Ask the Staff
Question:
About 3 years ago I purchased a new
Rikon 14" Bandsaw
. Since then I have taken a few courses at Highland Woodworking and subsequently one to build a
Maloof Rocker
. I am having trouble sawing the 10/4 x 8" stock required for the chair's head crest. I have purchased from you the
Wood Slicer Blade
but am still have problems sawing even 2" thick stock.
I have not attempted to change the bandsaw's blade speed by relocating the belts because I don't know that much about it. I see the Rikon in your store and know you recommend them, but I wonder why am I having this problem? I think Chuck Brock even used one in his rocking chair class demonstration. Please give me some suggestions.
Thanks,
Howard
Answer:
Howard,
You will definitely want to check that you are on the 2950 ft/min (fastest) speed setting on the bandsaw, which is the speed to use any time you are cutting wood. (The slower 1445 ft/min speed is intended for cutting soft metals like aluminum with an appropriate blade.) Please see the illustrations and text below from the Rikon 14" bandsaw operator's manual for instructions on how to set the appropriate blade speed.
I recommend that you try a more appropriate blade for the type of cutting you are doing. Cutting the head crest on the sculpted rocker is a curved cut and you should not attempt to use the Wood Slicer, which is designed specifically for straight cuts. You could try one of our general purpose blades in either
1/4" width
or
3/8" width.
Regards,
Highland Woodworking
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