Guys, I am looking at making a few bows for myself and was wondering what size bandsaw everyone uses, i am looking at the carbatec 10" model for $300, i have also found a Hafco unit but the price for delivery takes it over $350 and there doesn't appear to be flexible.
So what size do you use and/or recommend
Recommended bandsaw size
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Re: Recommended bandsaw size
You might struggle with a small bandsaw like that one especially sawing hardwood, try to pay the extra dollars and get a bandsaw with 14" wheels, it will be worth it...Glenn...
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Gringa Bows
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Re: Recommended bandsaw size
i've got a carbatec 14in.it does what i bought it for 
..Rod
..Rod
Re: Recommended bandsaw size
Ditto, I asked the same ? and ended up buying the !4" Carbatech. Glad I did 
Mike
Mike
Re: Recommended bandsaw size
The 10†saw they list has a ½ hp motor and it won’t have the grunt for cutting billets and are limited as to the variety of blades that you can use.
The 14†single speed they list has a ¾ hp motor which I believe is still underpowered. The 12†and 14†have the same depth of cut, but the14†gives you a wider throat.
I am running a 12†saw with a 1 hp motor [a little more hp would be ideal] and it handles split iron bark billets. Correct blade selection will make cutting a lot easier.
Apart from hp the bigger machines have sturdier blade guides and better adjustment.
Wait a while and save the extra dollars for a more powerful machine and you won’t be disappointed.
Daryl.
The 14†single speed they list has a ¾ hp motor which I believe is still underpowered. The 12†and 14†have the same depth of cut, but the14†gives you a wider throat.
I am running a 12†saw with a 1 hp motor [a little more hp would be ideal] and it handles split iron bark billets. Correct blade selection will make cutting a lot easier.
Apart from hp the bigger machines have sturdier blade guides and better adjustment.
Wait a while and save the extra dollars for a more powerful machine and you won’t be disappointed.
Daryl.
"And you must not stick for a groat or twelvepence more than another man would give, if it be a good bow.
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
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Gringa Bows
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- Joined: Thu Aug 30, 2007 7:09 pm
- Location: Bundaberg QLD
Re: Recommended bandsaw size
the one i bought a couple of months ago is the bas350 its the model with the 1 1/2hp motor and 2 speed but i havent tried cutting any big stuff yet
Re: Recommended bandsaw size
Hi Rod,
You've got the good model. List price $699-00. It will easily handle the heavier work load.
Daryl.
You've got the good model. List price $699-00. It will easily handle the heavier work load.
Daryl.
"And you must not stick for a groat or twelvepence more than another man would give, if it be a good bow.
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
-
Gringa Bows
- Posts: 6331
- Joined: Thu Aug 30, 2007 7:09 pm
- Location: Bundaberg QLD
Re: Recommended bandsaw size
Daryl,i'm glad you said that, now i know it will handle the bigger timber i'll have to start looking for some nice timber to play with
Re: Recommended bandsaw size
Rod,
When you get in to the bigger stuff consult with your blade supplier for a suitable ripping blade.
Daryl.
When you get in to the bigger stuff consult with your blade supplier for a suitable ripping blade.
Daryl.
"And you must not stick for a groat or twelvepence more than another man would give, if it be a good bow.
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
-
Gringa Bows
- Posts: 6331
- Joined: Thu Aug 30, 2007 7:09 pm
- Location: Bundaberg QLD
Re: Recommended bandsaw size
will do Daryl thanks mate..............Rod
Re: Recommended bandsaw size
Rod, when you ask about a ripping blade don't let them fob you off with a combination blade as they do wander easliy. Ask them about a proper ripping blade with chisel teel just like on a ripping hand saw. The chisel teeth will stay on track much better. I haven't got one yet but I did enquire about a ripping blade and eventually he admitted he could get them made, but ofcourse this means he couldn't sell me something off the shelf for a quick sale. When I need some new blades I will get some...Glenn...
Re: Recommended bandsaw size
I have the 10" saw from carbatec.
I have found the 1/2 hp motor to be sufficient for resawing hardwood up to 2" thick, as long as you take your time.
I haven't tried a saw with more oomph, but I'm sure that more would be better.
However, if you're busting to get a bandsaw on a limited budget (like I was), then the 10" saw will do until you can upgrade. Three years later, I still haven't though.
