Lam making ?

JJACOBS · August 22, 2011, 12:26:00 AM

I plan to cut my own lamanations using a bandsaw. Anyone ever done this? Maybe give me some advice, tips etc. how do u do it. I have a rip fence and a resaw setup for my bandsaw

rbbhunt · August 22, 2011, 03:13:00 PM

If it helps, I use a featherboard on mine and use a wide blade, at least 1/2". You'll need a drum sander to finish up the laminations.

matts2 · August 22, 2011, 09:13:00 PM

Most use a bandsaw to cut the lams. But you will need to remove the saw marks with a planer or a drum sander.

You can use a table saw but you waste a lot more wood than with a bandsaw.

JJACOBS · August 22, 2011, 11:29:00 PM

I have a homemade thickness sander that gets lams
Within .010 or better. So you basically cut them then sand to final thickness? Are there any build alongside that have been done in the past? My searches come up empty.

rbbhunt · August 23, 2011, 09:12:00 AM

Yes, cut and then sand to final thickness.

Matts2 is correct in that you have more waste with a table saw. I also find it safer to cut thin pieces with a bandsaw.

kennym · August 23, 2011, 10:00:00 PM

Yep, bandsaw won't usually throw stff at ya! Take extra time to set up the saw, make sure your fence is adjusted dead nuts so the blade doesn't wander.

Run a good sharp blade.

Don't rush the workpiece thru the saw.

Run a good sharp blade.

If cutting tapers, make a sled to run the piece thru with to cut the taper on the lam blank,makes sanding much easier than sanding parallel to tapers. Also the matching grain will match better.

Run a good sharp blade. :D

Hootsbow · August 23, 2011, 10:19:00 PM

Kenny, don't forget to run a good sharp blade

jess stuart · August 23, 2011, 10:31:00 PM

Sharp blade huh, sound wisdom.

JJACOBS · August 27, 2011, 05:31:00 PM

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Dick in Seattle · August 28, 2011, 10:37:00 AM

JJ... pictorial "lam along" at:

http://www.dickwightman.com/archeryactivity/dicksarcheryactivities.html

Try "How I Build a Bow 1" and "How I build a Bow 2". Been awhile, but I think there is a series of pix on bandsawing lams in "1" and I know there's a series on the drum sander in "2"

ryguy24000 · August 28, 2011, 10:43:00 AM

Learn how to setup and use your bandsaw!!! I can't stress this enough. use a rip fence and set it up for blade drift. use the proper blade. setup your bandsaw. oh yeah set up your bandsaw. get this book. http://www.amazon.com/Band-Saw-Handbook-Mark-Duginske/dp/B005B1EC6Q