Monday, August 11, 2008

Bandsaw for the Shop

The Bandsaw is an integral part of any home shop, they are versatile for either woodworking or metalworking.

Bandsaws are generally classified by the widths of their throats, the measurement between the the blade and the closest side of the post. They come in many different styles and sizes some with three or two wheels with the three wheels generally are the bigger bandsaws and deeper throats.

The more expensive a bandsaws is the more additional features they have such as tilting table, rip fences or even a blade welder attached to them. But whatever bandsaw you buy, read the manufacturer's instructions before operating. Some of the general safety precaution to abide by when operating a bandsaw is listed below, remember this are general safety precautions, so one should always read the manufacture's specific tool safety guidelines.


Bandsaw Safety

  • Always read the manufacturer's operating manuals and safety instructions.
  • Always use hearing protection and safety glasses when operating a bandsaw.
  • Keep your fingers away from the moving blade.
  • Keep the table clear of stock and scraps so your work will not catch as you push it along.
  • Keep the upper guide just above the work, not excessively high.
  • Don’t use cracked blades. If a blade develops a click as it passes through the work, the operator should shut off the power because theand may be ready to break. After the saw blade has stopped moving, it should be replaced with one in proper condition.
  • If the saw blade breaks, the operator should shut off the power immediately and not attempt o remove any part of the saw blade until the machine is completely stopped.
  • If the work binds or pinches on the blade, the operator should never attempt to back the work away from the blade while the saw is in motion since this may break the blade. The operator should always see that the blade is working freely through the cut.
  • A band saw should not be operated in a location where the temperature is below 45°F. The blade may break from the coldness.
  • Using a small saw blade for large work or forcing a wide saw on a small radius is bad practice. The saw blade should, in all cases, be as wide as the nature of the work will permit.
  • Band saws should not be stopped by thrusting apiece of wood against the cutting edge or sideof the band saw blade immediately after thethe blade to break. Band saws with36-inch-wheel diameters and larger should have a hand or foot brake.
  • Always secure the power when making major adjustments to the bandsaw.

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