A band saw can be used to cut many materials, and it enables very precise cuts – straight, at an angle, and curved. Here you can find out what to look out for when working with the band saw.
The best band saw is ideal for woodworking. You can use it to cut strips, panels, boards, or square timbers very precisely. Thanks to the thin saw blade, DIY enthusiasts can also make precise cuts. You can also cleanly saw out angles, curves, and rounding. With a tilting work surface and a variable stop, angle cuts on the band saw are easy to create. You can even shape metal and plastics with the right band saw. Let’s look at all the uses for a band saw.
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Top uses for bandsaw
Working with the band saw: this is what you should pay attention to
The small table machines saw material up to 4 inches thick, the large floor-standing machines saw up to 7 inches thick material. As for all other electric saws, the same applies here, of course: the handyman’s fingers have no place in the cutting line.
Also important: the saw band must not be too loose. Otherwise, it could slip off the rollers. It would help if you never forgot that, especially since the band should be loosened every time after using the machine. A solid worktable made of heavy cast iron with a polished surface is a sign of good quality. Thin sheet metal tables can vibrate slightly, which interferes with precise work.
In the following, we’ll look at other uses for a bandsaw, we explain how to make different cuts with the band saw.
Miter cuts with the band saw.
The practical feature of a band saw: the saw table can be tilted for bevel cuts. 0–45 ° are standard, and some machines have an even larger inclination range. With a cross-cutting jig available as an accessory for every band saw, workpieces laid flat can be cut to size at almost any angle.
To make a miter cut, you set the support table at the required angle and lock it. The set angle is then the same for every cut – then the result is also accurate. You should check out the portable band saw reviews article.
Longitudinal woodcuts with the band saw.
The endless saw band is ideally suited for cutting wood along the grain. Because the saw band is very thin and only removes a little material. For the best result with the band saw, ideally use bands with the so-called hook tooth. This makes the longitudinal cut faster, and you need less force to press on than with normal wood saw blades.
For comparison: a jigsaw does not reach the cutting heights of a band saw of 4-7 inches. With circular saws, it becomes difficult to make fine rip cuts with the thick saw blade.
Straight and exact cuts with rip fence
On the opposite side of the miter is the rip fence. This tool is indispensable if you are not sawing free-hand but are looking for precise cuts. The cutting width can be set precisely using an inch scale. This makes it much easier and faster to saw exactly the same components. The stop can be easily adjusted using the quick release.
This part’s processing is important: Nothing must rattle or vibrate, the locking device must be really tight, and the stop must not have any play. Other sawing support, such as a cross-cutting jig, can be attached to the guide groove in the work table.
Make free shapes with the band saw.
Small arches, tight radii – this is where the band saw can show its advantages, and the do-it-yourselfer can get creative. As a rule of thumb, the narrower the saw blade, the easier it is to steer around curves. With a little practice, you can manage every curve.
Work on metal and plastics with a band saw.
There are finely toothed, hardened bandsaws for metals. You can use it to saw sheets with little pressure and feed. Cutting solid material or hardened metal is only possible to a limited extent. You have to cool the saw blade and sometimes adjust the speed to the material, which is only possible with certain tools.
You should also always give yourself the necessary time for good results. Plastics such as acrylic glass can also be processed. The material is pushed forward slowly so that it does not melt – if possible, with the saw running at low speed.
Working safely with the band saw.
When using a band saw, you should always pay attention to your safety. That’s why:
- Safety goggles are always recommended for longer cutting jobs and also hearing protection.
- Never put your hands too close to the saw blade, and use a push stick for the last piece.
- When cleaning, first disconnect the device from the power supply and then vacuum it.
