Securing a benchtop bandsaw

[beercan]

Hello all,

I'm considering getting a bench top bandsaw. I'm aware of the advantages of a full size model, however I live in a small apartment. Luckily, I have a very large balcony to go with it, which allows for a shed and a picnic table.

I've read that a bt bandsaw should be bolted down. Could I get away with keeping it in the shed and just setting it on the picnic table when I want to use it? I only plan to make carving blanks with it.

Any advice would be appreciated.
Tom

[papasar]

Tom,
I have a 9" bench top and I carry it outside to work on my patio table. I find no reason to bolt it. In fact I like the ability to tilt it for cleaning and adjustments.
Bill K.

[Robson Valley]

I don't need any power tool to be jumping around.
I have a 8"(?) or 9" Ryobi benchtop band saw.
I bolted it to a piece of 3/4" plywood, about 3-4" bigger all around.
Makes a nice carrying tray and I can C-clamp that thing anywhere.
Did the very same thing with the Delta scroll saw.
I can slide them away or trade places as the needs arise.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Originally Posted by papasar

Tom,
I have a 9" bench top and I carry it outside to work on my patio table. I find no reason to bolt it. In fact I like the ability to tilt it for cleaning and adjustments.
Bill K.

I totally agree with Bill.

[dogcatcher]

I would mount it on a piece of plywood, 18"x24" should be enough. Then clamp it down when you use it, 2 bar clamps should be more than enough. I have a 10" Craftsman that I have by my lathe, it is on plywood and bar clamped to the table. It is what we refer to as our portable bandsaw, we can load it up and take it with us to workshops or when we take the mini lathe on a trip.

[TexasSteve]

I have a 10inch craftsman that is not bolted down and has been fine for the past few years with me moving it to wherever i need to use it.

[ka0fan]

I have the 9" Ryobi and I have it clamped on a small stand. I felt two "C" clamps were better than a suprise visit from "Murphy".
When I need to move it a few extra seconds are worth the peace of mind (and intact body parts :<) ).

[beercan]

Thanks for the feedback everybody!

[Ed. Downey]

Hi my name is Ed. Downey .I have a Ryobi bandsaw as well and I C-clamp it to my table saw because it does vibrate some .The bandsaw is new and I am having trouble cutting straight cuts with it .The 1/4 blade will twist as you push the wood into the blade .I have tried to push as lightly as possible and reset the blade setting with the same results .I thought that if I changed the blade to the 3/8 blade that it might cut a little straighter .Any help on this would be most appreciated .New- whittle/Carver

[Robson Valley]

Ed = I'm just down the street. The little Ryobi are insanely sensitive to dull blades = they take up a mid or their own. I experienced what you have and the only fix was a new blade.