Thread: Opinions on choosing a saw to cut scale blanks

only problem Brad is you are not using the rip teeth. the crosses work obviously, but if you will get used to the rippers it will work sooo much better.

Originally Posted by HELLGAP

with a properly set band saw all lined up and tight with a 1./2 inch blade you can easily cut 5 inch thick cocbolo or ironwood into 1/2 inch pieces without the scales being messed up . kellyw

I think Kelly made a good point that is not discussed much, that is the set-up of the saw. On a band saw it is worth taking the time to make sure the wheels are on the same plane, the guides are adjusted, the tension is correct and you have a decent blade for the task on hand. On a table saw having the motor and fence lined up and square and a decent blade. You will get the most out whatever tool you have if it is tuned up. There are numerous good books on setting your tools so that you can get the most out what you have.

Charlie

Would a 1/4" or 3/8" bandsaw blade work okay or is it necessary to have something wider?

You could do some re-sawing with a large tooth 3/8 blade but you will be limited to smaller stock. Depending on the wood, probably no larger than 2 inch tall. Motor is very important as well. Setup is also critical. There are entire books on how to properly set up a bandsaw.

Woodcraft has a Rikon 14 bandsaw with a 1 1/2 horse motor onsale for $700 right now. Good saw.

This is my bandsaw. I have it hooked into a 4 inch dust collection system that runs around my workshop.

So I ended up getting a Delta from my boss for nothing, it was in the back shop and I asked if he'd sell it but he told me I could just take it. No one really uses it anyway so it's almost new. Looks to be one of there better ones, 14" but definitely higher quality than the Delta stuff I see at Lowes and HOme Depot. 1/2" blade on there now and it works great. It cuts up blocks of micarta and wood like nothing and dead straight at 1/8" or thinner. I don't know why I didn't get one of these sooner.

burns that delta is a great bandsaw not the best but wish I had a boss that gave me mine. Charlie thanks for the pat on the back . I spent 1 hour getting my saw set perfect its so important . I think a 1/2 inch is pretty much the blade to have or you will wonder to much . I have 3 blades my best blade is a bi metal 18 tpi it will cut steel but I got it for cutting g11. kellyw

Yeah it's definitely good enough for me. Best thing is he had the guy set it all up for him with some upgrades so i don't have to set the thing up or allign it. I was wrong about it, it is the same as the home depot ones just has some improvements. It's the X5 model, but it has a riser kit on it and some other parts he upgraded from the original like a better fence and table with stronger hardware and all that stuff. Can't wait to give it a good try this weekend with the wood pile I've got sitting here.