Popular Woodworking 2001-10 № 124, страница 15
PW Recommends equate for most operations, after-market upgrades to these guides improve tracking and decrease heat. These systems include synthetic-guide block systems (such as Cool Blocks) and, most recently, ceramic guide blocks to replace the metal blocks. These reasonably inexpensive upgrades ($15 or so) allow the blade to be held tighter without increasing heat on the blade. Other guide upgrade options include a couple designs from Carter (616-451-2928) including one to replace the blocks and thrust bearing altogether ($150), or the Stabilizer that can be used on V4" or smaller blades. It replaces the thrust and side bearings with a single grooved bearing ($65). Iturra Design (888-7227078) offers a variation that replaces the metal side guide blocks with blocks utilizing small bearings for about $60. When it comes down to deciding whether to replace your guide blocks, let your work dictate your decision. If you're disappointed with your saw's performance it may be worth a try. But you may also look to one other area that affects performance, the blade. Blades Just like your car, if you spend lots of money on a quality machine and then put cheap or ill-matched tires on it, you're not going to get the ride you expect. There are a few things to remember about band saw blades. For tight curves, use a narrower blade; with dense woods, use a blade with more teeth per inch; and for resaw-ing, a wider blade with fewer teeth per inch provides the best performance. A good general purpose blade is a 3/8" blade with six teeth per inch. PW occasional user • Delta 28-150, This two-wheel bench-top model is a great starter band saw that provides easy-to-use features without taking up a lot of space. • Grizzly G1052, For a little extra cash, this two-wheel benchtop adds a lot of metal to the mix, making it a solid performer with a larger motor. • Grizzly G1019, Though benchtop models save space, we recommend a floor model whenever possible. The bargain priced G1019 offers power, capacity and accepts a 6" riser block. serious home woodworker • Inca 205, If your working space forces you into a benchtop band saw, this model offers some pretty large features in a small space. • JET JWBS-C14CS & 14CS, A 14" band saw that has the nice features every band saw should have, the Jet is a great floor model choice for the serious home woodworker. advanced woodworker or professional user • Delta 28-280, While comparably close to the Jet above, this Delta floor model has more cast iron and continues to be a staple in many professional woodworking shops. • Laguna LT18, Pros are frequently looking for greater capacity and resawing performance. The Laguna LT18 provides both in a well-crafted European design. These tools have been tested or used by the editors of Popular Woodworking and have earned their recommendation. |
