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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Interseptor on June 05, 2007, 06:54:00 AM

Title: Bowyers and Bandsaws
Post by: Interseptor on June 05, 2007, 06:54:00 AM
When selecting a bandsaw for cutting hard woods, which size bandsaw do you prefer, the 1 hp, 2 hp, or 3 hp.  I have a 14 inch saw,1 hp,  and found it dificult to cut hard wood.
Title: Re: Bowyers and Bandsaws
Post by: madness522 on June 05, 2007, 07:02:00 AM
That should be fine as long as you go slow and use a sharp blade.  Of course the more horsepower the better...
Title: Re: Bowyers and Bandsaws
Post by: Coop on June 05, 2007, 07:42:00 AM
I have an old Cummings, 14" with I think only a 3/4 hp motor. I have cut everything including Hickory, Osage, Yew, Elm etc. Go slow and make sure you have a good blade. I find 3/4" blades work best when roughing out a stave for some reason.
Title: Re: Bowyers and Bandsaws
Post by: Voodoofire1 on June 05, 2007, 07:55:00 AM
TRADE YA!! lol,lol, I've got a 1hp 12" craftsman and it barely suffices, and I mean barely. Hear the 14" grizzly is the way to go, gonna get me one in the spring.....Steve
Title: Re: Bowyers and Bandsaws
Post by: Eric Krewson on June 05, 2007, 08:01:00 AM
If you use new a 3tpi skip tooth blade hardwood will cut easily.
Title: Re: Bowyers and Bandsaws
Post by: stabow on June 05, 2007, 08:11:00 AM
I got the 17'' Grizzly and love it I put it on the dolly that they sell and I can move it around without to much trouble.......stabow
Title: Re: Bowyers and Bandsaws
Post by: wislnwings on June 05, 2007, 08:45:00 AM
I've got a 14" Grizzly with the added riser block that I use for decoy carving.  I've cut all types of wod and not had a problem.  Just use a 3/4" blade and take your time.
Title: Re: Bowyers and Bandsaws
Post by: droptine59 on June 05, 2007, 09:13:00 AM
Yup Grizzly... I also hear Delta is the ticket.
Title: Re: Bowyers and Bandsaws
Post by: gwhunter on June 05, 2007, 11:43:00 AM
Always bigger and better...Even in trad gear.  Isn't it funny.  I have a 10" 3/4HP Craftsman and I can lay out a bow, but I want a 14".  You have a 14" 1hp and want something bigger.  It is not the saw we are after, but a faster way.  If someone could bottle patience, or maybe add it to the water, like flouride, then we would all be better bowyers.  But I guess until then, a 14" bandsaw will work.
Title: Re: Bowyers and Bandsaws
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on June 07, 2007, 12:29:00 AM
What i would highly recomend is buying a good book on bandsaws...there are a bunch out there....i think after doing a bit of studying you'll finf a good adjustable saw is more important than horse power by far. blade selection is critical to the type of cutting you are doing, and the thickness of wood....What I want is about 3 of them 14" 1 horse saws so i don't have to keep changing my set ups....Well maybe 3 isn't realistic....But 2 would be much better.....Kirk
Title: Re: Bowyers and Bandsaws
Post by: kcbrown on June 07, 2007, 12:40:00 AM
The right blade makes a world of difference. I am using a 4 TPI now resawing and it eats it up. Spending a few bucks more on a good high quality blade helps too.