18 Common Operations
The bandsaw is a versatile tool that is capable of performing a wide variety of operations, from cutting fine curves to resawing large timbers. Different bandsaws are manufactured that are better suited to some work that others; large bandsaws are usually used with wide blades for straight ripping and resawing, while small bandsaws are fitted with narrower, finer blades capable of cutting shapes and curves. Many woodworking shops will have more than one type of bandsaw, each set up for different cutting operations.
Bandsaws can be used for the following operations: ripping, resawing, crosscutting, bevel cuts, circle cutting, curve cutting, and pattern cutting.
Ripping
Freehand ripping
Ripping on the bandsaw can be done freehand, or without the need for an edge guide. It is used when a smaller bandsaw lacks a fence or there are only a few pieces to be cut, or when the bandsaw is being used to straighten an edge. Freehand ripping is used to trim the edge of a board out of plane with the existing edge for the purpose of favorably aligning the grain when performing rough break-out.
When freehand ripping, it is useful to mark the line of cut on the workpiece to aid in sawing a straight line. This can be marked with a straight edge and pencil. or for longer pieces with a chalk line. A chalk line is particularly useful when ‘straightening’ the grain to the edge of the board.
When freehand ripping, use one hand to guide the stock just ahead of the blade, while using the other hand at the end of the workpiece to guide and steer it though the cut. Your forward hand will act as a fence to achieve a straighter cut.
Guided ripping
As on the table saw, a fence can be an aid to ripping, and is necessary for performing repeated, accurate and efficient cutting. Bandsaw fences do not have scales, a tape measure or ruler is used to set the distance between the fence and the blade. On raker-type blades, use the tooth that is closest to the fence to set the distance. Always wait for the saw to come to a complete stop before bringing a measuring device up to the blade. Once the fence is set to the correct distance, the piece can be guided through the blade. When making narrow cuts, use a push stick to aid in pushing the stock past the blade. The push stick can be used on either side of the blade, pushing either the workpiece or the offcut. Unlike a table saw, there is no kickback danger due to the work being trapped between the fence and the blade. In some cases, it may be easier to lay the push stick horizontally on the table to guide the work. If the push stick will be cut by the blade, it should be kept in contact with the table to prevent the force of the blade from slamming it down on the table.
Adjusting for lead, checking for drift
Also see set-up and maintenance for more information on adjusting for drift.
Lead
If a bandsaw blade becomes duller on one edge, it will cut more aggressively on the sharper side, to cut a straight line, the work