Operating power tools certainly isn’t rocket science, but that doesn’t mean it’s self-explanatory. When you’re first starting out with a bandsaw, it’s fairly common to make mistakes. Here are some common mistakes beginners make when operating their bandsaws.
Getting Fingers Too Close
If you’re new to working with bandsaws, just know that it’s very easy to injure yourself if you’re putting your hands anywhere near the blade. All it takes is a millisecond of a distraction to send you to the emergency room. Your best bet is to make sure your project is secure without putting your fingers near the blade.
Not Bracing Projects
When you’re working with pieces that require a steady hand, sometimes the best thing to do is make your own brace to hold things where you want them. You can make a simple hinge brace by screwing one end of a one-inch board to the table and then making a V-shaped notch in the center. Hold dowel rods and other fiddly projects in the notch by pressing the hinge closed.
Using the Wrong Blade
One of the most common mistakes beginners make when operating their bandsaws is using a very fine blade to cut tough projects. When you’re working in high detail, a fine blade works great, but it’s not a good choice for every situation. When you use a very fine blade to cut tougher materials, you can end up breaking the blade and causing the saw to overheat.
Using the Wrong Feed Rate
The feed rate of your bandsaw is basically how fast the blade moves when you’re cutting things. As a general rule, you should select a slower speed for tougher projects, while you can use a higher speed on more delicate work.
Not Finding the Right Bandsaw
If you’re looking to add a metal cutting bandsaw machine to your workshop, take a look at our machines at Kaka Industrial. We carry a number of sizes and styles, including vertical and horizontal bandsaws. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have and trouble finding the right bandsaw for you.