Woodstock STEELEX ST1000 - Manual (Page 30)

-28- ST1000 14" Bandsaw
Stacked Cuts
Bandsaws have the ability to cut multiple copies of a
particular shape by stacking workpieces together.
Before making stacked cuts, ensure that both the
table and the blade are properly adjusted to 90°.
Otherwise, any error will be compounded with each
piece cut from the top to the bottom of the stack.
To complete a stacked cut:
1. Align your pieces from top to bottom to ensure
that each piece has adequate scrap to provide a
clean, unhampered cut.
2. Secure all the pieces together in a manner that
will not interfere with the cutting. Hot glue on
the edges works well, as do brad nails through
the waste portion. (Be careful not to cut into the
brads!)
3. On the face of the top piece, lay out the shape
you intend to cut.
4. Make relief cuts perpendicular to the outline of
your intended shape in areas where changes in
blade direction could strain the woodgrain or
cause the blade kerf to bind.
5. Cut the stack of pieces as though you were cut-
ting a single piece. Follow your layout line with
the blade kerf on the waste side of your line as
shown in Figure
37.
Cutting Curves
When cutting curves, simultaneously feed and turn
the stock carefully so that the blade follows the
layout line without twisting. If a curve is so abrupt
that it is necessary to repeatedly back up and cut a
new kerf, use either a narrower blade or a blade with
more TPI (teeth per inch).
Always make short cuts first, then proceed to the
longer cuts. Relief cuts will also reduce the chance
that the blade will be pinched or twisted. Relief cuts
are cuts made through the waste portion of the
workpiece and are stopped at the layout line. As you
cut along the layout line, waste wood is released
from the workpiece, alleviating any pressure on the
back of the blade. Relief cuts also make backing the
workpiece out easier, if needed.
NOTICE
The list below displays blade widths and the
corresponding minimum radii of each size of
blade for the Model ST1000.
Width Radius
1 ⁄
8
" ...................................... 1 ⁄
8
"
3 ⁄
16
" .................................... 3 ⁄
8
"
1 ⁄
4
'' ...................................... 5 ⁄
8
''
3 ⁄
8
'' ......................................1 1 ⁄
4
''
1 ⁄
2
'' ......................................2 1 ⁄
2
''
5 ⁄
8
'' ......................................3 3 ⁄
4
''
3 ⁄
4
'' ......................................5 1 ⁄
2
''
Figure 37. Cutting multiple pieces at once.