Laguna Tools 16HD Classic, Manual

Page: 8 / 100

8
Introduction to bandsaws
This bandsaw is designed to give you years of safe service. Read this owner’s
manual in its entirety before assembly or use.
The bandsaw is generally defined as a saw blade in the form of an endless steel
band that rotates around two or more wheels. This blade is a continuous metal
band with teeth on one side. As the wheels rotate, so does the band, which
creates the continuous sawing action. Because the direction of the blade is
always downward toward the table, there is little danger [except for special
cuts] that the wood will be thrown back at the operator, which is called a
kickback. There is always danger of kickback when a circular saw is being used.
For safety reasons many woodworkers prefer the bandsaw especially when
cutting small pieces. The unique feature of the bandsaw is that the work piece
can be rotated around the blade creating a curve. It is the tool most often used
when curves have to be cut in wood. Because the bandsaw blade is fairly thin,
it can cut thick stock with a minimum of horsepower. For this reason the
bandsaw is often used when valuable pieces of wood are made into a thin piece
of veneer.