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SHOPSMITH 11” BANDSAW
555943
Operations
The bandsaw blade cuts with a downward motion,
toward the table. Because it cuts continuously, you’ll
find the Bandsaw is one of the fastest cutting tools in your
shop.
You can also cut materials other than wood. With the
proper blade installed, the Bandsaw will cut plastic,
plastic laminates, particle board and even soft, nonfer-
rous metals such as copper, brass and aluminum. If the
Mark V is the Bandsaw power source, you can use the
optional Shopsmith Speed Reducer with the Bandsaw to
cut an even wider range of materials.
Once you have used the tool for some time and have
become thoroughly familiar with it, you may want to
learn about advanced techniques such as pattern saw-
ing, cutting dovetails, Bandsaw sculpture and more. As
with any power tool, never attempt any operation that is
beyond your proven skill and ability. Practice the tech-
niques described here before trying more advanced op-
erations.
CAUTION
Study each Bandsaw operation carefully. If
you’re in doubt about how to complete it safety,
do not try it. Contact Shopsmith Customer
Services.
Selecting the Right Blade for
the Job
The Shopsmith Bandsaw comes with a 1/4"-wide wood-
cutting blade, suitable for many different woodworking
operations. However, this is only one of several blades
available for your machine.
The Shopsmith Bandsaw can mount any blade 1/16" to
5/8" wide and 72" long (within 1/2"). When using 1/16"
blades, you must install optional Cool Blocks (Part No.
555374) in place of the standard metal blade guides.
Choosing the right blade for the job depends on:
•
The kind of material you’re cutting
•
The thickness of the stock
•
The Bandsaw operation you’re performing
•
The intricacy of the cut
The wider the blade, the larger the teeth and the deeper
the gullets. The added width makes the blade stiffer, so
the cut is straight. The larger teeth and deeper gullets
help clear the sawdust in a thick cut. Wider blades are
the beat choice for heavy resawing or sawing thick stock.
Narrower blades are suited for intricate work. And the
narrower the blade is, the tighter the radius it will cut.
Choose narrow blades when you need to cut complex
designs.
Bandsaw Blade Selection Chart
Description
1/16" Blades-For extra fine detail work only. Use with wood and other softer
materials up to 2" thick. Turning radius is 1/8". Feed stock gently and slowly. Must
use optional Cool Blocks (Part No. 555374) in place of standard metal guide blocks.
Not for medium-duty cuts or resawing. Note: Set the tension scale at the 1/8" setting.
1/8" Blades-For very fine detail work only. Use for wood and plywood up to 3" thick.
Not for heavy-duty cuts or resawing.
1/4" Blades-A good general purpose blade for wood, plywood, plastics, particle
board, and soft, nonferrous metals. Limit resawing to stock 4" thick, metalwork to stock
1/4" thick. A 1/4" blade comes with your Bandsaw and is already installed.
1/2" Blades-For heavy-duty cutting of wood, plywood, plastics, particle board, and
soft, nonferrous metals. Suitable for resawing stock up to 6" thick, and metalwork
in stock up to 1/2" thick.
5/8" Blades-For heavy-duty resawing. Efficiently handles wood up to 6" thick.
Straight cuts only. Note: set the tension scale at the 1/2" setting.
Recommended Speed
Ranges (in rpm)
850 rpm for hardwood
850 rpm for softwood
950 rpm for hardwood
1,050 rpm for softwood
850 rpm for hardwood
950 rpm for softwood
700 (or slower) rpm for other materials
700 rpm for hardwood and softwood
700 rpm (or slower) for other materials
700 rpm for hardwood and softwood
