First attempt with bandsaw box and questions

[fsdogwood]

Hi all,
Just had my first bandsaw box attempt, using glued up 2 pieces of 2x4s,
with a Delta 28-243 (1/3 hp motor), and and old 1/4" 6~7 tpi saw blade.
The result is not good, and the sawing was hard, when sawing curve, I
even staled the saw.

I have a bandsaw box book, in which the author used a benchtop saw,
powered by electrical hand drill, and the author claimed to be working
fine for him. In the book, he talked about 1/4" 15 tpi or so blade.

Given my experience, would appreciate if you could share your opinion
on the following questions:

1. have you used construction 2x4s for bandsawing box, if so what's your
experience? Is it harder to saw than, say, maple?
2. does my bandsaw have enough power (1/3 hp), for sawing even
3-1/2" thick 2x4?
3. would switch to a new, more decent blade help?

Thank you in advance.

Pinwu

PS. I am still glueing up the pieces together, at least to get me some
experience from beginning to the end.

 

[boxxmaker]

I have made several of them in the past and what I would suggest is to google how to make bandsaw boxes and the are several sites in there that can help you out better that I can explain it here in a response.This in my opinion is one of the best sites Band Saw Box I will try to answer a few questions if I can.One is that a 1/8 blade with 7 to 12 TPI will serve you better as you can turn your wood easier it will cut smother,therfore saving you a lot of sanding time.As for a 1/3 HP motor,that will do fine,just take you time an go slow and try not to back up an start over during a cut as that will make the cut rougher.As for wood Just about any wood will do,except some of the REAL dense hardwoods will be harder to cut and sand down.I used a lot of mahogany an cherry with darker colored hardwoods as accents.I think when done right they are beautifull pieces,but its not a job you can rush.I forgot to say that the more you have to sand off the sloppier you drawers will fit and you don't want that.You want the piece to look like someone has just drawn lines around it and when they pull open a drawer it is a nice snug fit.Good luck and if I can help any more just ask here PM me email me no problem
Ken
OH yes you have to have a GOOD sharp blade.A dull blade will not saw smooth and will make your saw work harder and it will show in your finished product.Also make sure your bandsaw is tuned up real good.
Ken

 

[DaveO]

Hi all,
Just had my first bandsaw box attempt, using glued up 2 pieces of 2x4s,
with a Delta 28-243 (1/3 hp motor), and and old 1/4" 6~7 tpi saw blade.
The result is not good, and the sawing was hard, when sawing curve, I
even staled the saw.

I have a bandsaw box book, in which the author used a benchtop saw,
powered by electrical hand drill, and the author claimed to be working
fine for him. In the book, he talked about 1/4" 15 tpi or so blade.

Given my experience, would appreciate if you could share your opinion
on the following questions:

1. have you used construction 2x4s for bandsawing box, if so what's your
experience? Is it harder to saw than, say, maple? Not harder, but possibly harder to saw with a bandsaw. Pine has a lot of pitch in it which can quickly gum up the blade. And being construction lumber it is generally only dried to around 19% which could be causing it to close up on the blade kerf due to the blade heat (pitch build up can add to this)
2. does my bandsaw have enough power (1/3 hp), for sawing even
3-1/2" thick 2x4? Sure if you feed slowly, letting the blade cut, and use a sharp blade
3. would switch to a new, more decent blade help? YES, I suspect that your blade was on it's way out. I use a 3/16" blade with 9 tpi, that has worked well for just about every box application. For a softer, wetter, more resiny wood like construction pine you might want a lower tpi to help clear the chips better and reduce heat build-up.

Thank you in advance.

Pinwu

PS. I am still glueing up the pieces together, at least to get me some
experience from beginning to the end.

Pinwu, my thoughts are above. Remember BS boxes are 30% BS'ing and 70% sanding.
Good luck and don't give up, they're fun to make and are great gifts.
Dave

 

[fsdogwood]

Pinwu, my thoughts are above. Remember BS boxes are 30% BS'ing and 70% sanding.
Good luck and don't give up, they're fun to make and are great gifts.
Dave

Thanks for the nice words, I __might__ post a picture of this first, ugly
box once it's done.

Regards.

Pinwu

 

[Trent Mason]

Pinwu,

You've already got some great advice. I've never tried a bandsaw box, but I did have some similar issues with mine just trying to resaw a 2x4". When mine was brand new, I put the factory blade on it and it was more or less worthless at resawing a 2x4" and I have a 3/4 HP motor. I got a 1/2" Woodslicer blade and it cut through much thicker and harder stock like butter. The blade really makes a huge difference. Get a good one, make sure it is tensioned and you'll be fine. Can't wait to see the final result. :icon_thum

Trent