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Laguna Tools 186BX#

The 186BX is for cutting non-metal flat material, such as wood or plastic.

A bandsaw is a good choice for making quick cuts in thin materials, or for cutting irregular shapes in flat material.

A bandsaw blade tends to be thinner than other options, meaning less material lost to the cut and more control over the cut geometry.

The band saw is driven by large wheels. Upon stopping the machine, a foot brake is available to reduce the speed of the blade.

Prerequisites for Use#

Safety Notices#

Note

PLEASE READ ALL SAFETY NOTICES BEFORE CONTINUING

Use a push stick when your fingers are within 4" of the blade

Lower guard blade to be ¼" above the workpiece

Wear short sleeves or roll up long sleeves

Secure loose clothing

Tie up and tuck in long hair

Remove lanyards, jewelry, gloves, etc.

Safety glasses mandatory.

Do not cut PVC or other fragile plastic.

Loading and Securing Materials#

  • Always use both hands to firmly yet gently guide the material through the cut
  • Any pieces close to 4” in any dimension should be pushed through with a push stick
  • Do not cut anything smaller than 4” in length

Adjust the Blade Guide#

The blade guide holds the blade square and counters the push forces from the user.

  1. Loosen the lock knob (A) slightly
  2. Positioning your material next to the blade, Use the height adjustment knob (B) to move up or down until it’s a1/8" to 1/4” above the material
  3. Once in position, turn the adjustment knob to tighten it until it’s snug

Adjusting the Fence#

  1. The fence helps to guide straight and consistent cuts
  2. Turn the knob counter clockwise to loosen the fence
  3. Move the fence to create the width needed or remove to make curved and freehand cuts
    • To remove the fence, slide it off the edge of the table
    • If removing the fence, set it down somewhere safe nearby (NOT on the floor) and always put it back on when done
  4. Tighten the knob clockwise to secure it in place

In-Person Competency Check#

  1. Grab a scrap piece of wood
  2. Adjust blade guide to appropriate height
  3. Perform a cut
    • Radius cut
    • Length cut
    • Width cut
  4. Turn off machine
  5. Operate brake
  6. Clean up afterwards