I'm looking start getting into segmented turning for wooden handles. Is a band saw necessary? Can I get by with my miter saw or table saw with sled?

If band saw is better I'm looking to get a used, smaller, benchtop model. Any recommendations of what to get or what to avoid?

Thanks,
Chad Huderle

Huderle Custom Rods
Prior Lake, MN

I cna't tell you for wood, but for EVA it is pretty much neccesary. IT is no thte most precise tool. I am about 95% sure hte table saw and miter saw will work with the right size blade.

While all power tools demand respect, the band saw is considered a relatively safe power tool because the blade's cutting direction pulls the workpiece down onto the table. A table saw cuts toward you and anyone that's ever experienced a kick-back on one knows how dangerous that can be.

The problem is magnified with EVA because it's so much softer than wood. I once tried to square up an end on a stationary belt sander and had a 2 inch square piece of EVA get drawn through and out a space that was less than 3/16th inch wide. Took about a quarter second for it to happen. Glad I was able to let go or may hands would have gone through as well.

Now having said all this, if you use reasonable safety precautions you can make any of these tools work. I've used a chop saw with a fine tooth blade to make very accurate cuts in EVA. Probably more accurate than I can make on the band saw. But I just don't like doing it. Not with EVA. I stick with the band saw.

A hand saw with a mitre box would certainly be a good option. EVA isn't hard to cut by hand and you can get very accurate cuts that way.

....................

Chad -
You wrote "wooden handles" - in my opinion you will do better with your existing miter saw or a chop saw with miter & fence. A band saw will also work if you have a m a way to keep the work lined up during the cut but would not be my first choice for wood.

Chad , I agree with Ken. A decent "miter saw " will do a excellent job. As a professional finish carpenter I personally hate the term "chop saw " This is a saw that will not do miters and is used with an abrasive blade to cut metal. Sorry JMHO!

Dave Norton

Another option is a scroll saw. Whether cutting wood or eva, you'll have excellent control. Even a new one from one of the discount tool suppliers is pretty inexpensive. You will be able to cut some wild "Billy" angles.

Always learning with
Ohio Rod Builders


Joe Azar

David -
You're spot on ... I should not have typed "chop saw".

Joe -
I will have to look at scroll saws (haven't in awhile). I think they'd work fine too, but I'd feel better with a fence to keep everything lined up.
I guess it wouldn't be too difficult to clamp a temporary fence in place though I think an adjustable fence like on a table saw would be better.

Since posing my question I have also learned that a smaller band saw may not be a good fit since the blade may tend to wander, at least compared to a really good floor model. That's not on my radar at this point.
I'll mess around with the tools that I already have. I can create some thin bands with my planer too.

Joe, I do have a scroll saw so we'll see what I can come up with.

I'm currently doing a rod for my wife that'll feature some pyrography on the handle so am looking forward to seeing how that turns out.

Thanks everyone.

Thanks,
Chad Huderle

Huderle Custom Rods
Prior Lake, MN

A chop saw can mount any number of blades, including wood cutting blades. I would never attempt to cut wood or EVA with an abrasive disk. That wouldn't be the right tool for the job.

................

The scroll saw is difficult to cut straight with. For makinf straight ccut in a block of wood I wouldn't go that route.

a band saw can be used, but you will need more than a benchtop model and really know how to tune it and keep it tuned...i would recommend a table saw or miter saw..they will give you a rigid blade and fence...make sure you are using a good blade or you will need to sand your pieces...the tolerances with wood(or any other hard material) are very small..you can get away with more on cork or eva...and as always be careful around your tools

"...make sure you are using a good blade"

Another way to say that is, to use a blade with more teeth. Finer cuts require more blade teeth. The blade that works best for rough carpentry purposes isn't what you'll want for cutting your segmented pieces.

............

If you like, you could use a chain saw, but it has to have very very very fine teeth, and you need a very steady hand.
Of course a hocky mask does not hurt either.

It is getting close to Haloween isn't it?

Roger

Hi Chad I just bought a floor model from Grizzly Tools, haven't finished setting it up yet but in comparison to table top models this was a no brainer for me. I had to wait a while to buy one but am glad I didn't buy cheap as I have with other tools. Reviews online were very helpful in my decision. Model # of saw G0555 I got the polar model for 425 before tax and was able to pickup my self. Check them out for your self.

Mike

The G0555 in show white is an awesome tool!!! SteveZ has one, I WISH I got that instead of hte benchtop model I got. That bandsaw has a great fence, miter, ruler markings, the table is easy to tolt, belt changing is a breeze, ball bearing blocks or whatever they are called. HAve fun wiht that, I'm jealous!!!

Now THAT is a nice bandsaw & it has all the whistles (fence, miter, tilt)... I sure wish I had that instead of my clunky bench top saw