Thread: I need high accuracy on my bandsaw

Redwood, I have no drift issues that I can't easily resolve.

I'll think about what you wrote, Groggy.


I see the Incra item, that they call the TS-LS. They show it here:
http://www.incra.biz/Products/TSLS.html

I don't know if that TS-LS is that whole contraption in the photo, or just the instrument in the middle. That instument in the middle, looks like it could be attached to a bandsaw fence, and make it a piece of cake to set, and return, to any previous setting I've ever used.

For resawing 1/8" stock, I'd like to set my fence 1/8" from the blade, plus 3/64ths. For resawing 1/4" stock, I'd like to set my fence 1/4" from the blade, plus 3/64ths (you get the idea). Basically, when I resaw my stock 3/64ths over my desired thickness, I've left enough wood such that my planer can then remove the 3/64ths to get it dead on.

I think you would have a great deal of trouble fitting an Incra TS fence to your bandsaw. They need a heap of room to the left of the blade because of the length of the main column. The locking mechanism itself is about 8" wide.

However, if you are game you could cut one down to fit. Your main problem would be fitting the main column in the space between the blade and the pillar on your BS. You could offset it perhaps. You need enough length on that column to give you the range of adjustment you need to the left of the blade. Make it too long and you wont be able to cut thicker planks. Make it too short and you wont be able to do the smaller sizes.

Would be an expensive experiment though. Let us know if you do it

Another way is to clamp a reference block to the fence, then use spacer blocks of different lengths to allow you to quickly set the fence to 1/8, 1/4 etc.

Or, use a modified taper jig to do the cuts i.e. no taper, just set the notch to the blade where 1/8 or 1/4 or whatever is required. A jig for each setting would be needed.

After each cut, the log should be jointed to provide a reference surface for the fence to give the accuracy you want.

Some sites with info:
John Lucas's site - "Bandsaw resawing"
Woodworkers Workshop
Maybe modify this TS jig for a BS.

$ Plans
Bandsaw Table

Other Jigs:
Disc cutter
Small parts pusher
A Lawyer's Sled Jig (I warned you)

Products:
Mule Fence

Reference:
Resaw 101 (PDF File)

Kreg makes a bandsaw fence:

It has an optional micro-adjuster, but I wonder if the extrusion is long enough for your 24" saw?

Anyway, here's the link to this fence on sale until Jan 10...

http://www.hartvilletool.com/product/11852

Greg

gregoryq, I'm using that fence by Kreg, right now. It's barely long enough.
The micro adjuster is very good, and using the Kreg is much better than nothing at all. It doesn't, however, have any facility to return to a previous cut however.

Looks like my best bet will be to use spacer blocks, or a calipers.

Just scribe a few lines onto your BS table. You can then visually set your blade width to whatever you want.
If that isn't repeatable enough, then drill a few holes at the correct places that will allow you to drop a pin into the hole and VERY accurately reset your fence to the desired width.

Hi all,

All the discussion is very logical and hunts around the key issue........What's the best way of getting repeatability????

That's where Incra have made their name and for simple bandsawing the reborn Incra Original Jig would seem to have all the features necessary.

This is a re-engineering of Incra's first jig from back in 1989, it has 200mm range and is super simple and basic, ideal for fitting on a bandsaw.

They will be available in FULL METRIC within 2 weeks.

At $133 for the positioner or $250 for the positioner & fence, right angle fixture etc. it's a inexpensive way of getting the famous Incra accuaracy. It comes with a very useful 1 hour DVD.

Check out http://www.woodworksupplies.com.au/category37_1.htm.

I hope this helps.

Regards

The Woodworker

Originally Posted by Gwhat

All the discussion is very logical and hunts around the key issue........What's the best way of getting repeatability????

No it is What's the point of getting repeatability????

I think it's pretty safe to say that even highly tuned bandsaws cant produce the type of repeatable accuracy this gentleman wants. It's not a fence issue, it's a blade issue. A thicknesser can provide much more speed, repeatability in thickness accuracy. Resaw, Bandsaw. finish, thicknesser.
Cheers. Gary.