Mark Meckes
2nd August 2001, 04:27 AM
Bandsaw - Craftsman Bench Top Model (http://www.bamboocraft.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=639)
1/3HP - 11inch Throat ; 3" thickness cutting capacity
I have used this Craftsman band saw for a year ( since it was first
brought on the market ) and it has worked very well for me.
There are many manufacturers of band saws that I'm sure work just as well, so, compare notes and let us know.
*** PRICE
This is important - What's the best machine for the least $$$ ?
This band saw was about US$220, though I recently saw it on sale for US$197
I have seen band saws for less, but so far, none that I would want.
*** AVAILABILITY - At least in the US, it's easily available.
*** SIZE - This is a Bench top model - light weight , easy to pick up and carry outside, or transport to another location.
Larger Full-size models are MUCH more cumbersome.
*** 3 wheel works better then 2 Wheel for better blade aignment
*** 1/3 Horsepower - This is all you need for most bamboo work
*** 11 inch throat - This model offers an extra inch, comparable to other bench-top models.
*** 3 inch cutting depth - This model will cut up to a 3 inch diameter bamboo. I haven't been able to locate a benchtop model that can greater thickness than this.
*** Easy-Dial Cutting Depth Adjuster - A time saver
*** Electronic Start - Blade speed starts very quickly. This is very good, especially if you need to stop, then restart in the middle of a cut.
*** Electronic Variable Speed Control - Easy control knob for adjusting the speed from 300 fpm (feet per minute) to 3000 fpm.
*** Blades - 1/8 inch wide 15 tpi (teeth per inch)
- 1/4 inch wide 15 tpi
These are the finest toothed blades available for this model, and the best for cutting bamboo.
*** Easy tension release for blade changes.
*** Smooth table top cutting surface - Avoid table tops with
grooves...Nodal ridges get stuck in these.
*** Easy to open front panel for dust clean-out and blade change.
*** Dust collection portal for hookup to dust collection system
Apologies for not converting the figures to Metric...
Mark Meckes
1/3HP - 11inch Throat ; 3" thickness cutting capacity
I have used this Craftsman band saw for a year ( since it was first
brought on the market ) and it has worked very well for me.
There are many manufacturers of band saws that I'm sure work just as well, so, compare notes and let us know.
*** PRICE
This is important - What's the best machine for the least $$$ ?
This band saw was about US$220, though I recently saw it on sale for US$197
I have seen band saws for less, but so far, none that I would want.
*** AVAILABILITY - At least in the US, it's easily available.
*** SIZE - This is a Bench top model - light weight , easy to pick up and carry outside, or transport to another location.
Larger Full-size models are MUCH more cumbersome.
*** 3 wheel works better then 2 Wheel for better blade aignment
*** 1/3 Horsepower - This is all you need for most bamboo work
*** 11 inch throat - This model offers an extra inch, comparable to other bench-top models.
*** 3 inch cutting depth - This model will cut up to a 3 inch diameter bamboo. I haven't been able to locate a benchtop model that can greater thickness than this.
*** Easy-Dial Cutting Depth Adjuster - A time saver
*** Electronic Start - Blade speed starts very quickly. This is very good, especially if you need to stop, then restart in the middle of a cut.
*** Electronic Variable Speed Control - Easy control knob for adjusting the speed from 300 fpm (feet per minute) to 3000 fpm.
*** Blades - 1/8 inch wide 15 tpi (teeth per inch)
- 1/4 inch wide 15 tpi
These are the finest toothed blades available for this model, and the best for cutting bamboo.
*** Easy tension release for blade changes.
*** Smooth table top cutting surface - Avoid table tops with
grooves...Nodal ridges get stuck in these.
*** Easy to open front panel for dust clean-out and blade change.
*** Dust collection portal for hookup to dust collection system
Apologies for not converting the figures to Metric...
Mark Meckes