Bandsaw in a dorm?

College Life
1

<p>I’m writing a novel here (I don’t like to read but I love to write, so sue me), and I’m describing this guy who loved woodworking. While I would have probably tried it had I still been there, do you think it would be possible for someone to have a bandsaw in their dorm as per rules? I’ve looked at a few handbooks and there’s nothing illegal about one, but do you think an RA would outlaw it?</p>

<p>For those who don’t know–a bandsaw is a power tool that features a scrolling vertically-mounted blade. It’s really useful for cutting shapes out. They are a bit noisy (though no noiser than a fan on high speed, at least if you have a newer bandsaw) and come in a bunch of sizes ranging from the tabletop model (retails around $200) to the full size ones (a bit under $1000). Some have nice guides on them and mine even has a lamp on it–I have the tabletop model Delta.</p>

<p>Also, the time period the guy would be in college would be mid-1970s if that makes any difference. I think his freshman year would have been 1972.</p>

2

<p>No. Musical instruments are barely allowed. It’s not just about the noise, but the mess. Maybe have the guy living off campus.</p>

3

<p>Since this is a character that YOU are creating, you could always create your won school with its own rules. However, if you want to be as realistic as possible, the answer would most likely be no.</p>

4

<p>My college has a wood-working studio that anyone can go to. Maybe he can use his bandsaw there?</p>

5

<p>BigGreenJen, where do you go to school? That sounds really cool–none of the schools I visited had a wood studio.</p>

6

<p>Dartmouth. We also have a pottery studio, jewelry-making studio, and book-making studio (for stationery too). I’ve only visited the pottery studio so far myself, but my friend and I already have plans to make wood bowls next year (which I’m told isn’t really all that hard). Sometimes studios like these aren’t advertised very well, so maybe the campuses you visited might have them after all. I certainly didn’t know about them before I came to Dartmouth.</p>

7

<p>There’s also usually bandsaws in a theatre scene shop.</p>

8

<p>If the story is set circa 1972 – those are noisy bandsaws. The character couldn’t have a new millenium bandsaw unless he was into time travel.</p>

<p>Having lived in dorms in the mid 70s – we were very restricted on electrical appliances including refrigerators. I would say that a bandsaw would not have been allowed.</p>

9

<p>I had a 12 gauge pump shotgun.</p>

10

<p>how bout he operates it a la The Great Escape, with look-outs, music to cover the noise and a quick disappearing trick when the signal is given?</p>

11

<p>How about hand tools, or does he need the bandsaw to cut up the body? I consult for Wood magazine. PM me if you need to chat.</p>