Horizontal Bandsaw "mods"

**astroracer** · May 17, 2012, 04:48 AM

I have used milling clamps in my H/V for years... Some set-ups are impossible to clamp with the original clamp. The T-nut slips right into the slot for the clamp slider. I have thought about drilling and tapping a few holes for the clamp bolts, just haven't had the need to do so yet. I can usually get most set-ups clamped using the existing slot.

With the milling clamps I knocked the corners off this stack in less then 10 minutes...

Mark

**steve1001** · Jul 17, 2012, 06:48 AM

Well, I'll be. I do exactly the same all the time, using the same milling clamp set. I've resisted drilling into the casting as I don't fancy weakening it, and like you I have always managed to get around it. I only use light pressure when clamping up in case the casting breaks.
One of these days I will add a stop, so the fence can be returned to 90 degrees quickly and easily.

**astroracer** · Jul 30, 2012, 11:22 AM

Originally Posted by steve1001

Well, I'll be. I do exactly the same all the time, using the same milling clamp set. I've resisted drilling into the casting as I don't fancy weakening it, and like you I have always managed to get around it. I only use light pressure when clamping up in case the casting breaks.
One of these days I will add a stop, so the fence can be returned to 90 degrees quickly and easily.

Yep, light pressure, just enough to clamp the parts, especially if they can be backed up by the fench.
I haven't added stops but I did put a heavy scribe mark @ 90, 75, 60 & 45 degrees. Works well for me.

**Captainleeward** · Oct 29, 2014, 02:10 PM

Hi Astroracer great post.:O)

**Hotz** · Oct 29, 2014, 04:25 PM

Astroracer..
great idea, thanks for sharing.

**crazypj** · Nov 19, 2014, 02:05 PM

I have a set of milling clamps but hadn't thought of using them on saw. I did fit a 'zero clearance' extension to the outside of vice block so cutting short pieces is safer

**Captainleeward** · Nov 19, 2014, 06:21 PM

crazypj Got a picture of that extension?

**DIYer** · Nov 19, 2014, 06:55 PM

Good tip, astroracer. Something to keep in mind.

**crazypj** · Nov 23, 2014, 04:21 PM

Here's fuzzy pic of the piece of angle I bolted to bandsaw to support thin material. Still need packing on 'back end' of vice when material doesn't reach to pivot bolt though.
I butted it against edge of back plate then used saw blade to cut the 'zero clearance' slot.
Swarf drops through underneath, even the plexiglass I just cut

**GaryR** · Jan 23, 2015, 07:44 PM

Hi Guys,
Had a couple minutes yesterday and decided to get the Jet bandsaw set to cut at 90 degrees as close as I could and drill a 1/4 inch hole through the back jaw and the base. Now I don't have to guess when cutting if I am at 90 or not. I can still pull the pin and move the back jaw.
GaryR