Much help need with blank and pattern

[carvedbears61]

Hello all, I'm in need of much help on my first blank. I have cut the blank the proper size and have started to transfer the pattern on the blank; front and
back are penciled on. To make my fist cuts with bandsaw where do I cut in
at at sides ? or top? Does the side profile come into play here.

[DADDIO]

i cut mine out just doing the side profile,please please be super careful on the band saw,don't know how much experience you have with that saw but it can hurt and maime you very quick,watch getting it into a bind good luck and be safe

[Mottles]

When working from a block I draw my pattern in two places, front view and side view. I always start on the side view first and line my bandsaw blade to cut the all horizontal cuts first. Then I cut the vertical ones. This works for me other's may have another way they like to make their cuts.
Like, DADDIO mention safety first with these bandsaws--they have no heart. Please be careful.
Kathy

[bobddahl]

As you read from the previous, there are many ways to approach cutting blanks.

Some cut the front view first. The cut doesn't go all the way. By that I mean you cut to about an 1/8 to say the top if you started at the bottom. Then back the blade out. If the blade gets stuck, turn off the band saw and back the blade out. Then do the other side the same way. If you do not stop before the end, you will have to hold the part cut off against the block so you can do the sides.

Be careful when you back out, if you pull to much the blade will come of off the wheel.


Cuts do take some practice.

Good Luck,

[carvedbears61]

Thanks for help, I will be careful in need all my fingers . Do I lay the pattern on as is and draw then cut. If any other people Know where I might get some pic to see on net.

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

Alternative method.

Complete the cuts all the way through (either front or profile). Using double stick tape tape the pieces back on, then the uncut part.

I carve for the relaxation/enjoyment, so have dispensed with the whole saw bit and just whittle away at the block. Just making chips is satisfying to me.

[Thomp]

carvedbears61,

I use a scrollsaw but i carve small things,

you have recieced some great answers but i feel if your a new bandsaw owner or unexperianced user.remember when using a bandsaw it wants to twist and control the wood, especally when your cutting stock that isent flat.
if and when you cut out one view the second side is no longer flat,

so when your cutting out carving projects insure the intended carving is as flat to the table as you can keep it.. by using the scraps from the side profile to cradle the carving when cutting out the front view.it will keep the block flat to the table.


like you i draw the pattern on the block or tape the pattern on 2 sides with packing tape,
cut out one profile, keep all the scraps and tape them back in place to make the block as flat and stable as possible, and clear packaging tape allows you to see the pattern through it.
now having a stable block again, cut out the other side,
if you break the tape and the block falls apart, stop the saw and retape it and finish up the cut...

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I wouldn't try to back out the blade with the bandsaw running if you are not experienced and even then, I still shut the saw off to back out the blade....safer and only takes a second, why take a chance? For the pattern, you can either cut all the way with one cut and put the piece back on with two sided tape to be able to cut the other profile, or you can cut leaving small areas of wood, just enough to keep the piece you cut off from separating from the blank....remember you need a flat side down to be able to cut a profile cut safely......you don't have to follow the lines exactly either, a basic rough cut to get the bulk of the unnecessary wood removed is good too as we do have knives lol

[Woodartist]

I have to agree with Dave about backing a piece out of a bandsaw blade. Safety first, says to not do the "back out." At least that was the way I was taught. I never had an accident on a band saw but did have an injury from a table saw..........so I'm a bit paranoid about safety, and other things

[Smee]

I don't have to back the blade out. When I get to the top, I cut a small circle and go back down. You may have places that you had trouble cutting going up. This takes care of them, too.