Increasing the Capacity of a Horizontal/Vertical Bandsaw

[rgsparber]

I have been using Mike Cox's folding bandsaw table for over a year with great results. It goes into position quickly when I'm running vertical and then flips up for horizontal cuts.

Recently I ran into the classic problem of having the stock hit the bandsaw frame before my cut was over. I then realized yet another reason to really like Mike's design. By tilting the table up 45°, I was able to increase capacity by 40%.

If you are interested, please see

http://rick.sparber.org/ICBS.pdf


Your comments are welcome. All of us are smarter than any one of us.

Thanks,

Rick

[Ftownroe]

Excellent idea Rick. Sometimes the best ideas are the simplest. I wish I had your insight two days ago when I encountered this problem and had to break out the hand saber saw to complete the cut.

[Paul Alciatore]

Rick, That's a great idea. And now I have another project that I need to find time for.

Thanks!

[rgsparber]

If anyone does this mod, please send me pictures. I’ll add them to the article along with your name.

I’m still thinking about adding a stop so I don’t need to fool with the Vise-Grip. Any ideas?

[drmico60]

Rick,
Thanks for that idea and the clear explanation. I am sure it will come in handy.
Mike

[thehomeengineer]

Hi Rick
Also by tipping the material, you are increase the thickness of the cut therefore this is an advantage as more teeth are in contact with the work piece. I know not by much but on thinner materials, this makes a big difference to blade selection. A 2mm thick piece of material angled at 45 degrees increases to 2.83mm across the cutting plane.
If my maths is right cutting 2mm, stock would require a minimum blade of 14TPI to have two teeth in contact but by tipping the work piece, 45 degrees and changing the blade to 18TPI this would increase the cut to three teeth. Which is better for cutting and for the band saw blade. Even 18TPI cutting 2mm stock would still only have two teeth in contact with the work piece.
Please feel free to check my calculations just in case I have it wrong.
Thank you for sharing, definitely worth considering as my guillotine only cuts 1.6mm stock

[DIYer]

Thanks Rick! We've added your Bandsaw Table Capacity Modification to our Miscellaneous category, as well as to your builder page: Rick's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Bandsaw Table Capacity Modification by Rick Sparber

tags: bandsaw, table, modification