How to Use a Portable Bandsaw

Portable band saws make cutting pipe easy.

No matter what size of construction project you are working on, tower or shed, there is usually a need to cut metal or a plastic pipe to fit. If you are fortunate, you have discovered the need to cut the pipe before it is installed, but often, it is after it is in place that you find the need. Using a portable band saw will allow you to quickly and cleanly cut through all thicknesses of metal or plastic pipe that may be in places you can barely reach. You can use a portable band saw with a minimum of effort, and it takes only moments to learn how to operate one.

Things You'll Need

• Flat-headed screwdriver
• Band saw blades

Instructions

1. Turn the band saw on its side so you can see the black tension lever on the front pulley covers of the saw. Pull the tension lever toward you (most brands have a large arrow on the case that will point in the direction to pull). This will release the tension on the guide rollers so you may insert a blade. Turn the case over and open the case by removing the center screws on the pulley covers.

2. Choose the right blade for the material you are going to cut. Blades for a band saw are literally a band, a complete loop. They look much different from other types of saw blades. For a quick, rough cut through thick material, you will want a blade with large teeth. For a precision cut, or to cut through a more fragile material (like plastic), use a fine-toothed blade.

3. Insert the blade by placing the edge of the blade that is smooth (no teeth) between the pulley guides. The pulley guides are nothing more than two rollers that guide the blade as it moves around the pulley. With the tension released, you will see a gap between the rollers. Place the blade between. Make sure the blade is not twisted and fits around both pulleys.

4. Flip the tension lever back to its original position and check that the blade is securely in place. You want the entire blade to be in its track with no part of the blade rising up or off the pulley. Place the cover back on and attach it with the screws.

5. Plug the portable band saw in. With one hand, hold the rear handle and place your finger near the trigger. With the other hand, support the weight of the band saw by grasping the molded black handle at the front of the case. Squeeze the trigger to turn the saw on. Check to see that the blade is moving smoothly.

6. Adjust the speed of the band saw by pressing in the button on the rear handle above the trigger (usually marked "hi" and "lo"). Pressed in, the speed of the band saw is set to "high."

7. Begin your cut by placing the band saw against the material you are cutting and pressing the trigger. Hold the saw steady as the blade is moving.

Tips & Warnings

• In a tight space you can change the blade so the teeth face "inside" the band saw. Then slide the band saw over the pipe (through the middle gap), and the teeth of the blade will be against the material.

• Unlike other types of saws, if the body of the band saw is level, the blade will be at an angle. Make sure you are holding the saw so that the blade is level, or your cut will be in the wrong place.

References

• Using a band saw

Resources

• Different blades and their uses