BASIC OPERATION OF THE BAND SAW
A band saw isbasically a "curve cutting" machine. It
can also be used for straight-line cutting operations
such as cross cutting, ripping, mitering, beveling,
compound cutting, and resawing. It is not capable of
making inside or non through cuts.
This band saw isdesigned to cut wood and wood
composition products only.
For general type scroll cutting,follow the pattem lines
bypushing and tuming the workpiece at the same
time. Do nottry to tum the workpiece while engaged
inthe blade without pushing it; the workpieca could
bindor twistthe blade. A curved radius cut is best
performed byfollowing the pattern line with the blade
whileturning the workpiece. The blade should cut in
themiddle of the pattam line since wood cuttingband
saw blades are thin.
_i, WARNING: To avoid blade contact, adjust the
blade guide assembly to just clear the workpiece.
Failuretodo so couldresultin seriouspersonalinjury.
MUse 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
isdetermined by the width of the blade. A 1/4 in.
wide blade will cut a minimum diameter of
approximately 1-1/2 in. A 1/8 in. wide blade will
cut a minimum diameter of approximately 1/2 in.
Relief cuts are made when an intricate curve (too
small a radius for the blade) is to be cut. Arelief cut is
made by cutting through the scrap section of work-
piece to curve inpattern line, then carefully backing
blade out. Several reliefcuts should bemade for
intricatecurves, then follow pattern line as sections
are cut off of curve =relieving" blade pressure.
•Avoid injury from unexpected saw move-
ment:
•Put the saw on a firm level surfacewith plentyof
room for handling and properly supporting the
workpiece.
%Make sure table is level and saw does not rock.
•Bolt the saw tothe support surface to prevent
slipping,walking or eliding during operations like
cuttinglong, heavy boards.
Turn saw off, remove switch key, and unplug
cordbefore moving the saw.
Avoid injury from jams, slips or thrown
pieces:
•Choose rightsize andstyle bladefor material
and the type of cutyou plan to do.
•USE ONLY RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES,
The use ofimproper accessories may cause risk
of injuryto persons.
•Make sure the blade teeth point downward,
toward the table.
•Make sure blade guides and thrust bearings are
properly adjusted.
•Make sure blade tension is properly adjusted.
•Make sure table lock knob istight and noparts
have excessive play.
•Always adjust the blade guide assembly to just
clear the workpiece to avoid accidental blade
contact, minimize blade breakage and provide
maximum blade support.
Use extra caution with large, very small or
awkward workpleces:
Use extra supports(tables, saw horses, blocks,
etc.)
Never use a person as asubstitute for a table
extension, or as additional support for a work-
piece that is longer or wider than the basic saw
table, or to helpfeed, support or pull the work-
piece.
When cutting irregularly shaped workpieces, plan
YoUrwork so it wil! not pinch the blade. For
example, a piece of molding must lay flat on the
table. Workpieces must not twist, rock, or slip
while being cut.
Properly support round material such as dowel
rods, or tubing. They have a tendency to roll
during a cut, causing the blade to "bite." To
avoid this, always use a "V" block or clamp
workpiece to a miter gage.
Cut only one workpiece at atime.
Clear everything except the workpiece and
related support devices off the table before
turning the saw on.
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