Woodworker's Journal 1994-18-3, страница 21
BENCHTOP No woodshop is complete without a band saw. Small or large, these versatile machines can handle a variety of cutting chores—from scrollwork, to ripping and crosscutting. to miters, bevels, and compound cuts. Larger, stationary models can even be used to resaw thick stock or rough out bowl blanks. You'll find plenty of uses for a band saw. but if your shop space is limited. you may not have the room for a full-sized floor model. If this is the case, consider buying one of the eight benchtop models featured in this review. As with other benchtop machines, benchtop band saws don't have the power or capacity of their larger stationary counterparts. But. most of them are comparable in many other respects cutting accuracy, durability, ease of adjustment, and overall quality of machining. Of course, you can't expect them to perform like a large expensive machine, but they're a far cry from the cheesy little "hobbyist" toys from which they evolved. So. if you're cramped for space, or simply don't use a band saw enough to justify buying a big one. consider one of these little guys. brush mounted near the bottom wheel to sweep sawdust off the spinning tire, which improves blade performance and extends tire and blade life. An induction motor drives the fixed bottom wheel (or rear lower wheel on three-wheel models), either directly off the motor shaft (direct drive) or by means of a belt/pulley system (belt drive). The Dremel. Ryobi and Skil saws are belt-driven; the rest are direct-drive saws. The adjustable top wheel raises and lowers to increase or decrease blade tension, and tills on its vertical axis to allow blade tracking adjustment. On most band saws you tension and track the blade by means of tensioning and wheel-lilt knobs, levers, or adjustment screws projecting through the upper wheel housing. The blade passes downward through a hole in the band saw table, which is covered by a removable throat plate. (The plate helps support small work pieces and prev ents small cutoffs from jamming the blade or falling through the table). On most saws, the table lilts 45 to 50 degrees to the right (as you're facing the blade teeth); some also tilt 6 to 10 degrees to the left (noted in manufacturer's specs as a negative (-) tilt). Blade-guide assemblies above and below the table stabilize the blade. Each assembly consists of two adjustable guideblocks on either side of the blade that prevent twisting and sideways movement, and a rear thrust bearing to keep the blade from deflecting backwards when you run (he stock through it. The upper guide assembly raises and lowers on a movable guide post to accommodate various stock thicknesses. A twist knob locks the guide post in the desired position above the table. Withoui the guide assemblies. it would be nearly impossible to keep the blade from wandering off the cutting mark or jumping the wheels. The wheels, motor and table arc all supported by a rigid, one-piece cast-aluminum frame. We Test 8 Compact, Curvaceous Machines Band Sum Basics The concept is simple: A long, thin, flexible wclded-steel blade rides in a continuous kwip on two or three metal or plastic wheels. ( Editor's Note: See page 14 for a detailed band saw illustration.) The wheels themselves are fitted with crowned rubber tires to prolecl the blade teeth and to help keep the blade from slipping off the wheel. Some models have a small tire May/June 1<W4 21 |
