Bandsaw log cradle

[John Torchick]

I got the idea from woodturner, Mike Peace. I tend to go overboard from a basic technical background. It is from an oak stair tread, 5/8 inch aluminum channel. Took lots of planning and cutting. One upright was a bit in the way of the blade. Quick to resolve it. Wish they were all like that.

 

[Steve Tiedman]

I really need to build one. I might make the base from 1/4" plywood to preserve cutting height as much as possible. And a piece of 3/8" x 3/4" wood as a key to ride in the table miter slot.

Or, no key, run it freehand so I can control the angle if needed, and even steer the sled with the saw miter gauge if looking for angle cuts.

 

[John Hicks]

They are great for not injuring yourself trying to cut round stock. I'm not sure how I know that.

 

[John Torchick]

John, tried to turn a piece while cutting. Found that isn't a good thing to do.
Steve, had 1/4 inch plywood but opted for a heavier base. Tread is one inch. Don't think the thickness difference will matter.

 

[John K Jordan]

I've cut many, many log sections in all orientations on my bandsaw without incident. There are several good ways to stabilize a round log when both ripping and crosscutting, but I don't use a cradle, mostly simple wood wedges. I usually use 2-4 wedges at once. Very bad things could happen if a round log could roll when crosscutting. I discuss and show the methods in my bandsaw video along with some other things that can cause problems.

I mostly cut turning squares but also cut bowl and other round blanks. I always use Lenox 1/2" 3tpi spring steel blades. Sharpen 4-5 times before replacing. Bandsaw should be well aligned and adjusted, especially the guides.



JKJ

 

[Steve Tiedman]

Heck, John, feel free to ship offcuts like that one to me!

 

[John K Jordan]

Heck, John, feel free to ship offcuts like that one to me!

Are those little rounds good for anything? I don't turn many bowls.
I have a few like that in cherry burl I've been thinking about turning. Been sitting on the shelf for almost 10 years now.

 

[John Torchick]

Are those little rounds good for anything? I don't turn many bowls.
I have a few like that in cherry burl I've been thinking about turning. Been sitting on the shelf for almost 10 years now.

Should be dry by now.

 

[John K Jordan]

I occasionally break down and make something like this from one of the rounds. Not often, but enough to keep my hands tuned up.


I think I turned this about 20 years ago. Purpose-made to hold something specific for display.

JKJ

 

[John Torchick]

Amazing turning when only nine years old.

 

[Steve Tiedman]

Are those little rounds good for anything? I don't turn many bowls.
I have a few like that in cherry burl I've been thinking about turning. Been sitting on the shelf for almost 10 years now.

I enjoy one-hand sized turning projects more than stuff sized for family dining service. I could make all kinds of stuff from the cutoff in your photo. Mainly because it is so clean and uniform looking already, no bark or other stuff to cut away. Little bowls, cups, chess pieces, etc.