Bandsaw (iTech)

A large bandsaw for making straight or gently curved cuts in wood or plastic materials

Bandsaw (iTech)
Model	iTech BS400B
Sub-category	Woodworking
Status	Awaiting EX2 Setup
Last updated	24 September 2024 07:27:59
Training requirement	yes
Training link	lhs-induction-requests channel
ACnode	yes
Origin	Purchased for Space
Location	Wood shop
Maintainers	Wood shop team

This is a large machine superseding the old Startrite Bandsaw

Training is required and ACNode protected. To arrange training, post in the 'lhs-induction-requests' channel of our Discord Server

Machine Specs

• Wheel diameter 400 mm.
• Cutting width 390 mm.
• Cutting Depth 280 mm.
• Motor power 1.5kW 16a 1ph 230v.
• Blade length 3531 mm [139"]
• Max blade width 30 mm.
• Min blade width 6 mm.
• Dust connection 2 x 100 mm.
• Blade Speed 1500 m/min
• Nett weight 160 kg
• Dimensions 1680 x 770 x 650 mm
• Table height 860mm
• Table Size 578 x 420 mm
• C TYPE BREAKER REQUIRED

Maintenance and Cleaning Instruction

Ensure all the internal mechanics are cleaned once a month using the brush and the vacuum cleaner. If you are not sure how to do it ask the team.

Risk Assessment - Bandsaws

This risk assessment is intended to provide guidance on the risk associated with the above equipment and activities in normal use. Please also check general risk assessments for the space as a whole. Any discrepancies, errors or concerns should be raised with the document maintainers or trustees - do not edit this assessment directly. For responsible persons and last update, see 'version log' of the assessment page.

Activity

Cutting material with a bandsaw

Signage

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Understanding Risk Rating

LOW - Ensure current control measures are in place and continue with activity

MED - Control measures may be adequate, co-supervision is recommended

HIGH - Do not undertake activity without further consultation with area specialists

Risk Assessment

Identify Hazards	Who May be Harmed and How	Severity	Control Measures	Likelihood	Risk Rating
Incompetent user	User, Bystander	HIGH	Users must not use tools that they are not competent to use. Members must challenge use that they believe is dangerous. Users must read the user manual where applicable. Users must read the risk assessment before using a tool. Users will be advised during induction which tools they will need supervision or n induction to use. Only authorised members will complete maintenance and calibration tasks.	LOW	MED
Contact with blade	User	HIGH	Do not put hands into exclusion zone (within 10cm of blade). Use a push stick and the fence provided when making straight cuts. Do not move hands past the blade Saw should be turned off immediately after use Saw blade should stop within 10 seconds of being turned off.	LOW	MED
Drawing in (being pulled into the saw)	User	HIGH	User of the saw should not wear gloves, ties, scarves, or other long flowy clothing that could get pulled into the blade. Do not move hands past the blade	LOW	MED
Dust (inhalation, fire, explosion)	User, Bystander	MED	Stationary tools should be used with the workshop dust extractor. Maintenance must include the cleaning of dust from within the saw housing where accessible. A respirator or mask should be used whilst operating this tool for prolonged periods.	LOW	LOW
Blade snatching or jamming	User, Bystander	HIGH	Only cut wood and plastic on the band saw Do not attempt to make sharp angle cuts in one attempt Ensure a visual inspection of the band saw is undertaken before every use for physical obstructions	LOW	MED
Noise	User, Bystander	MED	Ear protection is advised.	LOW	LOW
Flying splinters	User, Bystander	HIGH	Eye protection must be worn In the workshop	LOW	MED

Induction Script

The first stage of any induction is to read and familiarise with the Risk Assessment and PPE requirements

What is a BandSaw For

Cutting wood and plastic

• Straight cuts in thick material (within limits, generally 6"/150mm without checking)
• Stopped cuts eg tenons
• Small material you can't take near the mitre or table saws
• Gentle curves
• Generally, safer than circular blades (but not always 'safe')

Alternatives:

• Mitre saw better for straight cuts on strip
• Table saw better for straight rip cuts, where thickness allows
• Mini bandsaw and/ or scroll saw for tighter curves

Parts of the Saw

Point Out:

• The blade
• Inside the cabinet, the wheels
• The wheel tension adjustment
• The top and bottom guides
• The guide height adjuster
• The table
• The fence
• The fence rail adjustment
• The table bevel adjustment
• The on/off switch

Types of Blade

'Level 1' membership from this induction does not cover changing blades and setting guides, that's a 'level 2' task. Once you're familiar with running a bandsaw please talk to us about it, the more people we have who can do that the better

• LHS default is a 3/8" 6TPI, a good all-rounder. If you do swap out, always put this one back in
• We have a 1/4" which is great for tight curves on thick material (use mini bandsaw for tight curves on thinner stuff)
• We have some thicker ones for deep resawing, which require very careful setup

How to Check the Blade Tension

Open bottom cabinet, bend it between the guide and wheel. All members should try this by hand just to get a 'feel' for what they're looking for

How to Check the Guides

Insert Jonathan video. Basically,

• All rollers almost touching, but ideally not quite
• Teeth just sticking out of the side rollers, nothing pinched

If it's not right, report to maintainers and we'll sort it

Straight Freehand Cutting

1. Set guides to the correct height, just clearing
2. Mark a line on the work
3. Turn on not touching the work, allow to reach full speed
4. Gently start cutting
5. Push through. Be mindful of hand position, ideally never parallel or directly in front of the blade, push sticks available
6. If stop-cutting, switch off before backing out
7. Allow to fully stop before collecting workpiece

Straight Cutting with the Fence

Introduce the concept of drift. Fence will intentionally never be exactly 90° to the table (exact opposite of table saw) Fence can be rotated to different positions depending on need

1. Position fence as needed
2. Procedure follows freehand cut

Curve Cutting

1. Get fence as much out of the way as possible
2. Follow procedure for freehand straight cut
3. Listen carefully to know when it's not happy

After Use

1. Always Sweep down the saw and the surrounding bench
2. For now, always hoover inside the bottom box.
3. Hoover inside the top box once a month or so. Once there is dust extraction the same will apply to the lower box.