Cutting Curves |
| Stacked Cuts |
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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.
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'' | 11⁄4'' |
1⁄2'' | 21⁄2'' |
5⁄8'' | 33⁄4'' |
3⁄4'' | 51⁄2'' |
Figure 35. Blade width radii.
G0621 Wood/Metal Bandsaw
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
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.