Ripping
“Ripping” means cutting along the grain of the wood. This is generally accomplished by using the fence of the bandsaw as a guide to make a straight cut. See Figure 49.
Blade selection is important when ripping. Individual results may vary, but generally, the wider the blade you use, the straighter the cuts. Also, fewer teeth per inch allow for easier saw- dust removal, less heat buildup and more horse- power per tooth. Keep in mind, though, that blades with fewer
To perform ripping operations:
1.Make sure you have properly adjusted your bandsaw according to all the instructions in the Adjustments section in this manual.
2.Draw a reference line on the face of the board, support the ends if necessary and feed the work slowly and evenly. If your cuts are not straight see the “Blade Lead” instructions.
Crosscutting
“Crosscutting” means cutting across the grain of the wood. This is most often done by using the miter gauge for support when making the cut. It can be done freehand as well. See Figure 50.
Figure 49. Ripping a board.
Always wear safety glasses when operating the bandsaw. Failure to comply may result in serious personal injury.
Figure 50. Crosscutting a board.
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