PTWFE Chapter 14 - Band Saw

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun May 10, 2009 2:10 pm

First an APOLOGY for the lateness in starting this thread. My home wireless network decided to go on vacation last night. Did not succeed it making it behave until now.

This may be early, but if no-one has stepped up to hosting Chapters 17-20 - ??? now would be a good time to 'VOLUNTEER'.

Nuf said, now on to the main event. Click here to proceed with Chapter 14.

nuhobby · Post by **nuhobby** » Sun May 10, 2009 5:50 pm

I like the Shopsmith bandsaw! I use it all the time.

I notice the big woodworking stores are carrying bigger and bigger bandsaws.... not sure a guy could afford that much "big" wood and a "big" bandsaw all at the same time.

For tasks bigger than the SS bandsaw, I've thought of getting a hand-powered bow saw. Anyone have one?

kalynzoo · Post by **kalynzoo** » Mon May 11, 2009 1:49 am

Actually I have a bow saw. It was given to me years ago, in rather poor condition. I have it hanging in the garage, waiting a total reconditioning. Problem is, if I do ever get it reconditioned, will my back and knees be able to handle the repetitive motion. (I think not)
My first band saw was a BD thing that used my power drill as a motor. Since it was light and portable, I used it to ruff cut small things. (really ruff cut)
The SS was my first real bandsaw, other than going over to Grandpa Penn's shop and using his, and I appreciate what it does, and I respect it's limitations.
I have not trouble resawing a six inch board, so I'm happy. As I look at some of the really big bandsaws, the idea of making a single log jewelery box comes to mind. But as it is there are so many things on my projects to do list, fun projects. Guess I'll just enjoy what I have.

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Mon May 11, 2009 2:12 pm

Talking about big Bandsaws I sometimes believe it is more one upsman ship than need. I have a buddy that has a 18" Bandsaw with a 12" throat that he brags about all the time and I know the only thing he has ever cut on it was 1"x1" pen blank. Yet he talks about how he needs the size and enjoys the freedom his saw size gives him. Phooey! A while back it was tablesaws and blades and motor size now that everyone is finally decided 10" with a 3 horse is enough to cut an elephant in half they have turned their sights on Bandsaws. Of course the Ad pitchmen having kept their hands on the pulse write ads to play right into this thinking. Bigger is better. It that was true we would have butterflies with 3 foot wings spans to quote the editor of magazine 'In Fisherman"

My Shopsmith Bandsaw has never failed to deliver anything I have asked of it. Of course I never try to resaw anything over 6" wide.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Mon May 11, 2009 3:33 pm

Ed in Tampa wrote:Talking about big Bandsaws I sometimes believe it is more one upsman ship than need. I have a buddy that has a 18" Bandsaw with a 12" throat that he brags about all the time and I know the only thing he has ever cut on it was 1"x1" pen blank. Yet he talks about how he needs the size and enjoys the freedom his saw size gives him. Phooey! A while back it was tablesaws and blades and motor size now that everyone is finally decided 10" with a 3 horse is enough to cut an elephant in half they have turned their sights on Bandsaws. Of course the Ad pitchmen having kept their hands on the pulse write ads to play right into this thinking. Bigger is better. It that was true we would have butterflies with 3 foot wings spans to quote the editor of magazine 'In Fisherman"

My Shopsmith Bandsaw has never failed to deliver anything I have asked of it. Of course I never try to resaw anything over 6" wide.

If butterflies WERE 3', just think how big the trout would be!:D

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Mon May 11, 2009 5:51 pm

JPG40504 wrote:If butterflies WERE 3', just think how big the trout would be!:D

WHY? Do trout eat butterflies?

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Mon May 11, 2009 5:55 pm

dusty wrote:WHY? Do trout eat butterflies?

Ed was quoting the editor of 'In Fishing' magazine I just made a ??logical?? connection.

I COULD have said just think how big a whale would be!

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Mon May 11, 2009 6:07 pm

JPG40504 wrote:Ed was quoting the editor of 'In Fishing' magazine I just made a ??logical?? connection.

I COULD have said just think how big a whale would be!

You must remember - Some of us are not as LOGICAL as you are.

BTW You high jacked your own thread. I just followed the lead. Back to Band Saws.

I am just waiting for the discussion on "Silencing Squealing Guide Bearings".

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Mon May 11, 2009 6:13 pm

dusty wrote:You must remember - Some of us are not as LOGICAL as you are.

GOOD thing!:D

Sometimes the situation calls for more creativity and less logic!:)

Maybe we need to get back to BANDSAWS;) It's getting too buggey.

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Tue May 12, 2009 10:36 am

To highjack the thread a little more, I think people are starting to reevaluate this "bigger is better" mentality. They are starting to question why waste raw material and resources to build something bigger than we would normally use. I really hope this catches on, we need to rethink our houses, cars, planes, office space, and even tools. Do we really need a 25 horse power table saw to build bird houses or bandsaws with 25" wheels and 5 horse motors that have a 2 foot height capacity to saw pen blanks? Sure it is nice to say hey I bought this saw big so it can saw whatever I come up with but if we never use that capacity with some regularity we have really wasted material and resources on it.

My opinion unless you have a particular need that requires a large capacty than the Shopsmith bandsaw, the SS Bandsaw is probably the perfect size for most people. Sure there are times I would like another inch of capacity here or there but 99% time my bandsaw meets my needs and for those other 1% of the times there is usually a work around that solves the problem.

I think the biggest problem with the SS bandsaw is most users try to do everything with one or two blades. Theytry to cut too tight with a 1/2" blade or they get frustrated when they can't rip perfectly straight 5 foot pieces with 1/8" blade. There is a huge number of blades, with varying tooth patterns, teeth set, width, material type so the blade can be matched to the job.