2006-12-05 22:47:11 · 11 answers · asked by ggfrobdawn 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
You must have the entire tooth of the blade including gullet above the surface of the wood for the blade to cut correctly and keep heat to a minimum. Some one above wanted a source so I went to the Forrest saw blade website. They are probably the finest saw blade made for cabinetmaking and fine woodworking. They claim the blade should be 1" to 2" above the wood. This produces 300 to 500 degree cooler temperatures. Here are their instructions.
http://www.forrestblades.com/Forrest_Saw_Blade_Instructions.pdf
If you use your safety guard it does not matter how far above the wood the blade is. I realise this is not always practical but it usually is.
2006-12-06 09:37:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alias.... and others.... Raising the blade above the 1/8 to 1/4 inch above the material will make the blade run hotter, not cooler. The more blade that is exposed will mean more blade is in contact with the wood, causing more friction and more heat.
Following these rules works, in 16 years, only once did my hand slip and run across the blade. It didn't even cut all the way thru the skin because the blade was set 1/8 inch above the surface of the wood.
Also, raising the blade will increase the angle at which the blade is actually cutting, thus increasing the chance for tear out, especially in plywood. Lower blade decreases angle and decreases tear out.
I would really be interested in knowing your source for your information!!!
Honker... you and alias must be from the same school, but different from the school I attended. However, maybe you did solve one puzzle for me. I have always wondered why so many crafstmen are missing a part of a finger or more. Now I know. Someone has been telling folks to keep about an inch of the blade exposed. I will agree, there is a slight problem with the board rising over the blade when you start the cut. I have found this more of a problem with dull blades. The other cause of kickback is from not having the fence parallel to the blade. The issue of blade running hot is very minor unless you are cutting very thick materials, and then the rule is... less blade exposed, less friction, less heat... it is a simple matter of physics.
Properly setting the saw and having sharp blades will minimize kickback problems. Any kickback problem is not near as dangerous as loosing parts of your body... keep your bades down!!!
2006-12-06 00:24:18 · answer #2 · answered by tmarschall 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've been in this a long time, and with respect I disagree with answer number 1. Unless he meant 1/4 above ANY size/thickness of stock being cut.
For max efficiency, speed, and issues like stalling or burning, keep the blade only at a height necesary to make the cut, without the balance of the blade surface traveling through the cut.
Also know the tool. If the motor is rated then follow that, even with a sharp blade. Keep a sharp blade in use always, and don't attempt cutting stock not meant to be cut on the saw.
When not in use lower the blade below the table surface.
Rev. Steven
2006-12-06 00:03:16 · answer #3 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For safety reasons the blade should be set no more than a 1/4" ABOVE the thickness of the wood.
At this setting, if by chance your hand should contact the blade,the damage to your hand should be minor to moderate but at least you keep all fingers.
If the blade is set any lower than this the wood will try to raise posing other problems.
2006-12-05 23:05:39 · answer #4 · answered by kurt r 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've always set the blade about 1/8 to 1/4 inch higher than the thickness of the wood. Easiest way to do this is to place your piece of wood against the side of the blade & raise it up till it's slightly higher than your piece. Going higher has no real benefit that I'm aware of. Happy woodworking!
2006-12-05 22:57:25 · answer #5 · answered by otis8man 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Alis u has the right approach, you got to keep the blade cool and high enough so KICK-BACK won't become an issue.
I was taught a rule of thumb, keep the base of the teeth of the saw slightly above the wood thickness.
2006-12-06 03:05:51 · answer #6 · answered by honker 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sawblade should be set so no higher than necessary to cut through the material you are cutting. say 1/8 inch. cutting a 2X4? they are 2 an 1/2 inches thick so set the blade to 2 and 5/8 inches.
2006-12-06 01:46:22 · answer #7 · answered by peckerwud2 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the blade needs to cut cleanly, and the blade needs to carry the heat from friction away, so about 1/4" through the wood.
2006-12-06 01:11:01 · answer #8 · answered by T C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your are sawing plywood about 1 inch higher , if you are sawing solid woods about 1 and a half inches higher , setting your blade as high as you safely can gives a cleaner cut and keeps the blade cooler.
2006-12-05 23:53:08 · answer #9 · answered by alias u 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It dependens how thick the wood is, Always 1/4 inch lower than the thickness of the wood
2006-12-05 22:50:00 · answer #10 · answered by SCOTT S 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