Thread: Don't need a band-saw

One problem when making scales is in obtaining 1/8" thick hardwood slabs that are at least 6" long. Usually all that is available is either too short or in 1" x 1" or 2" x 2" blocks. I thought I would have to buy a band-saw in order to re-saw blocks into 1/8" slabs. The problem is that reviews indicate that the relatively inexpensive 9" band-saws are next to worthless and that I would have to buy at least a 10" or larger band-saw costing a minimum of $250 and usually much more. Also a band-saw takes up more space than I have available.

Well folks, there is a very reasonable work around. You can buy one or two Japanese saws that will effectively re-saw small blocks of hardwood. I purchased two (9-1/2" Double Edge (Ryoba) Razor-saw for Hardwoods Price: $40.00 and Gyokucho 9-1/2" Double Edge (Ryoba) RazorSaw Price: $36.00) from Japan Woodworker. So far, I like the Gyokucho the best. They both work well. I need to refine my technique to re-saw but I have been re-sawing lignum vatae without trouble. One drawback is that you have to have a good vise to hold the wood.

You might be interested in this thread: http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...tml#post379797

I bought a 9" band saw from Harbor Freight and it works flawlessly. I think it was $130.

All I did to it was buy a finer blade.

I bought a small band saw when I was building R/C airplanes and it's been just too useful to do without. When I did my first rescale I went to the trusty 11 year old saw and the tires were dead. I didn't think twice about running out and getting a new one.

Originally Posted by htmitten

One problem when making scales is in obtaining 1/8" thick hardwood slabs that are at least 6" long. Usually all that is available is either too short or in 1" x 1" or 2" x 2" blocks. I thought I would have to buy a band-saw in order to re-saw blocks into 1/8" slabs. The problem is that reviews indicate that the relatively inexpensive 9" band-saws are next to worthless and that I would have to buy at least a 10" or larger band-saw costing a minimum of $250 and usually much more. Also a band-saw takes up more space than I have available.

Well folks, there is a very reasonable work around. You can buy one or two Japanese saws that will effectively re-saw small blocks of hardwood. I purchased two (9-1/2" Double Edge (Ryoba) Razor-saw for Hardwoods Price: $40.00 and Gyokucho 9-1/2" Double Edge (Ryoba) RazorSaw Price: $36.00) from Japan Woodworker. So far, I like the Gyokucho the best. They both work well. I need to refine my technique to re-saw but I have been re-sawing lignum vatae without trouble. One drawback is that you have to have a good vise to hold the wood.

try this link:
rastamanwood | eBay

THanks for the razor saw data

Originally Posted by htmitten

.Well folks, there is a very reasonable work around.

DO NOT BELIEVE THIS!

Japanese saws are extremely effective and absolutely beautiful. I bought my first one about 5 years ago for about $35 also -- I now own 8, the most expensive being over $100. This led to the aquisition of a small arsenal of western saws (dovetail, backsaws, tenon, etc.) some by a custom builder. If you appreciate good hand tools - be careful, you will get hooked. By comparrison, I have a 14" delta bandsaw I bought new some time ago, and my hand saws (in total) cost way more than that did!

All kidding aside, htmitten is giving a great tip. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that Japanese saws cut on the pull, not the push, so you will need to need to get used to this if you've never used one. The great thing about this, since the saw is under tension on the pull, the blade can be a lot thinner than a traditional western saw, which makes it perfect for the above mentioned application.

One last thing - the geometry of the saw teeth on these are pretty complex, so don't expect to be able to sharpen them yourself nearly as easily as your old Stanley rip saw. There are models with replaceable blades - those are a good option.

Now I will disagree a bit with htmitten - I bought my father a 9" Delta band saw some time back. Outfitted with a good blade it is a solid, albeit limited, performer. He used it primarily for cutting out shapes from copper plate, and he was happy with the performance. I think a good 9" band saw is a viable option -make sure it is a 2 wheel model and not a 3 (I havent seen a 3 wheel model in a long time - not sure they are even availible new anymore) and buy the best blade you can afford (this will be a limiting factor, there are not nearly as many options for a 9" as a 14". Some places will weld blades to size from continuous blade stock, but that may be more expensive.) Also, if you can, bolt the saw down - this will help with vibration.

One last thing to remember about the band saw - you can use a wide blade to resaw a block of material into scale blanks and then switch to a thinner, scrolling blade to cut the profile of the scales.

I think for small jobs like cutting scales I think many people will be happy with a 9" bandsaw, and if you are like me, it will be cheaper in the long run!

Gags

Originally Posted by stingray

try this link:
rastamanwood | eBay

Try this one too: 20 Different Thin Samples - Exotic & Domestic Woods for Intasia, Crafts, Knives | eBay

I've made several scales from this sample pack and am pleased with the results.

Good post. I will have to get me one of those Japanese saws one day.