Grizzly G4186Z Ripping Stacked Cuts, To perform ripping operations, To complete a stacked cut

Ripping Stacked Cuts

Ripping is the process of cutting a wide board into two or more thinner boards. See Figure 28. The maximum board width that can be ripped is limit- ed by the maximum throat dimension of the band- saw. Maximum cutting width for this bandsaw is 171/4".

For ripping, a wider blade is better. In most rip- ping applications, a standard raker tooth style will be sufficient. Also, since most ripped lumber will be jointed smooth, you can choose blades with fewer teeth-per-inch.

To perform ripping operations:

1.The bandsaw must be adjusted correctly. See ÒBlade Tension/TrackingÓ instructions and ÒTable AdjustmentÓ instructions.

2.Adjust the blade guard so it is just above the workpiece with a minimum amount of blade exposed. Read instructions on ÒBlade LeadÓ before making a cut.

3.Use a fence to guide the work. Set the dis- tance between the fence and the blade to the desired width.

4.Support the ends of the board if necessary.

5.Feed the work slowly and evenly with the straightest edge against the fence.

Figure 28. Typical ripping operation.

One of the benefits of a bandsaw is its ability to cut multiple copies of a particular shape by stack- ing a number of workpieces together.

Before making stacked cuts, it is essential to ensure that both the table and the blade are prop- erly adjusted to 90¡. Otherwise, any error will be compounded with each piece from the top to the bottom of the stack.

To complete a stacked cut:

1.Align your pieces from top to bottom to ensure that each piece has adequate scrap to provide a clean, unhampered cut.

2.Using brads in the waste portion of each piece, secure all the pieces together.

3.Lay out the shape you intend to cut on the face of the top piece.

4.Adjust the blade guard so it is just above the workpiece with a minimum amount of the blade exposed.

5.Make relief cuts perpendicular to the outline of your intended shape in areas where changes in blade direction could strain the blade.

6.Cut the stack of pieces as though you were cutting a single piece. Follow the layout line with the blade kerf on the waste side of your line.

-28- G4186Z 18" Bandsaw