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Making band saw puzzle box--which blade is best?

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7.3K views 4 replies 4 participants last post by  grace123  
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
First I want to thank all the great LJs who have answered my questions previously. This is a great site. I greatly appreciate the tips I have received. Without exception they have worked for me every time.

I want to make a band saw puzzle box for a Christmas present. This involves cutting a "key" into a 4Ă—4 x 6 inch wood block. I am using walnut. On my trial runs with scrap wood my results are that the blade seems to wander. I am sure this is operator error.

My questions are: Should I guide the wood slower? I am quite adept at cutting curves with a bandsaw on thinner wood, say up to 1 1/2 to 2 inches. Also, what blade would be the best for this project?

Thanks again for your help in the past and in advance for good advice.
 
#2 ·
A 3/16", 6.5 deg. hook angle, raker tooth blade would do the trick…..unless you need a sharper radius.Then you'd have to go to a 1/8" blade, which wouldn't be advisable for anything thicker than 2".
 
#4 ·
Grace,

Gene is about right on blade size and type. Furthermore, I suggest you look up this article; www.finewoodworking.com/FWNPDF/011173066.pdf. You may be required to have a online membership to view it, but they give you a 2 week trial free. If that doesn't work, let me know and I'll pm a copy. He's the man on bandsaws.

At any rate, pay close attention to blade tracking, and the upper AND lower guides. What I've found to work well is to use shop made guide blocks (unless you have rollers) of maple and just sandwich the entire blade (essential with narrow blades) instead of fiddling to get the blocks just behind the gullet. This way it can't twist. Works fine and does no harm.

Steve

Steve
 
#5 ·
Steve in KY-I used your tip about the guide blocks.

Gene-Thanks for the advice about the proper type of blade. I went to my favorite hardware store. bought the blade you suggested.

TJ65-I also realized your advice to go slow was really good advice.

I left my shop this evening feeling very pleased about the results with my bandsaw. Thank you very much for your tips. I made a very passable band saw puzzle box from a practice block. Then I used a nicer piece of wood and produced a very nice puzzle box. I plan to make a few of these for little filler Christmas presents for the men in my family.