Skil 3386 Operating/Safety Instructions Manual page 17

SM 2610028633 01-13_SM 2610028633 01-13.qxp 1/9/13 7:24 AM Page 17
Use scrap lumber to check the
WARNING
settings and to get the feel of
operating the band saw before attempting regular
work.
• Do not turn the power on before all adjustments have
been made. Check to make sure the upper guide is in
place. Always keep the upper blade guide close to
your work, approximately 1/8" (3.2 mm) above the
workpiece.
• Do not force the workpiece against the blade. Light
contact permits easier cutting and prevents unwanted
friction and heating of the blade.
• Sharp saw blades need little pressure for cutting.
Steadily move the workpiece against the blade without
forcing it.
Use the band saw for straight line operations such as
cross-cutting, ripping, miter cutting, beveling, compound
cutting, and resawing.
When cutting curves, carefully turn the workpiece so the
blade follows without twisting. If the curve
is so sharp that you repeatedly back up and cut new
kerf, use a narrower blade, or a blade with more set
(teeth further apart). When a blade has more set, the
workpiece turns easier but the cut is rougher.
When changing a cut, do not withdraw the workpiece
from the blade. The blade may get drawn off the
wheels. To change a cut, turn the workpiece and saw
out through the scrap material area.
When cutting long curves, make relief cuts as you go
along.
Circle cutting (Fig. 23)
1. Adjust the upper blade guard to 1/8" (3.2 mm) above
the workpiece.
General cutting
Cutting curves
Minimum Circle Diameter
1
1/2" (12.7 mm)
2 1" (25.4 mm)
3
1-1/2" (38.1 mm)
4
3" (76.2 mm)
Operation
To avoid twisting the blade, do not turn sharp corners;
instead, saw around corners.
A band saw is basically a "curve-cutting" saw. It is not
capable of doing intricate inside cutting as can be done
with a scroll saw.
Do not use this band saw to cut
WARNING
ferrous metals.
When backing out the workpiece, the blade may bind in
the kerf (cut). This is usually caused by sawdust
clogging the kerf or when the blade comes out of the
guides. If this happens:
• Place the switch in the OFF position. Wait until the
saw has come to a complete stop, then remove the
switch key from the switch assembly. Store key in a
safe place.
• Unplug the saw from the power source.
• Wedge the kerf open with a flat screwdriver or
wooden wedge.
• Open front cover and turn the upper wheel by hand
while backing out the workpiece.
2. Use both hands while feeding the work into the blade.
Hold the workpiece firmly against the table.
Use gentle pressure. Do not force the work, allow the
blade to cut.
3. The smallest diameter circle that can be cut is
determined by the width of the blade. For example, a
1/4" (6.4 mm) wide blade will cut a minimum diameter of
approximately 1 1/2" (38.1 mm).
Minimum Radius
1/4" (6.4 mm)
1/2" (12.7 mm)
3/4" (19.05 mm)
1-1/2" (38.1 mm)
17.
FIG. 23
76.2
Blade Width
1/8" (3 mm)
3/16" (4.7 mm)
1/4" (6.4 mm)
3/8" (9.5 mm)