how to use a bandsaw

Can anyone please explain to me exactly how to use a bandsaw to create blanks? I'd like to cut them out of stock so that they are presized and in a draw. I THINK i want the blanks 3/4" x 3/4" x 5" is this correct? what blade do I use? I don't know how long the saws sat so what maintence, checks do I need to do to it? The bandsaw is a craftsmen 12" model 113.243310 circa december 1982. I have LOTS of brand new blades and several used blades. 2 of which have kinks in them so I don't know if those two are ok or not. Or should I use a different tool, like scroll saw, miter saw, table saw, etc?

Troy

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Hall Family
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robo hippy

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Darrell Feltmate

Hall Family wrote in news:ed21vl$uvb$1 @news.netins.net:

My method is to use a table for everything. Cut the stock into 3/4 x 3/4 strips and then using the mitre gauge, cut the blanks to size. Ensure that you are cutting them a hair long so you can square the ends using a barrel trimmer.

Reply to
Karl B

Not exactly the most pleasant job, but do a complete band saw tuneup. Without the tuneup you will likely have issues and frustration. Install the thickest blade that you have that the bandsaw will take--this will give you more control for straight cuts. You can also use a table saw although small pieces can be more risk. Mark Duginski has several good bandsaw books.

Reply to
Phisherman

As Karl said tbale saws are great for various tasks. I also use a table saw to make my pen blanks. I find it is easier for me, and I also find with the rip fence I can keep my fingers FAR away from the blade and use a sacrificial push stick. I dont think this would be as easy to do using a bandsaw. As I like to keep my fingers far away.

Donald Vivian

Reply to
Donald Vivian

Best reason for cutting (assuming pen?) blanks on the band saw is less loss of wood from blade thickness...

In a draw???

Depending on what type and size pen you're making, blanks are usually either

5.8" or 3/4" square... I cut all of mine to at least 3/4" unless I have some nice wood that I can get better use of the stock by cutting skinnier blanks..

Once your saw is set up, make 2 simple fences out of scrap... I use 3/4 particle board with hardwood or corian runners for the miter slot... The idea that when you have the runner in the slot, one fence extends to about

3/4" from the blade path, the other fence would be 5/8"... Clamp the fence in place and run your stock between the fence and blade as needed.... I run them through twice, to get them square for easier drilling later..

You can also build a cutoff sled for the BS using a larger piece of scrap and a runner on the slot side, and a piece of 2x1" or something at a right angle to the blade as a fence..... cut a slot part ways into the sled and fence so that it's easier to line up your blanks when you cut them to length... Start with marks on the fence that you measure with the tubes from your pen kit... later, as you see what kits you use more often, you can make stops at those lengths..

Throw out the kinked blades or make something out of them, like sandpaper tear off boards.. blades are a LOT cheaper than body parts... YMMV Mac

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mac davis

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