How to Use a Band Saw – The Basics

How to Use a Bandsaw – the Basics

My dad gave me a band saw about a year ago… Until recently, I had no clue how to use it! I asked him to come over and give me a lesson and wow, I’m not sure why I went this long without using it! Let me show you how to use a bandsaw – the basics… It is really easy, I promise!

It is well known that the jigsaw and I do not agree on things. I get aggravated at it the same way it probably gets aggravated at me! Using the bandsaw has solved this problem for me. I can cut curves with ease and without the blade wandering! (Which cuts down on my frustration level!)

The bandsaw is just that – a long band that has teeth on it. The band runs on tensioned wheels and cuts through thicker (as well as thinner) lumber like butter! There are three different kind of teeth on the blades – regular, skip, and hook. The regular tooth is used for smoother cuts in wood. The skip tooth is used mainly for softer woods and is perfect for resawing lumber. The hook tooth is best for hard and difficult to cut woods.

Photo Courtesy of Rockler

There are also different blade widths. The narrower the blade, the tighter the curve can be cut. I use a 1/4″ 15 TPI (teeth per inch) regular blade in my saw.

Your band saw may not be the same as mine (I have a 12″ Craftsman) but the basics are the same.  Once you have your blade selected, install it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

For the blade to cut correctly, the tension will need to be adjusted. With my saw, I adjust the tension control knob until the blade width lever points to the correct width. Since I am using a 1/4″ blade, I set the tension for a 1/4″.

When changing the blade DO NOT start the machine until the cover is correctly in place! I replace the cover and make sure it is locked in place. I then set the upper guide until it is approximately 1/8″ above my lumber. The closer the guide is to the lumber without actually touching it the better – it will help in case the lumber jumps!

When starting to cut, start slow and do not force the lumber through. This can cause the blade to twist and wander off of the line!

In the next few weeks, I’ll be posting a couple more articles using the band saw. Remember – always use common sense safety practices!

Have any questions about how to use a bandsaw – the basics? Leave a comment below or contact me at cher {at} designsbystudioc {dot} com!

Originally posted 2013-03-05 08:00:10.