bandsaw?

[liverlips]

do i need a bandsaw to cut blanks? i'm just starting and i have some knives and other tools but i am wondering if i need to get a bandsaw.

thanks,
liver

[BobD]

Liver,
A bandsaw speeds up the process, but I don't have one at home. i use a coping saw, and sometimes just rough out with a large chisel.

Bandsaws are one of those things that if you get one, you want to get a decent one--a low quality one will be more frustrating than useful!

Bob Duncan
Wood Carving Illustrated

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

A bandsaw is a very nice "luxury"! lol if you are going to buy one, take a look at the Grizzly G0555 model..I have a Ridgid, good saw but a lot more money than the Grizzly.

[liverlips]

i'm just starting out. what is a coping saw? is that like a mitre?

Originally Posted by BobD

Liver,
A bandsaw speeds up the process, but I don't have one at home. i use a coping saw, and sometimes just rough out with a large chisel.

Bandsaws are one of those things that if you get one, you want to get a decent one--a low quality one will be more frustrating than useful!

Bob Duncan
Wood Carving Illustrated

[BobD]

A coping saw is a hand saw with a wide "throat" and a very thin blade that lets you cut out intricate shapes. Here is a link to a few examples

http://www.dickblick.com/zz349/33/

Bob

[liverlips]

excellent, thanks a lot!

one last question: i have a peice of basswood about 2 feet long and maybe 5" wide and 3" thick. i want to cut it down to a square stick so i think i need to rip the board. i'm guessing that a coping saw won't do the job. any suggestions? i guess what i can do is cut it down to 5" peices (i'm practicing carving carictures about that size) and then cut the peices lengthwise with the coping saw.

thanks,
liver

cross

Originally Posted by BobD

A coping saw is a hand saw with a wide "throat" and a very thin blade that lets you cut out intricate shapes. Here is a link to a few examples

http://www.dickblick.com/zz349/33/

Bob

[BobD]

Do you have any woodworking tools? A circular saw, jig saw, anything besides the chisels? The coping saw will do the task, but it may be a bit ragged--the coping saw isn't designed to cut a straight line--and it will take forever.

For somethign like that, you may need to find someone with a bandsaw or table saw to help you out!

Bob

[squbrigg]

Too long to try and cut with a coping saw, do you have a friend with a good bandsaw or table saw? How about a local woodworking shop or timber supply, they might/could rip it for you, for a few bucks. This is why I bought a good quality bandsaw, but don't bother if it is just one or two small sticks, or if you aren't into carving for the long haul.

Bob

[artolver]

Liv... You should just do it with a knife.
When I started out, I used my jack-knife. My first real carving tool was a Europian style carving knife and thats all I used from start to finish.
Something small like caracatures doesn't require a band saw unless you're in mass production. On the other hand bandsaws are so much fun doing all sorts of stuff, and Ive got the scars to prove it.
Art

[Lightningbolt]

Ditto's on the coping saw!! Back in the 1980's I worked as a live-in counselor at a wilderness camp for kids waaaaaaaay back in the woods. We used the coping saw religiously for our woodcarving projects and it's a great tool to use when breaking into carving. I think that kids should learn how to use a coping saw before being introduced to the band saw and I'm sure that they'll appreciate it when they're older.

Concerning bandsaws it is my opinion that all of the little benchtop models suck with a capitol "S". Some tools are fine under the benchtop label but a good full size bandsaw is worth its weight in ebony & zebra wood shavings!!