Blade choice is critical.
Dave
I have found the 1/2 hp motor to be sufficient for resawing hardwood up to 2" thick, as long as you take your time.
I haven't tried a saw with more oomph, but I'm sure that more would be better.
However, if you're busting to get a bandsaw on a limited budget (like I was), then the 10" saw will do until you can upgrade. Three years later, I still haven't though.
Blade choice is critical.
Dave
https://www.instagram.com/armworks_australia/
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Bow making courses, knife making courses, armour making courses and more:
http://www.tharwavalleyforge.com/
Articles to start making bows:
http://www.tharwavalleyforge.com/index. ... /tutorials
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Gringa Bows
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Re: Recommended bandsaw size
thanks for the advice Glen.
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coolhippy80
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Re: Recommended bandsaw size
i have a question (sorry if i missed the answer in here allready!) but will a wider blade stay on track better? my narrow little one wanders all over the place... 
Keep Tasmania clean. No Pulp Mill!
Re: Recommended bandsaw size
I do not think a wider [deeper] blade will help.
From my experience the profile and/or cutting action of the teeth will determine the path of the blade. A wider blade [deeper] would be more beneficial when cutting thicker timber.
Daryl.
From my experience the profile and/or cutting action of the teeth will determine the path of the blade. A wider blade [deeper] would be more beneficial when cutting thicker timber.
Daryl.
"And you must not stick for a groat or twelvepence more than another man would give, if it be a good bow.
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
Re: Recommended bandsaw size
Hi Gus
Wider blades are a bit more directionally stable and I guess using the widest blade your machine is designed for is a good Idea but if your blade wanders it is going to be because the blade is blunt and is made worse if the guides are not well adjusted.
The fact that a blade will still cut is not an indication that you should still be using it .
Use the widest blade you can with the largest teeth -- 3 or 4 to the inch and make sure the guides are adjusted correctly then if the blade starts to wander even if it seems to cut freely then you need to replace it.
The unfortunate truth is that high carbon blades do not last for long if you need them to cut well.
Graeme
Wider blades are a bit more directionally stable and I guess using the widest blade your machine is designed for is a good Idea but if your blade wanders it is going to be because the blade is blunt and is made worse if the guides are not well adjusted.
The fact that a blade will still cut is not an indication that you should still be using it .
Use the widest blade you can with the largest teeth -- 3 or 4 to the inch and make sure the guides are adjusted correctly then if the blade starts to wander even if it seems to cut freely then you need to replace it.
The unfortunate truth is that high carbon blades do not last for long if you need them to cut well.
Graeme
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coolhippy80
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Re: Recommended bandsaw size
thanks graeme.
but mine still wandered when it was new? its just a fairly cheap GMC 200mm bandsaw... whats that in inches?
but mine still wandered when it was new? its just a fairly cheap GMC 200mm bandsaw... whats that in inches?
Keep Tasmania clean. No Pulp Mill!
Re: Recommended bandsaw size
Hi Gus
It does not matter how small the band saw it the only way the machine can make the blade wander is if the actual frame of the saw is flexing and this is very unlikely. I dont know where you get your blades but even a new blade can wander if the set is not even and it is when the set wears that a seemly sharp blade starts to wander. Keep in mind that the top blade guide needs to be as close to the thing you are cutting as possible as exposed blade above the cut worsens the problems of the blade wandering. If a new blade with the correctly adjusted guides do not fix it you need to get someone who has experience to help you set it up because I am sure it can be made to work well.
Graeme
It does not matter how small the band saw it the only way the machine can make the blade wander is if the actual frame of the saw is flexing and this is very unlikely. I dont know where you get your blades but even a new blade can wander if the set is not even and it is when the set wears that a seemly sharp blade starts to wander. Keep in mind that the top blade guide needs to be as close to the thing you are cutting as possible as exposed blade above the cut worsens the problems of the blade wandering. If a new blade with the correctly adjusted guides do not fix it you need to get someone who has experience to help you set it up because I am sure it can be made to work well.
Graeme
Re: Recommended bandsaw size
Gus,
Follow Graeme’s advice.
I bought a new 250mm [10inch] saw, blue in colour. Although I didn’t need another band saw I thought it may be handy for small cutting tasks.
