30" Oliver Bandsaw
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The primary machine in our shop is the band saw.Its versatility allows it to be used a variety of tasks in a range from the rough cutting of 3 inch stock to cutting 8 inch wide veneer less than 3 mm thick. One of three band saws in our shop, the Oliver is the most beloved. It has a three phase, 5 horse motor. This one was built in 1964, we bought it used in 1984 from a high school that was closing down its shop. The blade is 16 feet long. We use 4TPI, hook tooth, raker set blades for most operations and 6TPI for joinery and narrow (4" or less) veneer cutting. Because the force of the blade is downward rather than toward the operator, cutting is inherently safer than on a table saw. That knowledge can lead to complacency; as with any tool, lack of attention will be regretted.
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