I took the week off from work and am starting a new project. I am build a Roubo frame saw using the kit from Blackburn Tools. For the frame I am making it from rough sawn spalted ash (57" long x 8" wide x 2" thick that Blackburn tools was kind enough to sell to me at the height of the pandemic).
Last week, I didn't mind taking a cherry board down from 1/2" to quarter inch. This ash is a much harder wood and I wish I had a bandsaw (I am saving for one). I don't so I am doing it by hand tools. Needless to say, it is quite the workout. I've cut out and dimensioned the arm handle pieces. Now, I need to "just" need rip out and final dimension the two stretchers. Wish me luck.
Though, I'd prefer not to do this work, I will admit there is some satisfaction from doing it. Can't wait till I have a bandsaw.
The frame saw makes for a great re-saw tool.
ReplyDeleteWow, I remember making mine (I used beech). I was obsessed with the idea of being able to resaw by hand at the time. I learned a lot about what you can and can't do with one of those.
ReplyDeleteYou have a lot more fortitude than I, ripping that monster with that little blue thing.
Regarding bandsaws, you tend to hear a lot of "get the biggest and baddest one you can find" talk. That tends to be excessive for a hobbyist. Anything decently sturdy that won't self-destruct will help you at this stage; just make sure to use good blades and spend the time to learn how to set up the guides and stuff like that. One machine that a lot of people point to is the bog-standard 14" Delta model that's been around forever under many different names. In some markets, these are easy to come by second-hand (not in mine, though).
14-inch is the max you can go at 110v. Even then, 6 inches of resawing is a real struggle. Unless you have friends with big, really big saws, don't plan on cutting thicker than four inches of hardwood.
ReplyDeleteIt's easier to rewire for 220 and get a 17" and not be wishing.
Yeah, I know it's heresy to say that you shouldn't get something really big. But when you're a hobbyist, especially working with mostly hand tools, almost any kind of quality bandsaw is a godsend. Even if it's just for routine rip cuts that are otherwise exceptionally time-consuming.
DeleteIf you really need to resaw really big stuff in quantity? Then you have little choice but to spend thousands instead of hundreds. Every woodworker's needs and constraints are different. My hypothesis from personal experience is that for many woodworkers, a good, reasonably-attainable bandsaw that you can use right now is better than a monster model that you have to wait years to acquire.
Anecdotally, I've resawed 10 inches (southern yellow pine) on my 110v 14" saw with no effort. Sure, being 110/220v convertible, it's on the top end of 110v machines, but then again, I've seen people struggle with 4" of moderate hardwood on far bigger and more powerful 220v saws because they were using inappropriate, dull blades. Now, note the "anecdotally" qualification here.
From my perspective, I agree, just about any bandsaw is better than none. I don't need off the saw ready.
DeleteInteresting coincidence as I'm starting a Roubo frame saw today. I ordered a Blackburn kit yesterday. Please publish updates on your progress. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks all for the comments.
ReplyDeleteFindelarue, I will post the progress but it will be a while. I work slow and I've already written the next three weekly postings.
Brian, I had no choice but to rip this ash by hand. Also, I was on vacation and I really wanted to woodwork so that made the decision simple. I do agree that any bandsaw I get is better than none.
Bruce, I am likely going to get the PowerMatic 1500 bandsaw. I think it runs on 220V and I have the shop prewired for it. Will likely still need to get the electrician back into the shop for another 220V plug for the dust collection.
Thanks Marshal for the feedback on this making a great resaw tool. For my birthday, I plan to ask my wife is she can get me the Blackburn Tools kerf saw kit.
Thanks. While waiting for the Blackburn kit I'm dimensioning the frame using some great 8/4 cherry. The plank was too wide for my 14 inch '80's era bandsaw and it took this old man about 20 minutes to resaw 60 inches by hand with a century old 26 inch sharp rip saw.It was strenuous but fun. The second cut on the bandsaw was about 90 seconds. You'll like your bandsaw!
DeleteHi Findelarue, thanks for the feedback. It will be a happy day when I have a bandsaw as it gives me options to do what I want by hand. This is a fun build. As a watch out, inside the metal rectangular tubes from the kit, there is an edge/flashing on the inside. The first time I did a test fit, I didn't think much about it. It left a scratch mark on my wood. I used a file and easily removed it. When I went and watched some YouTube videos (specifically Anne of All Trade), I saw in one shot appeared to be her filing out this ridge. Makes sense to do. I might be able to steam out the dent/scratch. If not, it's not a big deal either.
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