What makes a good band saw

Press Releases. Resin Casting. Shop Talk. Woodcraft Magazine. Woodworking Adventures. Cutting Capacities Throat capacity is the distance between the blade and the column. This measurement is also a quick reference to the size designation for a bandsaw.

In other words, a 14" Bandsaw should have close to 14" of cutting capacity between the blade and the column. Resaw capacity is the distance from the bandsaw table to the highest elevation of the blade guide assembly. Frame Style Two of the most popular styles currently available are steel frames European style and cast-iron frames. Cast-Iron Frame The cast-iron frame bandsaws have been around for generations.

Steel Frame The steel frame bandsaws have been popular in the European market for some time and have recently made a big splash in the US market. Blade Guides The importance of a quality set of blade guides cannot be overstated. The good news for woodworkers — most manufacturers have realized the importance of quality blade guides and now incorporate top-of-the-line guides in their base models. Two popular forms of guides are listed below. Bearing Blade Guides This style is the most common form of guides and utilizes sealed bearings to guide and support the blade.

Ceramic Blade Guides This style achieves its stability by utilizing 10 points of contact with the blade. Power The horsepower requirements are going to depend on the cutting demands. Related Products. Item Jun 13, AM.

Any respectable wood shop has one. This inch model uses a 3. It adjusts from 1, to 2, RPM, which proves helpful for cutting different types of wood. The saw table also bevels up to 45 degrees for making cuts at challenging angles.

Just be sure to use the dust collection system when running this saw, as the bearings are susceptible to damage from dust. It also tilts up to 45 degrees, at which point it can cut through materials up to 2 inches thick.

It has a flexible LED light to help you stay on track during long cuts, the table bevels up to 45 degrees, and a miter gauge and rip fence are included. The SKIL band saw has the smallest worktable on our list.

This cast-iron, floor-standing band saw provides plenty of stability, weighing more than pounds. It also has a inch-byinch worktable, allowing you to tackle some burly chunks of wood.

The table tilts 10 degrees left and 45 degrees to the right, enabling you to accomplish the perfect angle. The retractable blade guard adjusts from 0 to 12 inches, and the see-through window allows you to keep an eye on the blade for extra safety.

Instead of tiring yourself out with a hacksaw or rattling your fillings loose with a sawzall, this model makes quick, smooth cuts in a range of materials.

It features a powerful amp motor that helps the saw cut at varying speeds between and SFPM. It also cuts extremely fast for a portable band saw, covering up to SFPM. This wet saw has an onboard reservoir that coats the blade as it runs, removing the need for external water supplies or a water pump.

The diamond-coated blade will cut through glass and tile with plenty of accuracy and control for exacting craftspeople. The thin blade removes just enough glass to make the cut, leaving as much precious material behind as possible.

It has a inch-byinch work surface and adjusts to heights large enough to handle glass bottles. The motor is on top of the machine, keeping it clear from the water source below. And it has a direct drive for a maximum speed of up to 2, RPM. This heavy-duty band saw has a 4. It has three adjustable speeds: 80, , and feet per minute.

The T has an automatic shut-off that engages when the blade cuts through the metal. It also makes bevel cuts between 0 and 60 degrees, allowing you to create perfect metal joints. You also can stand the saw up vertically and use it as a standard band saw. Now that you know more about band saws and the most important features to consider, you may still have questions about the tools.

Not only does this material provide a smooth, flat surface but also the large mass helps absorb vibrations in use. The largest in the Industrial range have a handwheel operated, rack and pinion mechanism to adjust the table, the result of which is to enable the angle to be set accurately, even one handed!

The main purpose of the blade guides is to prevent the blade from twisting during a cut. All Axminster bandsaws except the entry level Hobby Series use a pair of good quality ball bearing blade guides both above and below the table.

These can be easily adjusted so that they just make the barest contact with the blade. A transverse thrust race bearing will also be found at the back of the blade, both above and below the table. The ball bearing guides will also need to be adjusted when a thicker or thinner blade is fitted into the bandsaw.

The fences on Axminster machines comprise a substantial extruded bar complete with a magnified scale lens, which makes accurate setting of the fence to the blade measurement a breeze! Onto this is mounted a deep, rectangular section aluminium fence which can be securely locked in place with a lever.

A rigid fence is crucial for accurate, straight cutting whether producing veneers or tenons. Equally important, the fence should be adjustable to ensure it is square to the table and blade.

The motor is the heart of the machine and should always be considered when buying a bandsaw. It must be adequate for all intended tasks, particularly deep sawing. If not, the lack of power could cause the blade to slow down or stop. All Axminster bandsaws use fan cooled induction motors, that are quiet and efficient. Trade and Industrial machines take that to the next level with DC induction or electro-mechanically braked motors. These will stop the blade within 10 seconds, conforming to educational and workshop safety standards.

A bandsaw is a key component of any wood workshop, some might say the first machine you should purchase. When buying one, you should consider the jobs that you will be completing as well as how much you will be using it and then look to match them to these features to find the right saw for you. As with many saws, it will only be as good as the blade you put in it.