23.8.1 Selecting and Installing Blades Review your project plans when selecting blades. Knowing the material and radii of curves to be sawn helps you choose the proper blade. Select blades according to width, length, tooth shape, blade set, teeth per inch (TPI), and blade gauge (thickness). These terms are discussed later in the chapter. 23.8.2 Band Saw Operation Always plan your sawing sequence before starting the band saw. Short cuts and relief cuts should be made first. Then determine whether the workpiece will be to the right or left of the saw blade. Saw on the waste side of the cutting line to allow for sanding. Before making the cut, check your setup. Were all adjustments made? Is the guard within 1/4″ (6 mm) of the workpiece? Are all locking devices secured? How will you control your workpiece and waste before and after the cut? Are you standing comfort- ably in place? Is there a brake within reach to stop the machine from coasting after it is turned off? Large components are often difficult to cut. See Figure 23-45. The stock can strike the machine frame as you move the workpiece from side to side to fol- low the curve. If the frame interferes, slowly with- draw the material through the kerf. Be careful not Patrick A. Molzahn Figure 23-42. A—Remove or swing aside guards to gain access to the blade. B—Loosening blade tension. C—Many saws have a blade-tensioning scale. A B C 392 Section 4 Machining Processes Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.