Charnwood W715 Band Saw Review
Mike my Brother (Mikes Models) kindly gave me an old Draper Band saw that he had no further use for when I started wood turning. This small bench top saw had seen better days and just would not cut a straight line through thick wood.
I decided it was time to invest in a new Bench Top Band Saw. This need coincided with a visit to a wood turning and tool fair at the Westpoint Showground Exeter one Saturday last November.
At this show were a number of tool suppliers including Axminster Tools the company I had favoured to purchase most of my previous tools from.
Having studied the Axminster stand I was drawn to Westcountry Machinery 4 Wood who were displaying the Charnwood brand of machinery.
Having compared price and quality of build of both machines I settled on buying a Charnwood W715 10″ Bench Top Bandsaw. The price was £199 which was £20 off the catalogue price plus I could take it home with me to save on delivery costs.
Unpacking (charnwood w715 10” woodworking bandsaw review)
Unpacking the band saw was straight forward and the contents were safely packed.
Assembly (charnwood bandsaw review)
The instruction booklet included with the saw advised it to be assembled laying on its back.
This I did.
However with the saw laid back assembling the tilting table proved to be fiddly as I foolishly tightened the first two bolts before turning upright which then proved harder to align the next two securing bolts.
As soon as I slackened off the first two I was able to align all four into the correct position.
There is a PDF on the Charnwood website which gives better instructions and colour photos to follow than the black photocopied booklet supplied so I would advise downloading that one to refer to before you start. I have a included a link to it below.
Charnwood W715 Band Saw Review
Adjustment
Adjusting the blade and positioning the table correctly was simple to do following the instructions given.
It was soon assembled and a test cut made.
I now have a functioning good quality Bandsaw for use with coming projects.
There is also a helpful You Tube video on this product which I attach below.
First impressions are that this is a well built quality saw which is ideal for my small workshop and projects.
Charnwood W715 Band Saw Review
Update 18/12/2016
I have been using the band saw for a couple of weeks now and thought I would update this post with some thoughts on its use to date.
I have included a couple of images to show how well it works.
I have managed to cut thin veneer strips from the full 4 inch cutting depth with no problems. It consistently cut straight thin pieces from some hard English Oak.
These pieces I am turning into coasters so I trimmed off the corners with the band saw and it made quite accurate short work of them.
It is turning into an essential tool now for me and I am still very pleased with the purchase.
My only negative would be the speed it works at, it can get bogged down if you try to push wood through on a deep cut and perhaps the ability to increase its speed would be nice.
That being said its a nice bit of kit.
The Versatility and Advantages of Buying a Bandsaw
A bandsaw, a versatile and indispensable tool for woodworking and metalworking enthusiasts, offers a wide array of uses and advantages that make it a must-have in any workshop. From cutting intricate curves to ripping lumber with precision, bandsaws excel in various tasks, making them an essential addition to the toolkit of both hobbyists and professionals. In this 500-word explanation, we will delve into the uses and advantages of owning a bandsaw.
1. Precise Cutting:
One of the primary advantages of a bandsaw is its ability to make precise cuts. The thin, continuous blade of a bandsaw allows for intricate cuts, such as curved and irregular shapes, that are challenging to achieve with other cutting tools. Woodworkers, in particular, appreciate the bandsaw’s accuracy when creating intricate joinery, intricate inlays, and delicate scrollwork.
2. Resawing:
Resawing, the process of cutting a thick piece of wood into thinner boards, is a crucial function of a bandsaw. The bandsaw’s ability to make straight, uniform cuts through thick lumber is unmatched. It is a cost-effective way to maximize the use of available wood, reduce waste, and create valuable veneers for projects like cabinet making and fine furniture.
3. Versatility:
Bandsaws are incredibly versatile machines. They can be used for cutting wood, metal, plastic, and even some non-traditional materials like foam and leather. This versatility makes a bandsaw a valuable addition to a range of workshops, including those dedicated to woodworking, metalworking, and crafts. The ability to switch out blades and adjust the bandsaw’s settings ensures it can handle various materials and tasks.
4. Safety:
Bandsaws are relatively safe to use, provided proper precautions and safety measures are followed. Compared to some other cutting tools, the bandsaw’s design minimizes the risk of kickback and accidents. The blade is enclosed in a protective guard, reducing the likelihood of contact with the operator’s hands. However, it’s crucial to wear appropriate safety gear, maintain the machine, and follow best practices for safe operation.
5. Speed and Efficiency:
Bandsaws are known for their speed and efficiency in cutting tasks. They can cut through material quickly, saving both time and effort. For instance, when resawing, a bandsaw can make long, straight cuts faster than other tools like a table saw or handsaw. This efficiency makes it an attractive choice for professionals who need to complete projects promptly.
6. Minimal Material Waste:
When using a bandsaw, the thin kerf (the width of the cut) ensures minimal material waste. This is especially valuable when working with expensive hardwoods or other materials, as it allows you to maximize the use of your stock, reducing overall project costs.
7. Curved Cuts:
The bandsaw’s ability to make curved cuts is unrivaled. Whether you’re creating intricate scrollwork, crafting custom chair legs, or making decorative elements for a project, a bandsaw allows you to cut precisely along curved lines with ease. This is a significant advantage for those who enjoy woodworking or crafting with artistic or decorative elements.
8. Blade Variety:
Bandsaws are compatible with a wide range of blade types, each designed for specific tasks. You can choose blades with various tooth configurations, sizes, and materials to suit your specific cutting needs. This adaptability ensures that a bandsaw can handle an extensive range of projects, from fine, delicate work to heavy-duty tasks.
In conclusion, the bandsaw is a versatile and indispensable tool with numerous advantages. It excels in precision cutting, resawing, versatility, safety, speed, and efficiency. The minimal material waste, suitability for curved cuts, and availability of diverse blade options make it a top choice for both amateur and professional woodworkers, metalworkers, and craftsmen. Owning a bandsaw in your workshop not only enhances your capabilities but also allows you to explore and create a wide array of projects with ease and precision.