Some of the problems that I encountered were;
The blade tensioning and blade tracking assembly was sloppy.
Both wheels were out of balance and after two hours of repositioning balance weights I gave up and put them back to the factory position. I believe the wooden spoked wheels on the horse drawn Cobb and Co carriages were better balanced.
The rubber tyre on the bottom wheel would ride off the edge and the blade would fall off. Had to remove the bottom wheel and glue the tyre to the wheel.
The upper blade guide, bearing assembly is flimsy and lacks suitable adjustment.
I must admit that the laser beam works but is totally useless when cutting curves.
If anyone is into making furniture for dolls houses this may be suitable. Unfortunately I sold my boat so I don’t have a need for an anchor.
This exquisite piece of machinery is up for sale [pick up only, Logan City, adjoins Brisbane] for the princely sum of a six pack of Tooheys Old.
If offers aren’t forthcoming it goes to the tip.
Daryl.
Follow Graeme’s advice.
I bought a new 250mm [10inch] saw, blue in colour. Although I didn’t need another band saw I thought it may be handy for small cutting tasks.
Some of the problems that I encountered were;
The blade tensioning and blade tracking assembly was sloppy.
Both wheels were out of balance and after two hours of repositioning balance weights I gave up and put them back to the factory position. I believe the wooden spoked wheels on the horse drawn Cobb and Co carriages were better balanced.
The rubber tyre on the bottom wheel would ride off the edge and the blade would fall off. Had to remove the bottom wheel and glue the tyre to the wheel.
The upper blade guide, bearing assembly is flimsy and lacks suitable adjustment.
I must admit that the laser beam works but is totally useless when cutting curves.
If anyone is into making furniture for dolls houses this may be suitable. Unfortunately I sold my boat so I don’t have a need for an anchor.
This exquisite piece of machinery is up for sale [pick up only, Logan City, adjoins Brisbane] for the princely sum of a six pack of Tooheys Old.
If offers aren’t forthcoming it goes to the tip.
Daryl.
"And you must not stick for a groat or twelvepence more than another man would give, if it be a good bow.
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
-
coolhippy80
- Posts: 249
- Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2007 7:27 pm
- Location: launceston, tasmania.
Re: Recommended bandsaw size
haha...Unfortunately I sold my boat so I don’t have a need for an anchor.
took me a sec to get that one... 
Keep Tasmania clean. No Pulp Mill!
Re: Recommended bandsaw size
Sold!
Daryl.
Daryl.
"And you must not stick for a groat or twelvepence more than another man would give, if it be a good bow.
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
-
jape
Re: Recommended bandsaw size
Just found this on a bowyers site:
http://www.geocities.com/salampsio/bandsaw.htm
Everything said before about big and sharp and ball-bearings and best quality blades is of course correct but this guy gives the poor ones amongst us hope! Take it slow and careful and a small saw will do it. I used a small one for years when I started restoring antiques and it did plenty of work satisfactorily. There is some interesting stuff on that site.
http://www.geocities.com/salampsio/bandsaw.htm
Everything said before about big and sharp and ball-bearings and best quality blades is of course correct but this guy gives the poor ones amongst us hope! Take it slow and careful and a small saw will do it. I used a small one for years when I started restoring antiques and it did plenty of work satisfactorily. There is some interesting stuff on that site.
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outbackarcher
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Re: Recommended bandsaw size
yeh ive been reading that site for a while now it has alot of good information on it.
Trad archery and bowhunting all the way.
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looseplucker
- Posts: 1558
- Joined: Tue Jan 02, 2007 10:32 am
- Location: Canberra
Re: Recommended bandsaw size
One thing to bear in mind if using a smaller saw is the quality of the blade. I use a 14" saw myself and was getting blades made up for about $20 and these did the job OK.
A pal of mine has a larger carbatec saw - 19" or so, and he is using tungsten carbide tipped blades. OK - they work out as a lot more expensive, but I recently ripped into 4 pieces an osage log that was 6" in diameter on his saw, and that blade went through like a hot knife thru butter. I am informed that on smaller saws the tipped blades do a far more impressive job.
I am going to get one of the tipped blades made up next.
