Mark Meckes
1st April 2006, 01:30 PM
This Delta Shopmaster benchtop bandsaw can cut up to 3 1/2" (9cm) diameter bamboo, though it only has a throat/cutting depth of 9" (23cm).
This is a new acquisition (Lowes,USA for around $100).
http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/510/thumbs/1031214-523F.JPG (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=474)
The bandsaw is one of my favorite power tools because it cuts bamboo easily and quickly, and I can do curved cuts.
Because I need to work outdoors for dusty work, the benchtop bandsaw is lightweight and easy to carry.
I could only cut to 3" thickness in previous benchtop models I've had, and as I'm working with larger bamboo now, that 1/2" extra really makes a difference for me.
The bigger bandsaws are much more expensive, can't be easily moved around, and you need a workshop with a dust collector... something I'll get maybe one of these days, but not now....
I haven't put this Delta `Shopmaster'' bandsaw through a gruelling work trial yet to give my opinion, though I did notice while ripping a bunch of poles (length-ways) that it seemed noisier than other benchtop bandsaws that I've used - perhaps because the outer door is made of plastic, and the inside workings is shaped like a boom-box.
I''m going to glue foam padding to some of the inside compartment to dampen the noise.
I don't think most people would be too bothered by the noise of a bandsaw, as, when it comes to power machinery, bandsaws are pretty mild in comparision...but I'm certain when the engineers designed this bandsaw, that they had no concern or idea of the acoustics caused by the case that this machine was being enclosed in.
Anyway, nuff said about my sensitive ears and also concern for my neighbors peace of mind.
Mark
This is a new acquisition (Lowes,USA for around $100).
http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/510/thumbs/1031214-523F.JPG (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=474)
The bandsaw is one of my favorite power tools because it cuts bamboo easily and quickly, and I can do curved cuts.
Because I need to work outdoors for dusty work, the benchtop bandsaw is lightweight and easy to carry.
I could only cut to 3" thickness in previous benchtop models I've had, and as I'm working with larger bamboo now, that 1/2" extra really makes a difference for me.
The bigger bandsaws are much more expensive, can't be easily moved around, and you need a workshop with a dust collector... something I'll get maybe one of these days, but not now....
I haven't put this Delta `Shopmaster'' bandsaw through a gruelling work trial yet to give my opinion, though I did notice while ripping a bunch of poles (length-ways) that it seemed noisier than other benchtop bandsaws that I've used - perhaps because the outer door is made of plastic, and the inside workings is shaped like a boom-box.
I''m going to glue foam padding to some of the inside compartment to dampen the noise.
I don't think most people would be too bothered by the noise of a bandsaw, as, when it comes to power machinery, bandsaws are pretty mild in comparision...but I'm certain when the engineers designed this bandsaw, that they had no concern or idea of the acoustics caused by the case that this machine was being enclosed in.
Anyway, nuff said about my sensitive ears and also concern for my neighbors peace of mind.
Mark