Band-Saw

Endle steel band having saw teeth formed on one edge, pa ing over two wheels on parallel axes. The lower one is driven, and turns the upper by means of the tension of the saw. The tension is maintained by means of a weight or spring, or both, acting upon the journals of the upper wheel. By using a very narrow band of steel, such a saw can cut out curves of sharp curvature, and can operate much faster than a JIG SAW (q.v.), as the action of the teeth is continuous. Special devices have to be used to receive the thrust of the cut back of the blade at the working point. Very thin gauges of steel may be used for band-saws, which adapt them for resawing valuable woods so as to cause the least lo in dust and "karf." The saw is made endle by the use of a scarf-joint, brazed. See RESAW and Saw.