Band Saw Use Instructions

Select the proper blade for the material you're cutting. An all-purpose blade for softer wood -- and most lumber sold is softwood -- is the skip tooth blade, while hardwoods require a hook tooth blade. Select the width of the blade based on whether you need to make tight curves while cutting. Thin blades have a small cutting radius, while stronger, wider blades have a larger cutting radius.

Unplug the band saw. Open the wheel casings on the top and bottom. A dial attached to the upper wheel loosens and tightens the tension on the blade. Loosen it and slide the blade around both wheels using the guides.

Turn the upper wheel by hand slowly to make sure the blade is in place. The wheels should turn smoothly.

Increase the tension on the blade. Turn the wheel with your hand. The blade should appear completely straight with no bowing or curving. Close the wheel casings.

Plug in the band saw and turn it on. If the blade jiggles, tighten the tension. Turn off the band saw.

Check the clearance of the blade guides above the cutting surface. A piece of paper should fit between the blade and the blocks.

Measure the angle of the blade to the table with an L-square. For a straight cut, the angle should be 90 degrees. Adjust the table if necessary.

Cut wood by pressing flat against the table in front of the blade. Turn the band saw on and slowly push the wood into the blade. Use a wood pusher or a piece of scrap to push the end of the wood to protect your fingers. The wood can be turned while cutting to make curves.