Second hand wood band saw

Types of second hand wood band saws

A wood band saw is a powerful tool for making intricate cuts in wood. The working mechanism consists of a long blade with teeth running between two wheels. A used band saw is available in two main types, horizontal and vertical, which perform different functions.

• Horizontal wood band saw: The used horizontal band saw is the most common woodwork saw used in woodworking shops. It cuts wood in a horizontal plane. This wood band saw is suitable for resawing and straight cuts. Most used horizontal saws are available with larger blade sizes. They are mostly used for making straight cuts on large workpieces. Another common characteristic of the horizontal band saw is that it's automatic; once the workpiece is placed under the saw blade, it can cut without operator intervention. Many used models also have a feature that allows them to cut irregular shapes. One notable advantage of the horizontal band saw is that it can cut large volumes of wood at a high speed.
• Vertical wood band saw: This saw cuts wood in an upright position. It mostly comes with smaller blades that can make precise cuts like curves and circles. Many vertical band saws are equipped with a table that can tilt to allow for angled cuts. It is ideal for cutting wood that has a cylindrical or irregular shape. Some wood vertical band saw models include resaw band saws and contour band saws. The former can saw wood vertically to create veneers while the latter can cut intricate patterns and details on a workpiece. One advantage of the vertical band saws over the horizontal ones is that it allows the user to cut intricate shapes on a smaller workpiece with precision.

Specification & Maintenance

Some essential specifications to consider when buying a second hand wood bandsaw are its cutting capacity, speed of the blade, and motor power.

• Cutting Capacity

  The cutting capacity of a band saw is its maximum depth and width of the cut. A saw with a large cutting capacity will slice thick wood pieces. This bandwidth can vary between 12 inches to 20 inches, depending on the size of the saw.

• Speed of Blade

  Used wood band saws with a higher speed can make faster cuts through harder material. Blade speed is measured in feet per minute (FPM) and can vary between 1,000 to 3,500 FPM. Higher speed translates to better production capacity in workshops.

• Motor Power

  The motor power of the band saw determines the torque generated when cutting through wood. Saw motors are usually measured in horsepower and range between 1 to 5 HP. A motor with high horsepower will produce more cutting power and enable faster cutting.

For the band saw to work smoothly, all of the machine's critical parts must be oiled and greased. One needs to apply oil to the parts as per schedule, as this is essential for the operations of bearings, pulleys, wheel axles, and lift mechanisms. Doing this will ensure that parts do not wear out quickly.

Weapons systems manuals will often outline the maintenance schedule for certain parts. It's important to follow the maintenance schedule so that it does not break down during crucial cutting projects. Only band saws that are used in very dusty environments need to be cleaned on a monthly basis. In most other cases, wiping the saw with a damp cloth and removing debris is enough.

Scenarios of second hand wood band saws

Second hand wood bands saws can be used in various scenarios. Here are some of them:

• Furniture Making

  Wood saw machines are vital instrument used in the furniture making industry. They cut wood planks into desirable shape and size so as to create good-looking furniture pieces, like tables, chairs, cabinets, and shelves. Used band saws make precise cuts when working on joints, curved edges, and intricate designs. In this way, second hand wood band saws helps furniture makers achieve accuracy in their projects.

• Architectural Millwork

  Architectural millwork refers to customized woodwork products that enhance the architectural features of commercial spaces and homes. Examples are moldings, staircases, trims, and panels. Second hand wood band saws can cut large raw wood trees into boards of great sizes. The band saws then do the finishing by cutting and shaping the boards into the required millwork profiles. The used saws permit a high degree of accuracy and neatness, which is very important for interior wood pieces to fit well.

• Artistic Sculptures and Architectural Intrusions

  These scenarios apply to the very creative field of woodworking. Craftsmen and woodworkers sculpt and carve artistic pieces to make sculptures or decorative items. The band saws cut the wood into rough shapes before the artisan goes in to do finer details by hand. Also, in place of large door and window frames, a band saw can cut openings inside a wall or a cabinet. This kind of job requires intricate and curved cuts.

