Cuttin' Leather With A Bandsaw

[snubbyfan]

I've been getting lotsa orders in lately.

Unfortunately, with my peripheral neuropathy, cuttin' leather can get to be a bit of a challenge.

I decided to try using my bandsaw.

It worked rather well.

Just gotta be careful, it cuts through leather almost effortlessly.

[TinkerTailor]

I found starrett knife edge band saw blades for 15 bux starting.

Here:

http://www.bandsawbladesking.com/bandsaw-blade-deals/band-knives/starrett-band-knives-razor-edge-band-knife/

[billybopp]

Now I wish I had a bandsaw.

[veedub3]

Being using a band saw for years now, especially when cutting soles for sandals. (Got the idea from a couple of older threads on here) Because I also dabble in woodworking, I also have a scroll saw that can do the job just as well.

If you don't have a band saw and want one, keep a look out on craigslist in your area for them. I didn't need another one but I got a great gently used 14" bandsaw for $150. New this thing cost $700. Of course you would need a space for something this big but the smaller bench top versions are listed for sale on craigslist all the time.

On another topic, you can also use your band saw to cut out acrylic templates of the patterns that you use the most. Print out your pattern on the printer, use spray adhesive to glue the printed template to your acrylic, and carefully cut it out. Take the acrylic to the sander to smooth out your edges and you have a template to use over, and over, and over........

Karina

[Art]

Karina,

Definitely +1 on getting a second band saw. I run one with knife edge blades and before I had the second saw, I had to change back and forth or try to cut something with the knife edge that should have been cut with a toothed blade. I used to look like I tried to take the Tomcat to the Vet after those blade changes. I now get into a full set of welding leathers before changing knife blades (and taking the Tom to the Vet).

Art

[TinkerTailor]

Karina,

Definitely +1 on getting a second band saw. I run one with knife edge blades and before I had the second saw, I had to change back and forth or try to cut something with the knife edge that should have been cut with a toothed blade. I used to look like I tried to take the Tomcat to the Vet after those blade changes. I now get into a full set of welding leathers before changing knife blades (and taking the Tom to the Vet).

Art

I know what you mean, I have seen an old grisled band saw guru at a woodworking school just kinda walk up and throw the blade at it and it went on perfect The old one, a deft twist and it was triple coiled and into the box. Not a drop of blood. ...........Yeah right.......

[Ferg]

I have a blade welder. At one time we made product that required at least a dozen band blades per day. One of my bandsaws uses a 108" blade. You watch very carefully when handling any of them.

ferg

[Troy I]

What type of band saw blade works best for cutting leather?

[TinkerTailor]

What type of band saw blade works best for cutting leather?

I found starrett knife edge band saw blades for 15 bux starting.

Here:

http://www.bandsawbladesking.com/bandsaw-blade-deals/band-knives/starrett-band-knives-razor-edge-band-knife/

less dust and cleaner cut edge than toothed blades.

[King's X]

I have used my bandsaw, table saw and even my drill press to drill my larger holes.