The saw must be set to the correct RPM for the stock or workpiece material.

Start with the "MATERIAL" column under "SUGGESTED BLADE SPEEDS".

• A "best-match" is okay.
  For example: 1018 steel isn't listed, but 1015 steel is close‑enough.
• Read the corresponding speed in the fpm column.
  For example: the speed for 1015 steel reads as 250‑275fpm.

Similar to the bridgeport mills, the RPM can only be adjusted while the machine is running.

To start the machine, simply press the "start" button.

Now, with the saw running, turn the speed adjust knob to the desired setting.

The chart for feeds (listed in pounds-force) is broken down into sections by the material's shape or cross-section.

In general, in the BTC machining program, you will be working with solids, and those solids will be of the smallest size category on the chart, which points to the 30‑60lbf range.

Set the feed by sliding the indicator block. The feed may be set or adjusted at any time, regardless of whether the saw is running.

The bandsaw vise has a fixed (back) and floating (front) jaw. The lead screw carrier rides inside the floating jaw and ratchets along a rack inside the T-slot. The vise is shown disassembled here only to highlight the partially independent movement of the jaw and carrier.

This may take some practice as the forces and motion are fairly unintuitive; don't hesitate to ask for a hands-on demonstration.

1. Loosen the clamping screw. This will release material held in the vise.
2. To spread the jaws further, grasp the clamping screw handle with one hand and rock the carrier mechanism forward. This will drop the pawl out of engagement with the rack inside the T-slot of the table.
3. Place your other hand against the inner face of the jaw and pull it backward, while maintaining the forward tilt of the carrier with your first hand. The floating jaw will drag the carrier back and the vise will open wider.

The vise has very little travel, and if the clamping screw is too far extended when the jaws are slid closed, it might "bottom-out" before it actually clamps. So, start backing the screw all the way out. This will let the carrier move as far forward as possible and ensure the vise has plenty of travel to clamp effectively.

Slide the jaw toward the saw blade and into contact with your work. The clamping screw carrier will ratchet forward with it.

Then slide the screw carrier as far forward as it will go.

Measure the length of material to cut, from the part-side of the blade to the end of the stock.

Remember to include a small amount of extra stock to remove during machining!

Tighten the clamping screw firmly. Use both hands, but don't be excessive. The vise only needs to prevent the material from sliding along its length, while the blade applies a perpendicular force.

Check that the material is actually held securely - if it's not, you want to find out and investigate at this stage.

• Correct RPM set
• Correct feed set
• Correct material length
• Vise tight & material secure
• Blade out‑of‑contact with material

Start the saw and wait for coolant flow.

Use the hand-feed wheel to bring the blade into gentle contact with the stock and begin the cut. Guiding the start of the cut by hand ensures that the cut-condition will be stable when starting power feed.

While holding pressure on the handwheel, flip the power feed into gear.

Important:Hold both the handwheel and power feed lever down until it "catches" and starts feeding under power.

Do not leave the saw running unattended.

When the blade breaks through, completing the cut, reset the power feed to neutral and stop the saw.

Wait for the blade stop, then collect your material.

Handwheel the blade back to the home position.

Use the squeegee to remove excess coolant from the bar, then return it to the stock rack or place it in the "shorts" bin.

Squeegee the coolant and chips down into the chip pan, or to the gutter at the front of the saw's table.