I got a non-crappy bandsaw
Great stuff. I picked up a new-to-me bandsaw this week, a Jet 12″ Open Stand Band Saw, along with four timberwolf sawblades and an upgraded fence. I get to use it to build the Japanese-styled table I’ve been thinking about. The curves I have planned will be tricky, but I suppose there’s no better way to learn than to try it out.
I really don’t know much about bandsaws, so I’ve been reading lots. The secret seems to be in the blades. There’s two critical dimensions: the thickness of the blade, and the set of the teeth. A “thick” blade tracks straighter, which is good if you’re cutting straight lines but bad if you’re cutting narrow curves. Teeth that are set widely (meaning that they’re bent in opposite directions) cut a wider swath, making turning easier and resulting in less rubbing against the wood you’re cutting through. Good for making turns or for cuts through thick wood (where you need to cut widely so you the blade doesn’t rub), but bad if you’re worried about wood waste.
(At some point I’m going to post the draft plans I have for that table…)
(You might want to subscribe or follow me on Twitter so you don’t miss new articles)
