Popular Woodworking 2000-11 № 118, страница 18

Though it seems like a simple machine

(two wheels and a blade), there is a lot to consider when buying one.

he band saw is a versatile woodworking tool able to cut circles, curves, follow templates and even make cutting complex three-dimensional shapes such as a cabriole leg a simple task. The band saw is also the tool of choice for resawing and cutting thicker wood to size.

There are a wide variety of band saws available to fit almost every need. From two- or three-wheeled benchtop models, on up to 24" floor models designed to resaw wide boards like butter. To choose the best band saw for your needs, first determine what you want the tool to do, then decide how much space you have to do it in.

Benchtop Models

If you're in tight working conditions, or saving some money is important, bench-

top models can be the answer.

Two-wheel benchtop models are usually 9" or 10" saws. The "size" of the saw is loosely determined by the diameter of the wheel. The throat depth (between the blade and the neck of the saw) is usually an inch or so less than the diameter. Two-wheel models can be as affordable as $170, but more capable models cost more. Larger benchtop models (up to 15") are available, but the prices are about the same as a floor model, so unless you just don't have the space it's not a great deal.

You also have the choice of a two- or three-wheel model. Though two-wheel models are by far more common, three-wheel models offer greater throat depth by using the third wheel to orient the blade in a triangular path. Drawbacks are that