Just my 2c
A pal of mine has a larger carbatec saw - 19" or so, and he is using tungsten carbide tipped blades. OK - they work out as a lot more expensive, but I recently ripped into 4 pieces an osage log that was 6" in diameter on his saw, and that blade went through like a hot knife thru butter. I am informed that on smaller saws the tipped blades do a far more impressive job.
I am going to get one of the tipped blades made up next.
Just my 2c
Are you well informed or is your news limited?
Re: Recommended bandsaw size
Daryl, it wasn't a Ryobi by any chance was it?
I recently received a $229 Ryobi 400W bandsaw for my 30th birthday present from my folks, I can't afford one myself as I've got a bubs and my wife has stopped working so I'm grateful for anything.
The motor seems fine so far, admittedly only cutting through 19mm thick bamboo boards at the moment. But the blade wanders all over the shop. It twists in the yaw axis seemingly at random and I'm not experienced enough to know how ot fix it. I did try lowering the guide as low as possible, made no difference.
Using the guide clamp, it can cut a straight line, but the initial 1cm of cut wanders before settling down and cutting true.
Still, it cuts faster and cleaner and helps a skinny office worker like me speed up the removal of large waste sections of timber
I recently received a $229 Ryobi 400W bandsaw for my 30th birthday present from my folks, I can't afford one myself as I've got a bubs and my wife has stopped working so I'm grateful for anything.
The motor seems fine so far, admittedly only cutting through 19mm thick bamboo boards at the moment. But the blade wanders all over the shop. It twists in the yaw axis seemingly at random and I'm not experienced enough to know how ot fix it. I did try lowering the guide as low as possible, made no difference.
Using the guide clamp, it can cut a straight line, but the initial 1cm of cut wanders before settling down and cutting true.
Still, it cuts faster and cleaner and helps a skinny office worker like me speed up the removal of large waste sections of timber
Re: Recommended bandsaw size
It was a GMC [not the automobile manufacturer].
I have found that the blade usually supplied with the machines is made from a thin gauge metal.
Some of your problems could be caused by;
Incorrect blade for the job at hand [one size does not fit all].
Bamboo has a fair amount of silica content and the heat generated in cutting process can fuse the silica to the blade which can make it dull.
Incorrect bearing adjustment on the upper and lower guides.
Blade tension.
I have been fortunate that I have a local company who can make blades to cater for my indivudal requirements.
Daryl.
I have found that the blade usually supplied with the machines is made from a thin gauge metal.
Some of your problems could be caused by;
Incorrect blade for the job at hand [one size does not fit all].
Bamboo has a fair amount of silica content and the heat generated in cutting process can fuse the silica to the blade which can make it dull.
Incorrect bearing adjustment on the upper and lower guides.
Blade tension.
I have been fortunate that I have a local company who can make blades to cater for my indivudal requirements.
Daryl.
"And you must not stick for a groat or twelvepence more than another man would give, if it be a good bow.
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
-
looseplucker
- Posts: 1558
- Joined: Tue Jan 02, 2007 10:32 am
- Location: Canberra
Re: Recommended bandsaw size
If you hunt around the general hardware places like Fisher Discounts here in Canberra, you will find 14" bandsaws for less than you pay at Carbatec.
One thing though that I have learned - no matter how much you pay, it wont work unless it is properly fettled.
One thing though that I have learned - no matter how much you pay, it wont work unless it is properly fettled.
Are you well informed or is your news limited?
Re: Recommended bandsaw size
If you get the silica build upo as Daryl suggested clean the blad with metho and brush off the build up with a stiff nylon brush like a tooth brush, some timbers have a lot of silica in them as well and they gum the blade up quickly, always ware a mask with these timbers, don't breath the sawdust...Glenn...
Re: Recommended bandsaw size
How much is a cheap bandsaw these days? I dont want anything big just big enough to cut up boards into staves.
Cheers, Toby
Re: Recommended bandsaw size
pdccr if you just want to cut boards up into staves a small table saw will give you much better service rather than a cheap bandsaw. You will only be able to cut straight lines with it but you could cut the tapered limbs no worries and just cut the handle out with a rasp. If you buy a proper ripping blade which will have a chisel tooth rather than use the combination blade that will be supplied with it you will find it much better again to use, a proper ripping blade cuts like butter as against a combination blade...Glenn...