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G0621 Wood/Metal Bandsaw
-29-
One of the benefits of a bandsaw is its ability to
cut multiple copies of a particular shape by stack
-
ing workpieces together and cutting them as one.
Before making stacked cuts, ensure that both the
table and the blade are properly adjusted to 90°;
otherwise, any error will be compounded.
To complete a stacked cut:
1. Align your pieces from top-to-bottom to
ensure that each piece has adequate scrap
to provide a clean, unhampered cut.
2. Secure all the pieces together in a manner
that will not interfere with the cutting. For
wood, hot glue on the edges works well, as
do brad nails through the waste portion. (Be
careful not to cut into the brads or you may
break the blade!)
3. On the face of the top piece, mark the shape
you intend to cut.
4. Make relief cuts perpendicular to the out-
line of your intended shape in areas where
changes in blade direction could cause the
blade to bind.
5. Cut the stack of pieces as though you were
cutting a single piece. Follow your layout line
with the blade kerf on the waste side of your
line as shown in
Figure 36.
When cutting curves, simultaneously feed and
turn the stock carefully so the blade follows the
layout line without twisting. If a curve is so abrupt
that it is necessary to repeatedly back up and cut
a new kerf, use a narrower blade, a blade with
more TPI (teeth per inch), or make more relief
cuts.
Relief cuts are made through the waste portion of
the workpiece and stop at the layout line. Relief
cuts reduce the chance that the blade will be
pinched or twisted during the cut
.
Figure 36. Typical stacked cut.
Cutting Curves Stacked Cuts
The list below shows the minimum radius
that can be cut by common blade widths
.
Width Radius
1
⁄8" ....................................
1
⁄8"
3
⁄16" ...................................
3
⁄8"
1
⁄4'' ....................................
5
⁄8''
3
⁄8'' ....................................1
1
⁄4''
1
⁄2'' ....................................2
1
⁄2''
5
⁄8'' ....................................3
3
⁄4''
3
⁄4'' ....................................5
1
⁄2''
Figure 35. Blade width radii.