3D Analyzer Software’s Woodworking Tip: What Every Woodworker Should Know About Buying a Bandsaw

Bandsaws are mainly used by woodworkers for curve cutting and re-sawing. With a number of bandsaw models now available in the market, it is quite difficult to find out the right bandsaw to meet your requirements. You often find bandsaws that look alike but vary greatly in price. Some bandsaws may be made in the same factory, but have different features. Base models may be the same, but some of the upgrades may be different.

Getting to the depth of the matter

Woodworkers must remember that while choosing a bandsaw it is important not to look only at outward appearances, but compare the details. Ask the dealer questions and make an informed decision based on the quality, features and reliability of the machine. Also make sure you attach a value to every feature you want to consider and the tasks that you need to perform, whether immediate, or in the long run. Of course, your budget will eventually dictate the decision to buy.

The size of bandsaws

Bandsaws are generally grouped by size. Woodworkers often mistakenly assume that the stated size refers to the throat capacity (blade to frame) of a given machine. This is not correct as the throat capacity is normally very close to the wheel diameter, which does not determine their size.

Blade capacity of bandsaws varies and is an important consideration as it dictates to a certain extent what a woodworker can cut. The narrowest blades on a bandsaw, will allow for very fine and intricate cutting, while others slightly wider will cut graceful shapes easily. The wider the blade, the easier it is to cut straight, as the blades have the tendency to twist while performing the cutting action.

Bandsaws that suit your business

The smallest bandsaws are designed for benchtops and are usually in the range of 8”. These are lightweight, compact and designed for light work. These are comparable to scroll saws in capability and size. These bandsaws cannot be used for internal cutting because of the unbroken nature of blades. They have less vibration, more power and larger capacity than most scroll saws and are ideal for small work such as box making, model building or intarsia. Woodworkers buying this bandsaw, should look for one which is solidly built and has a smooth operation rather than the fancy extras such as lasers. A good blade guiding system is essential, and at the least, look for a bandsaw with guides above and below the table that are fully adjustable.

The next size of the bandsaw blade for small woodwork shops are the 14” models. You will find the largest range to choose from in this size. They are most suitable for curve cutting and can still cope with delicate work. However, the mid-range bandsaw is more of a workhorse that can potentially re-saw up to its maximum capacity.

Build quality is an important factor to look out for. Also think about the longevity and repair work. It is preferable to choose a machine that is capable of taking replacement parts by various manufacturers’ or you would be asking for trouble if spares are no longer available when the model is discontinued. Most 14” bandsaws have ground cast iron tables and many manufacturers now provide oversize rectangular tables. If your bandsaw comes with this table, make sure it is accompanied by robust trunnions (table supports/mounting brackets) to compensate for the extra weight.

Large sized bandsaws are for more professional woodworkers, and are in the range of 17”, 19”, 21” and 24” models for the professional workshop. 17” bandsaws are popular due to the reasonable pricing. These machines will do fine curve work and are really suitable for resawing. These can cut 6” deep timber without any trouble and will resaw up to 12” deep, but this would mean pushing maximum capacity.

While these machines come with plenty of added features such as rack and pinion table tilt, rack and pinion table tilt, look for quick release blade tension levers. This is a very useful feature. It allows you to simply knock off the bandsaw to detension when you pack it in at the end of a long day, and then swing it back to regain the same tension it was left at previously. This makes it much easier to properly maintain the machine.
Woodworkers have so many options to choose from these days. Consider your present and future needs, when deciding which bandsaw to buy. Saving money in the short term by buying too small a machine will cost you if you want to do quality work in the long run. Invest the time to do your research and make a wise decision.

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For more information on how 3D Analyzer Software can help improve your company please have a look at our website www.3danalyzersoftware.com

3D Analyzer Software was created by woodworkers with a lifetime of experience in the woodworking industry.

Close to the top of every woodworkers wish list is the seamless transition from solid model to CNC program.  3D Analyzer has made this goal a reality. With the ability to import solid models from CAD programs such as AutoCAD, 3D Pytha and Solidworks, 3D Analyzer is ideally suited to help any woodworker.

3D Analyzer Software is a customized woodworking software program that has been evolving since 2000, to enable woodworkers to produce and deliver individual pieces with dramatic time savings and near perfect accuracy. The Idea for the software program began as the owners sought practical solutions for their own woodworking manufacturing problems, needing software that would translate 3D images into specific manufacturing data.

We are proud to say that our software is now being used across the woodworking industry by:

- Architectural joinery companies
- Custom furniture manufactures
- Office fit-out suppliers
- Store fixture companies
- Exhibition companies
- Suppliers of display cabinets and
- High-end kitchen cabinet manufactures

Our Company is based in Sydney, Australia and has customers in Australia, and around the world in New Zealand, Europe / UK and the USA.