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How to Saw Wood With Band Saws

The bandsaw is an extremely versatile wood shop tool, consisting of a motorized blade that is one continuous band of metal. The continuous blade helps to create a smooth, even cut in whatever material you are preparing. You can use this saw to cut through many types of objects simply by changing out the blade. When cutting wood, the bandsaw is best used for cutting large curves or patterns, as you can use a circular saw or handsaw for straight cuts.

Things You'll Need

Bandsaw
Piece of wood, usually 3 feet by 3 feet or larger
Pencil
Straight edge
2 saw horses
Goggles
Gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Draw out a pattern or shape on the piece of wood you plan on cutting (or draw out straight lines if you are using the band saw for a straight cut). When finished, make several straight lines from the pattern line to the edge of the board using the straight edge and the pencil. This effectively breaks the pattern out into sections.
- 2
  Make sure the bandsaw is unplugged. Change the blade on the bandsaw to the blade with the appropriate thickness for what you are doing (thin blade for curves, thicker blade for straight lines). Follow the manufacturer's directions when changing the blade. Plug the saw into a power source once the blade has been changed.
- 3
  Position the wood on the 2 saw horses for extra support. Place the piece of wood so that the saw blade is almost touching the edge of the wood where one of your straight lines ends.
- 4
  Put on the goggles and the gloves for extra safety. Hold the wood and turn on the bandsaw.
- 5
  Guide the wood into the saw so that it cuts along the straight line. Slowly turn the wood to follow your pattern. Follow the pattern to the next straight line and cut to the edge.
- 6
  Stop the saw and reposition the wood so you are at a better angle to cut the next section. Move the saw horses around to continually support the wood. Repeat for the remaining sections until the pattern has been cut out.

Photography