Solo Sawing

[boatrat]

I can't seem to work out an effective infeed/outfeed system to bandsaw 16-18 ft. planks without running off the sides as the curves take them.I have a 25 ft. shop dimension that aims through a double door into 18 ft. width of my garage,so I've got enough distance. I'm okay with elevated saw horses for infeed, but the planks stub into or curve off most everything I cobble up for outfeed. I know I could call SHMBO but that could get old fast, and I really don't want to struggle with heavy
tables or 4x8 ply every time I saw. Lately I've been using a jigsaw. It works but I do like the bandsaw result better.Some of you must bandsaw planking in smaller shops. I'd sure like to know how you do it.

[Ken Hutchins]

All you need is at least 2 rollers or small tables on both the infeed and outfeed. For long parts such as 38 ft long planks I have a pair of rollers that mount on my tractor (nice hydraulic height adjustment :D ) for the outfeed I use 2 tables with 4 ft sq. tops of melamine. The saw is set just inside the doors for long stock, sometimes it is necessary to open the doors at the other end of the barn. For short pieces (less than 20 ft or so, I just use the 2 tables one in and one outfeed. Another help is that the saw is on casters the 2 on the left end of the base are fixed to move only left and right, the 2 casters on the right end are swivel, this allows moving and turning the saw to maintain the blade in alignment to the desired cut. With this system it is very easy to hold cut accuracy within the width of the blade for a 38 ft long cut. smile.gif
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid195/p67780032dfc91f09721fcc8fbbb923ed/f15d522e.jpg

[ 11-21-2005, 06:24 PM: Message edited by: Ken Hutchins ]

[Walcheren]

How thick are your planks? My planks for a 16 footer were 9/16" and I cut them in my 24 foot shop with a skill saw, the planks on saw horses. I could cut the curve very accurately, I could see what I was doing and a touch up with a plane finished the job. All single handed. I don't like skill saws but this worked better for me than using my big bandsaw with all the problems you describe.

[kc8pql]

Or just make some infeed and outfeed tables. This is a shaper rather than a bandsaw but you get the idea.
http://tinypic.com/fyej2o.jpg

[StevenBauer]

I just use a jigsaw. smile.gif

Steven

[Garth Jones]

Two comments....

1. I just used a jigsaw to cut the 20' or so long planks for my Ness Yawl. The 3/8" plywood is flexible enough that I would have had to build extensive infeed and outfeed tables. Much easier to just use the jigsaw and clean up the edges with a plane.

2. Ken - that is the coolest bandsaw accessory I have ever seen! Now I feel challenged to try to adapt my forklift!

[pipefitter]

I have to go with the circular saw as well...faster,smoother and prettier...not much more than a touchup with a belt sander if that.

[boatrat]

Thanks for all the input. Concensus seems to be to lock her down and cut in place(2 jig saw and 2 circle saw).Some good band saw rig ideas too. Ken, that tractor rig sure levels out the landscape, and steering the saw is a new thought to me. I've got casters on mine but always locked them down. I'll have to try that on some waste. KC8, what a great in/out setup. I love those saw horses and the simple
clamping height adjustment. Got to go experiment.

[wyndham]

Pipefitter has the plan. Set the blade on the skilsaw to just make it through the stock, keep an eye on the line and cut. Fast, efficient, touch it all up with a block plane.
The skilsaw is an amazingly versatile tool if you spend some time fiddling with it and learning a few tricks.