It is wrong for some people to think that band saws are only used for decorative cuts. Band saws can be used on a wide range of uses, thus proving helpful to steelworkers, plumbers, woodworkers, and homeowners. The top 10 applications of band saws are:
1. Cutting structural steels
Band saws are used in metal fabrication shops to cut and shape steel. However, since iron is considerably sturdy, band saws have limited used in cutting structural steels.
2. Making notches
Portable band saws that have a dual blade can be used to make notches. Notches are an integral part of standard rooftops, thus making band saws vital in the woodwork industry.
3. Create veneers
Do you need thin veneers? In woodwork jobs, if you have thick veneers but you need thin veneers, you can use the band saw to slice the board into your desired measurement.
4. Creating Tenon joints
To join two different parts of wood firmly, you need a mortice and tenon joint. With t a portable band saw, you can create a tenon tongue that can then be placed in a mortise hole to join the two parts of the wood firmly.
5. Billet shaping
The raw forms of purified metal are known as billets. Billets are used to produce different metal parts. Most companies that manufacturers rely on band saws to cut billets into basic shapes. A band saw can cut billets or bar stocks into square or rectangular shapes. However, some billets are very hard, thus requiring powerful instruments or machines to cut.
6. Re-sawing large timber pieces into small ones
For woodworkers who are trying to re-saw extensive woods into small pieces, a band saw is an excellent choice. For instance, you can re-saw a 12’’×12’’ wood into 6’’×6’’ or smaller wood sizes.
7. Creating truss circles
Even though creating truss circles is time-consuming and challenging, you can use a band saw to make truss circles. If you want to spend your time and energy to make your roof beautiful, make truss circles using a band saw.
8. Decorative cuts
Band saws are renowned for making different decorative cuts. The most popular decorative cut is the pergola although corbels are also popular cuts.
9. Band saws are used in butchering and meat industries
Butchers can use band saws to cut massive meat or bones into smaller pieces. Using band saws saves not only time but also energy because it is efficient.
10. Lamination
Lamination refers to the process where thin wood parts are bent to make desired shapes. Band saws can cut the wood into thin pieces, hold them into the desired shape, and then glue them. Just like in veneering, lamination can make numerous exciting designs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Some of the FAQs about band saws include:
1. Which tools do I need to build a band saw?
Although your skill level will determine the tools you will use to build a band saw, you at lease need a drill press, table saw, and jigsaw. Make sure you are skilled in the woodwork to build a good band saw.
2. What is the total cost of building a band saw?
The cost of building a band saw is determined by the tools you already have. The cost ranges from $50 – $600.
3. How long does one take to build a band saw?
To build a band saw, you can break down the days to work on specific parts. You will take approximately eight days, depending on how fast you work. Here is an example of how you can break down your working schedule:
- Wheels – 1 day
- Frames – 2 days
- Wheel-mounts -1 day
- Blade guides – 1 day
- Table & trunnions -1 day
- Enclosure – 1 day
- Painting & varnishing – 1 day
4. What is the ideal size of a motor for a band saw?
Your intended purpose determines the size of the motor to use for your band saw. To cut through no more than 4 cm of wood at speed below 2,000fpm, you can use 1/3 HP. However, for re-sawing, you need a motor that runs at high speeds of up to 1.5 HP.
5. What speed of motor should I use for my band saw?
Depending on your preference, in North America, you can choose 60 Hz mains, either 1750 RPM or 3500 RPM. In other parts of the world, 50 Hz mains run at 1450 RPM or 2900 RPM.
Band saws can accomplish many wood and metal works. Band saws are must-have tools for all wood and metal workers because they are versatile, lightweight, and easy to use. Finally, if you do not know how to use a band saw, or you need to determine the different uses of band saws, conduct thorough research.
