When it comes to woodworking or other craftsmanship, there are many different tools, saws, jigs, and other items you can buy to help you in your work. A suitable workshop should have as many different tools as possible, making for easy material work and precise engineering.
One of these commonly found tools is the band saw. These saws are excellent for woodworking but can also cut through other materials if appropriately used. If you’re in the bandsaw market or simply doing a bit of market research, read on for some bandsaw buying tips from the experts in the field.
What Is A Band Saw?
A band saw is a stationary, upright device with a continuous blade running between two wheels. The blade is a strip of toothed metal that is driven by these two wheels, which also help to hold everything in place. When choosing the right band saw for your needs, there is a lot to consider. Things like frame size, cutting depth, and what blades are available can affect the saw’s quality and output. If you find the right one, you’ll quickly discover just how much you can do with them; from cutting your timber to creating perfectly curved veneers, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t purchased a bandsaw before.
Frame And Material
There are two common frame types for bandsaws. First, the classic cast iron frame. These have been around for generations and typically come in one platform size, which is 14 inches. They are durable, sturdy but potentially a little less flexible than their more modern counterparts.
These other designs are made from stainless steel. Usually, one piece of stainless steel is cut and welded to form a strong, durable, upright machine. These have more varied platform sizes so can be adapted to fit different-sized workshops.
Throat Capacity
The throat capacity is the size between the platform and the highest position the blade can sit. This, again, tends to sit at around 14 inches. This means that the largest piece of material you can pass through the saw sits at a little under 14 inches. This sizing is pretty standard because it’s rare you’ll ever be trying to cut through anything wider than that! But, if your needs are larger, make sure you check the throat capacity on the models you look at.
The Right Blade
As mentioned, the blades on a bandsaw are thin, straight pieces of toothed metal held together by two wheels and other bearings. You must learn about the blade and the mechanism that moves the edge, as there are various options. Most commonly, sealed bearings keep the blade in place, but other alternatives that many people say work just as well, like ceramic casings.
These few tips should help you find the saw that suits your needs and workspace the best. They are great tools with much more capability than you might imagine. Get down to a local dealership and talk about your plans today.
