves with then this is no use for then cutting straight as they tend to get a set on them after a while and then wonder a lot. As for the finish it depends on the blade you choose. I normally use a skip tooth blade of around 6TPI for resawing but use a full finer blade of around 1/4" for curved work and get a very good finish. Like any machine they take a little fettling to work well but time spent on this pays dividends of course. As for why use one over a table saw it is a long debated question and I can only tell you my preference. I use the band saw as it cuts much wider pieces than the table saw could ever. (in one cut that is) You could get the same depth using the table saw from both sides but this then means more work for the same job to me. I have both and wouldn't be without one or the other as they both have their place in the workshop in my eyes. For an example you couldn't cut a rebate on a bandsaw or a trench for a drawer bottom. Also bandsaw blades are cheap so you can carry a wide range of types and sizes to use for a given job. I admit it may be more time consuming to change them but once you get into a routine it becomes second nature and quicker. I hope this has answered your questions and I am sure there will be more replies from others more informed than I on the bandsaw. Good luck. :wink:

 

[Gill]

Another point which may be worth considering; generally speaking, a bandsaw takes up less floorspace than a tablesaw.

Gill

 

[JackL]

Mailee has said it all.
I've got two bandsaws and setting up is critical (some people quite rightly refer to it as "tuning").
Also, if you are getting one, invest in some really good quality blades. I've yet to see a bandsaw that comes supplied with a top notch blade and this can make all the difference between heartache and "Eureka"!

 

[OPJ]

Bandsaws are generally safer to use also, with the downward forces of the blade eradicating any chance of kickback - which can be quite violent of circular saws with certain timbers, if you're not careful.

You should be very careful if you're going to cut round timber on a bandsaw. Make sure it is secured and cannot turn or roll as it hits the blade - not only could it destroy the blade, it could crush your fingers.

Another point to consider when ripping: as the blade reaches the end of a cut, you can find it 'jumps' forward out of the timber as the pressure is released and it comes away from the rear thrust bearing. Be warned and be careful - otherwise it might just bite you if your hands are too close!

Small workshop = Decent Bandsaw. Always buy the best you can afford. Go for the next size above your target.

 

[Anonymous]

Slim has said it all :wink:

tablesaw or bandsaw? I wouldn't be without either!

 

[GCR]

I agree with OPJ. I only have a small workshop and thus no space for a tablesaw. Having worked with tablesaws and bandsaws before retiring my first choice was always the bandsaw - provided it had a decent blade of course! The only down side with a bandsaw is the limited width of cut, you may need to purchase a decent jig-saw if you intend to saw large sheets of material. The depth of cut is usually more on a bandsaw as well (price for price)

Bob

 

[Digit]

How useful is a bandsaw? Once you've got one you keep on finding fresh uses for it. It's also handy for cutting the firewood! :lol: