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29
Operation
The following section contains basic information,
and is not intended to cover all possible
applications or techniques using the Band Saw.
Consult published sources of information,
acquire formal training, and/or talk to
experienced Band Saw users to gain proficiency
and knowledge of band saw operations. (The
Figures used may or may not show your
particular saw model, but the procedures are
identical.)
General Procedure
1. Make sure the blade is adjusted correctly for
tension and tracking, and that upper and
lower guide bearings and thrust bearings are
set in proper relation to the blade.
2. Adjust guide post so that the guide bearings
are just above the workpiece (about 3/16”)
allowing minimum exposure to the blade.
3. If using the fence, move it into position and
lock it to the guide rail. If you are using the
miter gauge for a crosscut, the fence should
be moved safely out of the way.
4. Turn on the band saw and allow a few
seconds for the machine to reach full speed.
Whenever possible, use a
push stick, hold-down, power feeder, jig, or
similar device while feeding stock, to prevent
your hands getting too close to the blade.
5. Place the straightest edge of the workpiece
against the fence for a rip cut; or against the
miter gauge for a crosscut. Push the
workpiece slowly into the blade, while also
keeping it pressed against the fence or held
against the miter gauge. Do not force the
workpiece into the blade.
Some further operating tips:
Make relief cuts whenever possible. A relief cut
is an extra cut made through the waste portion
of a workpiece up to the layout line. When that
intersection is reached by the blade while
following the layout line, the waste portion
comes free. This helps prevent pinching of the
back edge of the blade in the cut.
When cutting, do not
overfeed the blade; overfeeding will reduce
blade life, and may cause the blade to break.
When cutting long stock, the operator should
use roller stands, support tables, or an assistant
to help stabilize the workpiece.
Ripping
Ripping is cutting lengthwise down the
workpiece, and with the grain (of wood stock).
See Figure 58. Always use a push stick or
similar safety device when ripping narrow
pieces.
Figure 58
Crosscutting
Crosscutting is cutting across the grain of the
workpiece, while using the miter gauge to feed
the workpiece into the blade.
The right hand should hold the workpiece steady
against the miter gauge, while the left hand
pushes the miter gauge past the blade, as
shown in Figure 59.
Figure 59
Do not use the fence in conjunction with the
miter gauge. The offcut of the workpiece must
not be constrained during or after the cutting
process.
Using the fence in
conjunction with the miter gauge can cause
binding and possible damage to the blade.