Bandsawing blanks is certainly an important aspect of this thing called turning. I currently have two bandsaws in my shop, and have owned two others that I sold to another turner. I have a Jet 18" and a Grizzly G0555LX 14" model with a riser block on it, which allows me to resaw up to 12" height. Most of the time over the last 3 or 4 years, I have used the G0555LX way more than the big Jet....why? It's because that saw is a superb performer. I am a stickler for setting my machines up correctly for peak performance and accuracy. That saw with a 1 hp motor has cut 12" tall blanks standing on end many a time. I can wholeheartedly recommend for someone wanting a medium sized saw that is feature filled and has been reliable for almost 4 years now.
Continued - I always encourage the right blade for cutting blanks from logs. I use the "Woodturners" blade from Highland Woodworking.......a superb choice for green wood and logs.
I've had a Jet 14" bandsaw for the past 20 years. It's that bluish green color. It's been a great bandsaw. I've added a riser block and a Kreg fence over the years. I keep a 3/8" Woodturners blade on it and it does everything I've ask of it. The only problem is the table isn't big enough for anything real big. I have rounded 6" thick blanks, 12 inches in diameter pecan but it was at or nearing both of our capabilities. I'd love to have one of those new 14BX Laguna bandsaws but I really can't justify it since what I have still works. Tool envy, I guess.
I have a 17" grizzly with a 1/2" lennox 4TPI blade on it. It's a good saw and the lennox blades are by far my favorite - cut nice and last long. I made a circle cutting jig to prep bowl blanks. Works like a charm. Cuts like butter down to about 5" dia. or so.
This is an older thread, yet relevant to my interests. I have a Griz G0555LX and have just ordered a riser kit, which is currently backordered for a couple of weeks. I've been mostly using it for bowl blanks, but I intend to do more resawing soon. Green bowl blanks generate a lot of build-up on the blade sides. I've come to understand that this buildup is caused/exacerbated by the roller bearing blade guides, and the buildup is lessened by the use of block-style guides. What brand and style of blade guides do you recommend for an ugrade and why?
I used cool blocks on the 14” Delta clone I had before I got the G0555LX. I have basically used the roller bearing guides with it. I did have to replace them once since they wore out on me. I got a higher grade bearings when I installed the new ones. For green wood, the sawdust/resin/moisture is something one has to deal with. This is what I do, but it requires fine motor control and I do not recommend novices try it. I use a putty knife placed on the table, put against the blade behind the teeth/gullets with the saw OFF. With a solid hold, and the blade against the table surface, I then turn the saw on and let the putty knife blade scrape the sawdust off. Remember, do not attempt if uncomfortable, or any other physical deficit. SAFETY FIRST!!!!
