Cutting blocks of basswood

[MichelleOH]

I just ordered a couple bulk boxes of basswood and wonder the best way to cut them into smaller sections. I don't have a saw, but would be willing to buy an inexpensive one. Is one type better than another to make these cuts?

[Claude]

Start checking out the garage sales, classified want ads, etc. for a used 9 inch bandsaw. You should be able to find one in not-too-bad-a-shape for less than $50.00. Once you find the bandsaw, contact these folks to get a decent blade for it: Suffolk Machinery Corp. You want a Timberwolf blade.

In the meantime, for small (under 4-5 inches) carvings, you can buy a coping saw at your local hardware dealer. Here's a picture of one at Woodcraft: Fret and Coping Saws - Woodcraft.com This uses a fair amount of effort to cut something out (not strength, but lots of back-and-forth motion) - so you could consider it arm and shoulder strengthening exercise, as well as cardiovascular workout.

If a $100.00 saw is within your budget, here are two of them:
At Lowes: 9" Band Saw with Light
At Home Depot: Ryobi Ryobi 9 In. Bandsaw - BS903 at The Home Depot


Claude

[MichelleOH]

Thanks a bunch, Claude! I was looking at the Grizzly Ultimate bandsaw, but maybe I'll get one of the smaller ones to begin with. As long as I can cut blocks into triangles I'll be a happy camper.

[Iowa Carver]

That Grizzly would make a fine band saw, wouldn't have to buy again, much much better saw. The little one Claude mentions will cut the blocks up ok but when you go to cutting out blank profiles, that's when the cheaper band saws get tricky and can drive you nuts.

Corey

[MichelleOH]

I'm sure it's much better quality and that's what I'm stuggling with...spend 1/4 of the money on a lesser saw or buy four lesser saws over time.

What size blades would you suggest for the Grizzly?

[Iowa Carver]

As Claude says Suffolk is the place for blades. I use 3/16 skip tooth blades to cut patterns out. I use a 3/8 inch blade to saw up stock into blank size.

Corey

[Claude]

Michelle:
I mentioned the $99 saws because most new carvers don't want to/can't spend the money on a 14 inch bandsaw. From everything I've heard on this forum, the Grizzley 14 inch bandsaw is worth every penny you pay for it. I haven't upgraded from my 9 inch Craftsman to a 15 inch bandsaw because I normally only carve small characters; but the upgrade is definitely on my "some day..." list. If you have the money, definitely get the 14 inch saw, and also get the optional 6 inch extension block for it - you won't regret it.

Claude

[MichelleOH]

Thanks again, Claude. I'm iffy on getting the Grizzly now. I'm just not sure I want to justify it for as little as I think I would use it. I may just do the $99 jobbies and move up later if I really do use it.

[Dan S]

Hey Michelle,
I'm going to disagree with buying the cheaper saw. Every time I cut a corner on a tool I regretted it a hundred times over. If you find a good deal on a good used saw you can always resell it later for at least what you paid for it. Also, I good saw is a pleasure to use and you may find more uses for it than you think. The reason the small saws are cheap is that the last owner didn't like it either.

Dan

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

You can buy the 99.00 junk, then in a short time when you throw it in the trash, you are back to making the same decision only this time you are out a 100 bucks....buy it right the first time and you are done with it.......and.......HAPPY with it! (Been there done that!)