Author Topic: What's a good saw for making carriges? (Read 944 times)

Asron87 · « **on:** February 22, 2011, 08:13:42 PM »

I'm in college so I'd only be able to get one (for now). I'd like to build a couple different carriages for cannons that I already have. Next year I plan on making a couple different cannons in my machining class.

So what's a good saw to start out with but still use later?

Thanks,
Aaron

armorer77 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 22, 2011, 11:23:37 PM »

If you can only have 1 get a table saw with at least a 10" blade . A Dado blade is very useful . Ed

dan610324 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 22, 2011, 11:34:41 PM »

a small bandsaw with adjustable table for different angles
saw height isn't that important, but measurement between blade and the main structure of the machine is important
also table size , the bigger the better . high quality for the accessories used on the table for angles and when you split a board
adjustable bandspeed is good also , especially if you want to use it for metal also .
a very good support for the blade is very important , could be brass screws or ball bearings .
should be easy to adjust , if not they will almost never be used .

that's a few things you could think about before buying

Zulu · « **Reply #3 on:** February 23, 2011, 03:17:56 AM »

Asron87,
Buying tools is as addictive as buying cannons. Do you have a place to keep a saw? I think you could make a carriage with only a band saw but it might be tough to make one with only a table saw.
If you don't have room for a big saw and are very determined, you could make small carriages with only a jig saw. But that would just make you want more tools. Its a vicious circle

Zulu

Asron87 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 23, 2011, 04:42:38 AM »

I have a couple places I could use for storage but my only way for transporting it would be in the backseat of my car. I don't think I'd be able to fit a table saw of sufficient size back there. I think if the base of the band saw was removable I'd be able disassemble it for transportation. I have a jig saw already but I have a feeling it won't be enough. As for a table saw, I'll see what my grandpa had, maybe I could inherit one and save some money.

Since a band saw seems to be the way to go, anything else I should keep in mind?

Zulu · « **Reply #5 on:** February 23, 2011, 05:17:11 AM »

Asron87,
Later, you'll always want bigger. Just like cannons.

Get the biggest you can afford.
Zulu

dominick · « **Reply #6 on:** February 23, 2011, 06:23:37 AM »

Lowes or Harbor Freight have a small table top bandsaw in the 100-150 dollars range. I think one of those may be ok for making small carriages.

Soot · « **Reply #7 on:** February 23, 2011, 08:29:02 AM »

I've had a Bosch jig saw for 15 years, it's a monster that will cut anything. If I could only have 1 saw, that would be it.

moconfed · « **Reply #8 on:** February 24, 2011, 01:37:24 PM »

Depends on what scale you're building.
When we replaced the axle tree on our 6pdr. last year we made use of a Makita beam saw (circular) with a 15inch blade. It worked like a charm on the hedge beam we used. I'd imagine it would work on cutting out a stock, as well, but a band saw would have to be used on cheekpieces, due to the curve and angle.

willdj79 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 24, 2011, 04:34:00 PM »

I second Soot's recommendation. If you are just starting out in cannon building more than likely you will making scale cannons. Table saws make easy work at ripping wood but they suck for cutting out a corner such as the steps on a naval carriage. I bought a $50 skil orbiting jig saw at lowes a few years back and it amazes me by how versatile it is when scrolling in thick hard wood. Blades are very different though. I suggest getting a sample pack that has a good variety to see what works and what doesn't.

Asron87 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 28, 2011, 03:46:57 AM »

I talked to my grandma yesterday about buying my grandpa's wood working tools. My mom is going to borrow me the money until I this summer when I can pay it off. So now the only thing I don't have is a band saw. Hopefully I'll be able to save up enough to get the band saw before summer.

Now I need plans for a good starter carriage. Any ideas?

Zulu · « **Reply #11 on:** February 28, 2011, 05:34:07 AM »

Quote from: Asron87 on February 28, 2011, 03:46:57 AM

I talked to my grandma yesterday about buying my grandpa's wood working tools. My mom is going to borrow me the money until I this summer when I can pay it off. So now the only thing I don't have is a band saw. Hopefully I'll be able to save up enough to get the band saw before summer.

Now I need plans for a good starter carriage. Any ideas?

Asron87,
Do you have a copy of Round Shot and Rammers? It is a great reference book with lots of scale drawings on several different carriages. I highly recommend it . I use it all the time.
Zulu

dan610324 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 28, 2011, 03:33:10 PM »

what type of carriage are you looking for ??
I could post some old drawings if you tell me what you want

Mike H. · « **Reply #13 on:** March 01, 2011, 12:32:35 AM »

Quote from: dan610324 on February 28, 2011, 03:33:10 PM

what type of carriage are you looking for ??
I could post some old drawings if you tell me what you want

I'm not sure about him, but I'd love to see a few more naval carriage drawings. Post 'em up.

Asron87 · « **Reply #14 on:** March 01, 2011, 05:25:27 AM »

Right now I have a GB parrot cannon that needs a siege carriage and I plan on getting another cannon (.69) that will need a naval carriage. I have the book "Round Shot and Rammers" and might end up using something from there but haven't made up my mind on anything. I also have autoCAD 2011 if anyone has any autoCad plans made up.

A siege carriage sounds like a lot of fun, I'm just worried about making the wheels.

dan610324 · « **Reply #15 on:** March 01, 2011, 08:40:44 AM »

Vasa carriage
swedish ships carriage from 1627

dan610324 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 01, 2011, 08:42:08 AM »

next pict

dan610324 · « **Reply #17 on:** March 01, 2011, 08:52:25 AM »

some more

but go tro : www.arkeliet.net
click in the upper right corner of the screen at the word bilde galleri
when that open you scroll down until you come to the artillery handbooks
click on one of them and you will find tons of interesting drawings

GGaskill · « **Reply #18 on:** March 01, 2011, 02:07:08 PM »

I also have autoCAD 2011 if anyone has any autoCad plans made up.

I could send you some drawings via .dxf files if you give me an email address.