• Jobsite/Field Repairs

  Occasionally, repair works have to be done away from the workshop. Because of how portable they are, second hand band wood saws are very useful in jobsite repairs. This may be when carpenters have to fix furniture pieces or do building work in locations like a client's home or a construction site. The saw easily makes the needed cuts on wood materials right there in the field.

• Community Projects and Nonprofit Organizations

  Community projects focus on volunteer work to help locals and meet social needs. Some of the examples are building shelters, community centers, schools, and furniture for public spaces. Nonprofit groups seek to reduce cost and rely on volunteer labor. Second hand bands saws become useful tools during such volunteer exercises. They are employed to quickly and accurately produce the wood pieces required for construction and furnishing. The saws help to cut down time and expenses on materials for these good causes.

How to choose second hand wood band saws

Buying a second hand band saw can save a lot of money and get a high-performing machine. Before taking the plunge, it is important to research the following parts thoroughly to ensure that the machine will be functional and reliable even if it is used.

• Saw frame: Check the saw frame for any signs of damage such as cracks or bent areas. The frame needs to be straight and level so that the band saw blades do not wear unevenly. The blade guides and thrust bearings should also be checked for any excessive wear and tear. They should not allow any loose movement of the blade as the wood is being cut.
• Blades: Used band saws have blades that may need to be replaced soon after purchasing. Hence, look for residue build-up on the blade, such as resin or pitch. If there is too much residue, it indicates that the blade has not been cleaned enough during use and may have been overused. Check the blade's teeth for dullness. Compare the blade's performance against a new one to see how it cuts.
• Motor: The motor that powers the band saw needs to be inspected for its physical condition and its operational capacity. A quick inspection to see if there are loose wires, burned-out parts, or frayed wires can help. Listening to the sound it produces when running is also important. The motor shouldn't' chatter' or make strange sounds. If possible, run the saw and check its power.
• Bearings: The saw has several rotating components that need bearings that allow for a smooth motion. Bearings go through a lot of friction and wear out over time. All the bearings in the band saw should be checked, especially those connected to the band saw wheels, blade guide, and motor. They should be greased and turning smoothly.
• Table: The table is where the wood piece being cut sits. So, it needs to be flat and devoid of rust. If the table has not been cleaned and has a buildup of rust and debris, use a rust remover and a sander to sand it down until it is smooth again. Dust and debris should also be removed from the band saw's inner parts. This helps to avoid any fire hazards because flammable materials accumulate over time.
• Trunnions: The trunnions support the band saw table. They should be inspected for any damage or structural issues that could impact the seating of the table. If the table wobbles or moves about loosely, the trunnions may have become damaged, and the support needs to be checked.
• Fence and miter gauge: The fence and miter gauge help make accurate cuts. They need to be checked for alignment and any rust buildup. Because these two parts aren't integral, they can be cleaned, aligned, and adjusted to be functional again.

Q&A

Q1. What is the difference between a band saw and a wood bandsaw mill?

A1. The band saw machine is used mainly in workshops for cutting wood and other materials into different shapes and sizes. On the other hand, the wood bandsaw mill is a large machine used to saw logs into planks or lumber. The bandsaw mill cuts through the log in a straight line, just like in a factory setting.

Q2. Can one get a good-quality used band saw?

A2. Yes. Many woodwork companies are willing to sell their second-hand wood band saw when they need to upgrade or change their cutting equipment. The used ones are usually in good condition and can work effectively for many years.

Q3. Does a band saw waste a lot of material when cutting?

A3. One of the good things about a band saw is that it doesn't waste too much material when cutting. The blade of the saw is thin, and it cuts with a tight radius. This means that it doesn't leave a large kerf like other saws. The kerf is the material that is removed during the cutting process.

Q4. Does the direction of the wood grain affect the band saw cuts?

A4. Yes. It's always recommended to cut wood along the grain. When one goes against the wood grain, the edges of the cut may become rough. There will also be a higher chance of splintering. Cutting along the grain also helps to make smoother cuts and improves the quality of the band saw cut.