Cutting Risers with a Cheap Bandsaw

[BMorv]

So I have a dinky 9 in bandsaw with 1/3 hp motor.  I'm looking to make a jig for cutting radius riser pieces.  Is anyone cutting risers out using a small 9" bandsaw?  
In my experience, my saw blade wanders and just doesn't have the power to cut through riser material, even going slow.  I don't want to waste my time making the jig if it won't cut it straight.

[BMorv]

And I'm using the widest blade my saw will accept, 3/8", 4 tpi.

A large capacity bandsaw is in the works, but not for a few more months.

[T Folts]

I don't think is will work well for you. The saw will need to be tuned perfectly and a new blade. If it wonders at all you will play hell trying to get the riser to fit back together. I use to use a Grizzly 14in saw and still had issues some time with fit.

[BMorv]

Yeah I was thinking the same thing, T Folts.  
I can use my POS bandsaw to make a jig for hand sawing the risers.  It does cut right through 1/8" plywood, lol.

[Frank Delaura]

I use a 9 inch all the time for my risers , I made a home made jig . and it works great . keep the saw tuned properly and use a good sharp blade .

[BMorv]

I figured there was someone out there using a 9".  What blade width and tpi do you use?  
Yeah my blades are new (Olson) and I tune it the best I can.  The adjustment and guides on mine are not precise.

[monterey]

I was advised on another site to learn how to set up a bandsaw and it was a huge improvement all over.  To celebrate, I went to Lowe's and got a new 3/8 blade.  It's a Bosch.  Can't go wrong with that brand, eh?  WRONG!  It's a lousy blade.  

Just mentioning that because it points up the importance of blade quality.

I noticed Kenny mentioned that he gets his blades online.  I think he mentioned Lennox.

[Forwardhandle]

Lenox are great blades but $$ I only use mine for speacial cuts and then put  a run of the mill generale blade back on they last a long time & cut nice !

Originally posted by monterey:
I was advised on another site to learn how to set up a bandsaw and it was a huge improvement all over.  To celebrate, I went to Lowe's and got a new 3/8 blade.  It's a Bosch.  Can't go wrong with that brand, eh?  WRONG!  It's a lousy blade.  

Just mentioning that because it points up the importance of blade quality.

I noticed Kenny mentioned that he gets his blades online.  I think he mentioned Lennox.

Yes...  I bought some Bosch jigsaw blades and they would snap if you looked at them...

   Hey Morv, If you are gonna get into this I would start eyeballing Craigslist and get a 14" saw...  I personally like block guides over bearings...

[BMorv]

Oh I'm getting a 17" grizzly 2 HP saw as soon as my workshop is finished.  It's my wife's Christmas present to me this past year, I just need the room and 220V power to run it.  I plan to do some resawing with it.  
This is in the meantime 3-5 months making do with what I have and getting out my swap bow and a few other commitments.

Hell Yeah...  You'll be a happy camper then...

[macbow]

Here is a you tube link on bandsaw set up.
Really helped me set up my grizzly.
Blades and bearings last a lot longer now.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGbZqWac0jU&feature=share

[BMorv]

Update: I put on a brand new blade and I greased and adjusted all of the guides/bearing/table and was able to get a decent cut freehand.  I think it will cut with a jig.
One thing I think I forgot to do last time was ADJUST THE GUIDE to just above the work piece.  
  [/url] [/IMG]

[kennym]

I check tune on all parts every new blade. Surprising how stuff needs fine tuned a bit....

[Forwardhandle]

I do the same as Kenny  every time I change a blade or blade position of it on my wheels ,some times my saw can be finicky where it likes the blade on the wheel. but when it the sweet spot it's a pleasure .

[Roy from Pa]

Heck it's only a gwass bow..