Basic band saw operation, Maintenance, Tires

basic band saw operation

A band saw is basically a "curve cutting" machine. It is also used for straight-line cutting operations such as cross cutting, ripping, mitering, beveling, com- pound cutting, and resawing. It is not capable of doing inside cutting.

For general type scroll cutting, follow the pattern lines by pushing and turning the workpiece at the same time. Don'ttry to turn the workpiece while engaged in

the blade without pushing it; the workpiece could bind or twist the blade.

A curve cut is best performed by keeping the pattern line in-line with the blade while turning the workpiece before the radius of the curve is cut. The blade should cut in the middle of the pattern line (saw kerf) since wood cutting band saw blades are thin.

NOTE: When cutting tight curves in metal feed the workpiece at a slow rate. The blade may bind causing the circuit protector to automatically shut off the machine.

p_il #,.Saw '

Two..,,..

.....

Pattern Line

Blade

RIGHT - Planning ahead by turning workpiece for cutting a curve.

Workpiece

Pattern Line

Blade

WRONG - Not planning ahead for cutting a curve could bind or twist blade if workpiece is forced.

NOTE: Blade guard is raised and right hand removed for clarity of picture only.

upper guide assembly to just clear the work- I ARNING: To avoid blade contact, adjust the]

piece.

, Use both hands while feeding the work into the blade. Hold the workpiece firmly against the table.

Use gentle pressure. Do not force the work, but allow the blade to cut.

. The smallest diameter circle that can be cut out is

determined by the width of the blade. A 1/4" wide blade will cut a minimum diameter of approximate- ly 1-1/2". A 1/8" wide blade will cut a minimum diameter of approximately 1/2".

Relief cuts are made when an intricate curve (too small a radius for the blade) is to be cut. A relief cut is made by cutting through the scrap section of the workpiece up to the curved pattern line, then carefully

Workpiece

Blade

Relief Cuts

Pattern Line

back blade out. Several relief cuts should be made for intricate curves, then follow pattern line as sec- tions are cut off of curve "relieving" blade pressure.

NOTE: Blade guard is raised and right hand removed for clarity of picture only.

maintenance

WARNING: For your own safety, Push knob "OFF", lock-out switch and remove plug from power outlet before maintaining your band saw.

TIRES

Pitch and sawdust that accumulates on the tires

should be removed with a stiff brush or scraped off

with a piece of wood. Do not use a sharp knife or any kind of solvent.

GENERAL

Keep your Band Saw clean.

Remove sawdust from the inside frequerrrly.

Do not allow pitch to accumulate on the table, blade

guides, or thrust bearings. Clean them with Craftsman Gum and Pitch Remover.

Apply a thin coat of automobile-type wax to the table

top so the wood slides easily while cutting. Also apply wax to the inside surfaces of the trunnion.