Cutting Curves |
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When cutting curves, simultaneously feed and turn the stock carefully so that the blade follows the layout line without being twisted. If a curve is so abrupt that you need to repeatedly back up and cut a new kerf, use either a narrower blade or a blade with more set. A blade with more set can cut relatively tighter radii; however, the cut is usu- ally rougher than cuts produced by blades with medium set.
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 por- tion of the workpiece and 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, if needed. The table below lists blade widths and corresponding minimum radii each blade will cut.
BLADE WIDTH | MINIMUM RADII | |
1/8" | 3/16" |
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3/16" | 5/16" |
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1/4" | 5/8" |
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3/8" | 1 1/2" |
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1/2" | 2 1/2" |
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5/8" | 4" |
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3/4" | 5 1/2" |
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Figure 29. Typical curve cutting operation.
Resawing (See Figure 30) is the process of cut- ting the thickness of a board into two or more thinner boards. Each new board is the same width and length as the original board, but the thickness is less. The maximum board width that can be resawn is limited by the maximum cutting height of the bandsaw. The maximum cutting height for this bandsaw is 93/8".
The most important consideration when resawing is blade selection. When selecting a blade, keep in mind that generally a wider blade is easier to control.
In most applications a hook or skip tooth style will work fine. Also, since most resawn lumber will be planed smooth, you can choose blades with fewer teeth per inch (3 to 6). While blades with fewer teeth per inch produce rougher cuts, these types of blades offer larger gullet capacities for clearing sawdust, produce less heat, and yield more horsepower per tooth.
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G4186Z 18" Bandsaw | |||