Which type of bandsaw is suitable for cutting Hardwood?

Question

Hi, I am just looking for some advice on band saws. I am wanting one with sufficient power to cut hard wood for the purpoes of making necks for banjos.

I was wondering if there was anybody on here with experience of using band saws and if you could advise me which band saws will be good enough to do the job and what is the minimum power motor that I will need to cut hard wood.

I am based in the UK so if you could suggest brands of Bandsaw that are available in the UK please. I have been looking at the DEWALT brand.

Your time in this matter will be greatly appreciated. Thankyou.

Answer 1

Dewalt is a very good brand. I use a 1/8 inch band to make very intricate cuts and very tight turns, and a 1/4 inch band for most cuts. Don't push the wood too hard into the blade and you will get better control when making wide circles and curves. To make a circle of 6 inches your 1/4 band or even a 3/8 inch band might bind up. I use a Rockwell 14 inch and I use it to cut out blanks for carving birds. As for the HP on the motor Dewalt makes a band saw that has enough power for the Hobbyist. Note: Don't force the wood into the band or it will bind up or the band will jump off the wheel.

Answer 2

Woodworking Manual Decks Sheds Greenhouses - http://Woodworking.NaturallySaver.com

Answer 3

I have a half horse 14 in. Delta that I use to cut 2 inch thick hardwood (laminated oak, cherry and ebony) for solid body guitars. The Dewalt is an excellent brand, it will serve you well, I would have gotten that if the Delta wasn't on sale for an amazing price. Have fun, there is not much that will give you the enjoyment of working with wood.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Chris, do not cut the door jambs until you are ready to install the final flooring. When all paper is down and the hardwood is the last thing to install, place a sacrificial piece at the bottom of your jambs and mark the height and set your rented base plate saw to the depth of cut and go for the desired cut. Fein also has a re-reciprocating model especial designed for this too, but both being available at the rental yards, its best to rent as the purchase price is near $400 each. rental is about 25 for a full day. Additionally, there is a fine-cut tooth trim saw you can purchase for about 15. bucks and its handle moves from side to side for desired direction or your choice. A steady hand and laying the saw on the sacrificial wood can give you what you want and then you will always have the saw for the price.

Answer 6

Look at the Axminster Power Tool Company (APTC) website, all their bandsaws are specified for dimensions and graded hobby, light industrial, or industrial.

I have had a small Delta bandsaw which would be big enough for guitar necks in much abused use for over 10 years and it is still going strong.

Of course you will always wish you had bought a bigger band saw than the one you chose.

If you haven't got a table saw to rip planks then you will need a band saw to cope with 10/12" width.

Axminster ' still a family company' have a technical advice phone or e-mail service.

Answer 7

dont know if grizzly products are available in the uk. but i have a 14. in grizzly band saw that will re-saw up to 6 in. wide boards... http://www.grizzly.com

Answer 8

al is dumb as a plucked banjo,, always get as much horsepower as you can afford,,,,,the deeper the throat and height of the throat the bigger and longer objects you can cut,,, blades are changable,, but look for one that can accept up to half inch wide blades,, these are more stable and cut straighter,,,dewalts are excellents saws but expensive,, and sometimes they don't have the finer accessories,,,,,,

Answer 9

The hard the material is the more teeth per inches needed, forget about the brand just look for how many teeth per inches, example to cut steel you need 32 teeth per inches, aluminum, 24 teeth per inches,and so on, also I need to know the thick of the wood if is 0.250" you'll need 1/8 of horse power but if you are cutting 4 inches just do the math, and not always the math give the answer you need to use a lot of common sense...