Filter
Top Products
-35-
Model W1706 (Mfg. Since 8/10)
OPERATIONS
When cutting curves, simultaneously feed and turn the
stock carefully so that the blade follows the layout line
without twisting. Use either a narrower blade or a blade
with more TPI (teeth per inch), or make more relief cuts,
to avoid having to back the workpiece away from the
blade, especially if the curve is sharp.
Always make short cuts first, then proceed to the longer
cuts. Relief cuts will also reduce the chance that the
blade will be pinched or twisted. Relief cuts are cuts
made through the waste portion of the workpiece and
are stopped at the layout line. As you cut along the
layout line, waste wood is released from the workpiece,
alleviating any pressure on the back of the blade. Relief
cuts also make backing the workpiece out easier once the
saw blade has come to a stop, if needed.
Cutting Curves
NOTICE
The chart below displays blade widths
and the corresponding minimum radii
for those 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"
Stacked Cuts
One of the benefits of a bandsaw is its ability to cut
multiple copies of a particular shape by stacking a number
of workpieces together (see Figure 45 for an example).
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, do these steps:
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. 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, lay out the shape you
intend to cut.
4. Make relief cuts perpendicular to the outline of your
intended shape in areas where changes in blade
direction could strain the woodgrain or cause the
blade kerf 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.
Figure 45. Example of stacked cutting.