Cutting turning blanks on the bandsaw?

[sunshine]

I know there is a way to cut turning blanks
round on a bandsaw by drilling hole in "center" of future blank, placing it on dowel that has been embedded in some sort of flat base. I can't picture how to do it without also cutting the base. Have not seen one myself. Any ideas??? http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/frown.gif

Thanks, Phyllis

[mn2tx]

You clamp a plywood base to the saw . Put a pin up from the bottom, through the plywood. Like a woodscrew. Must be in line with the cutting edge of the blade. Not in front of it but 90 degrees off to the side. As far from the blade as the radius of the future blank. Now spin the wood into the blade. the plywood does not move. That is the best I can do without drawing a picture.

[Red neck]

G'day Phyllis,

Found that the jig was difficult when the grain changed as the blank was turned resulting in imperfect circles.

Now I tend to just scribe a circle on the blanwith dividers and cut free-hand. A lot quicker and just as accurate.

Try this link for a plan: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/steve.maskery/bandsaw.htm

RN

[Sir Chiz]

Hi Phyllis,are you referring to cutting half-logs into blanks,with the bark side up?
If so,I cut some circles out of cardboard in various diameters,then tack them onto the top of the log with a screw or nail,just follow the cardboard with the BS blade,don't cut the cardboard,save and re-use.
Remember,using a jig will reduce the depth of cut of the saw.

Phil.

------------------
I Love The Smell Of Sawdust In The Morning,
It Smells Like....Victory!

[Tim the Timber Turner]

Hi Phillis!

The type of jig you discribe is of very limited use.

A better idea is to make a series of circle templates in different sizes. I use 3mm MDF and make them in 10mm increments with a hole in the center.

To use, select a disc and place it on the board and move it around or vary the size to get the best utilisation of the raw material.
Mark circle with a texta and the center hole, this is for drilling the hole for a screw chuck. Then cut freehand on the bandsaw.

For natual edge bowls I nail the disc to the timber through the center hole and cut around the outside of the disc on the band saw.

This system is much more versitile than the type of jig you discribe, give it a go.

Cheers. Tim.


------------------
Some days I turns thisaway, somedays I turns thataway and other days I don't give a stuff so I don't turn at all.

[GC]

Either Tim's or Sir Chiz's method is the way to go.

Set up a jig such as you described and used it once.


GC

[sunshine]

Mn2tx, Red neck, Phil, Tim, GC:

I knew I would get a really good answer from you and the consensus of "freehand" with circle markers, wins the day! http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/smile.gif

I am having so much fun, going back and forth between my DVR and Jet-mini, tons of shavings and glue-ups sitting all over the place "waiting for their turn (so to speak)".
Okay Tim, no laughing at segmented bowls.. Just joking http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/tongue.gif
Anyway, this turning "stuff" is amazing!

Thanks to all of you. Sunshine

[Tim the Timber Turner]

Hi Phillis!

Are you trying to wind me up????

If you are, then the Aussie term for you is a STIRRER.

As a STIRRER you would fit in well with this lot over here.

Anyway I will defend to the death your right to make that awfull segmented STUFF. In return you must defend my right to call it that.

How about a photo. I might change my mind????

Cheers Tim

------------------
Some days I turns thisaway, somedays I turns thataway and other days I don't give a stuff so I don't turn at all.

[sunshine]

Hey Tim: When I actually make one of those
SEGMENTED things that I think would qualify
in your eyes as NOT AWFUL, I might actually
send you a picture...
You are a tough critic, so it may be a
while.. http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/wink.gif

Cheers, Phyllis (Stirrer)