Finally going to buy a band saw

Jan 28, 2012
153
1
16
Texas
After quite a bit of reviewing saws I have decided on this WEN 3.5 amp, 10 inch, 2 speed saw. But before i buy it I wanted input on anyone that has it or has one similar to it. Of course i will be using this to cut cars and need it to do a good job. I expect to use it to cut other things over time. Please give feed back so i know if this is a good choice or not. http://www.homedepot.com/p/WEN-3-5-...d-Saw-with-Stand-and-Worklight-3962/206587103
 
I have a band saw very similar to this model. I use it primarily to rip the body down to size when using thicker blanks of wood, it greatly reduces sanding time. It does not cut weight pocket very well unless you use a very thin blade, still unable to make inside cuts. Does a great job at making outside cuts when shaping the body.
 
A band saw is handy. This should work fine. If you want a fairly inexpensive tool to cut the weight pockets look at Dremel they have a very small scroll saw that works well. I think mine was $80. I have since bought a large scroll saw. I would consider selling the Dremel if someone was interested.
 
I go to a local mill and just have them made (you specify the wood you want). They will come out perfect. The tools you need to make them sized perfectly and square will buy a lot of blanks. You might consider looking into a Rockwell Blade Runner. Its compact and a very versatile tool when it comes to PWD. In fact, its just very versatile just to have sitting on your workbench for whatever.

 
I go to a local mill and just have them made (you specify the wood you want). They will come out perfect. The tools you need to make them sized perfectly and square will buy a lot of blanks. You might consider looking into a Rockwell Blade Runner. Its compact and a very versatile tool when it comes to PWD. In fact, its just very versatile just to have sitting on your workbench for whatever.



Funny you bring up that saw B Regal, I picked one up a few months ago. It works ok for cutting cars , if anyone else has one i would love to hear some tips or tricks on using it to cut bodies. The price was definitely right though !!
 
no real tricks there. but I can send you one of mine if yo would like to see for comparison. every racer has a different way of cutting their bodies. some like it heavier and a bit more stiff; some like it lighter (I'm talking 2 or 3 grams here). some brace it differently and cut ladder bodies to keep it from twisting. for me, the trick it to keep the rear axle from warping when it gets thin (need to keep the rear as perfect as possible).
 
do you use the blades that came with the rockwell or a different brand? I tried cutting the car body on its side and the blade was barely taller than the block. I had to use alot of force to push the wood through the saw. I thought it would cut easier
 
I get them at Home Depot. Cutting the full width of the block may be difficult. It is with a scroll saw too. Typically, the blocks I use are already cut to 5/16" before I do the final sanding to reach 1/4" thickness.
 
Yeah - I go through some withdrawal this time of year when it comes to racing. With the crazy hayride we do for kids up to Halloween and then the animated Christmas display and the droves that come to see it, PWD just does not fit in the last 3 months of the year. In a sense, we are a slave to the display with parking cars and policing the area. Its a bit difficult to put up, but this time of year when the kids come to see, there's nothing like it in the world. They will forever remember it, which gives me a warm fuzzy feeling through the Christmas season.
 
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Blade runner questions aren't secrete, post them for all to see, LOL. Chances are you aint the only one who would like to know about Cranes answers, LOL.


Was just wondering if there was a better way to cut a standard bsa block down to size, the blades are only slightly taller than the block when it is up on its side and I had to use a good amount of force to move the block through the blade , i thought it would cut through much easier. I am using the blades that came with the saw and was wondering if there were a better replacement i could be using
 
I would use a table saw, but be very careful. Push sticks are your friend...

That was exactly my issue. they give you a guard with the saw but it isnt wide enough to push the pine block . I wanted to get the mini harbour freight table saw but the cut depth wasnt enough to cut the width of the block. Being limited on space i wanted the small table top versions. Hopefully if I get to move into a new place soon i will be able to set up shop in the basement
 
just buy thinner blocks its easier


What happenin TRE , how have you been.

It is actually the width of the block. i have the block laying on what would be the side of the car and i was trying to cut it down to a little over 1/4 inch . going to have to figure out some type of push stick to move the block through the blade