I've been looking at stationary bandsaws for the shop. The more I use the portable the more I like the idea of stationary.

What kind of power and wheel diameter do you all find as a good base point for timber shop work?

Thanks

Not sure on the size of this thing... it was in pieces when I was in the shop at New Energy Works. I could email over and see what size it is. He's pushing a 10x10 strut through there in the image:

That's a bandsaw. Probably a 8k saw.

I'm just interested in the most part for braces radius up to 6" wide stock. And possibly brace tenon faces..

I think an 18 might do for me but some of the ones I see have a dinky motor as far as HP. I know 1.75hp ain't gonna work.

I like a 5-7.5 hp, 36" saw for timber work.

Once you use one, there's no going back to smaller saws.

We got our first one for $400 and our second for $500. Both are Yates A36.

You can cut curved braces on a band mill with a jig. 50 in half an hour with no layout. And then you can use the mill for sawing timber, too.

Good point Tim.

We use a jig for repetitive cuts, too with our stationery vertical bandsaw.

Mo were you still at the southeastern guild meeting when Ben showed the bandsaw jig? That's how we do it now, too. Brilliant!

I have a video around here somewhere I will try to link to.

Gabel,
I'd love to see that video and jig. Tim, are you referring to a Woodmizer jig? I'd like to see that too.
Thanks.

We had a jig for cutting arch segments back when I worked for a woodworker in high school. It could easily be adapted for curved braces (interior curve is easiest). I'll try and post a SketchUp file.


And Gabel and Tim - I would love to see that jig as well.

I wish this was set up and I really push some stock through it, some day. I don't cut that many curved braces, but when I do this is how I do it. You need a new jig or sled for different braces. Simple to make and once it is made it is great. I cut the ends of the brace angles but don't form the tenon, it helps to balance the brace stock, cut the tenons after. It takes a little more than a couple seconds, each but not much. I use a push stick and the person on the other end pulls it through.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhPcsWsBNmY

Slightly off topic but..... free hand! I have posted both these here before.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6NBYTBFDgM