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Band Saws
The band saw is a versatile floor standing
or bench mounted tool that can be used to
make wide cuts through thick material or
parallel to the material's surface.
When buying a band saw, here
is what to look
for:
- Throat size - the distance between the blade
and the frame determines how large of piece
you can work with. Sizes range from 9"-18"
with 14" thought to be the most versatile.
- Motor horsepower determines the maximum resistance
the blade can cut through.
Higher horsepower
helps with tougher materials
and broader
cuts.
- Blade widths - the smallest size most can
accommodate is 1/8" but look for thicker
(up to 3/4") to allow greater flexibility.
- A cast iron frame and table to minimize vibration.
Blades
Since the cutting action is performed
by
the blade, proper blade selection
will help
ensure satisfactory results.
Choose blades
as follows:
- width - narrowness allows tighter turns at
the expense of straightness
- teeth per inch - the more teeth, the finer
but slower the cut
- material - the most common blades are made
from steel but they wear quicker. Other materials
such as carbide and bi-metal are designed
to last longer or to cut metal
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