Cutting Curves; Resawing - Woodstock W1673 Instruction Manual

BLADE WIDTH
1 ⁄ " . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
3 ⁄ " . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
8
1 ⁄ " . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
2
5 ⁄ " . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4"
8
3 ⁄ " . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
4
1" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
1 1 ⁄ " . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
4
Figure 51. Minimum radii for blade widths.
Figure 52. Relief cuts before cutting curves.
Figure 53. Resawing.
MINIMUM RADII
5 ⁄ "
8
3 ⁄ "
8
1 ⁄ "
2
1 ⁄ "
2
5 ⁄ "
8
7 ⁄ "
8
31

Cutting Curves

The ability to cut curves is one of the most use-
ful things a bandsaw can accomplish. However,
when cutting curves you need to be careful not
to twist the blade, especially when cutting tight
curves. The chart in Figure 51 will help you in
deciding the limitations that each size of blade
can handle. Also, it is important to make relief
cuts through the waste portion directly into the
tightest point of the curve. Notice the relief cuts
in Figure 52.
To make curved cuts:
1. Draw the design or pattern on the work-
piece.
2. Make sure you have the proper blade
installed for the cut you want to make.
3. Lower the upper blade guide assembly to
1
⁄ " of the workpiece to maximize
within
2
control over the blade during the cut.
4. Turn on the saw. Make relief cuts at all the
tight corners and transition points.
5. Begin your curved cut. Guide the direction
of the piece with one hand and feed the
piece slowly and evenly into the blade with
the other hand.

Resawing

"Resawing" means cutting one board into two or
more thinner boards. See Figure 53. The most
important things to remember when resawing
are safety and blade selection.
Always use push blocks and wear safety glass-
es when resawing.
Blades with a large gullet capacity clear sawdust
more efficiently, reduce heat and give you more
horsepower per tooth. Hook or skip tooth blades
with fewer teeth per inch (3-6) are ideal. Also,
a wider blade is generally better because it pro-
vides more control and is more likely to handle
the stress of resawing.