Even a low-end bandsaw blade tension meter can cost $300. If you use your bandsaw a lot or are doing delicate work, having the proper tension on the blade can be critical and the only way to accomplish this is with a bandsaw blade tension meter. With the bandsaw blade properly installed, and tensioned, and the blade guides properly set, the next issue is to make sure that the bandsaw table is square and level. We suggest that you go through the setup steps in this how to set up a bandsaw properly: the ultimate g guide before starting a new project and each time you change your bandsaw blade.
Whether you’re a beginner or could just use a refresher, we’re going to walk you through the process for a perfect bandsaw blade adjustment setup every time, no matter what blade you install. Lower the upper blade guide, open the wheel housing(s) and blade guard and carefully remove the blade. So it should be no real shocker that you’ll encounter conflicting schools of thought regarding blade placement on the wheels and how it affects blade “Drift”.
A catalyst for this seems to be Jim Cummings article “Home Shop Bandsaw” in Fine Woodworking #63. From the hundreds of bandsaw owners I’ve talked with since the article appeared, it seems there are lingering questions on how to adjust a bandsaw blade, the blade choice and operation. “To find the correct tension, you can start with the tension scale on your saw, but you will probably need to fine tune the adjustment. With the saw unplugged, increase the tension on the blade until pushing on the side of the blade with your finger using a moderate amount of force deflects the blade about a 1/4” from its normal position. An interesting experiment is to set the side guys too far from the blade and notice how increased feed pressure and turning make the blade wander.
Depends on the type of blade I suppose, if the teeth are staggered to each side then the the teeth need not hit the wheels if it’s like the majority of bandsaw blades then it’s fine if the teeth roll across the whiles, it won’t hurt them as it’s flat against the wheels. Carbide tooth blades are usually put on bandsaws with flat tires. Show us your jigs, share your tips, strategies and, of c… 1908 Wood & LumberDifferent wood requires different woodworking strategies – from cutting to finishing.
Remove the blade guards from the saw – it is easier if the blade guides are not interfering with the blade tracking. Adding more tilt to the blade requires loosening blade tension, adjusting tilt, and then re-tension of the blade. There is no use in proper blade tracking if the saw blade is bent, damaged, or in poor condition.
So having a small BS available for narrow blade work is common for many folks with bigger saws that have flat tires. I actually think the first blade I order will be something like a 3/4 non-carbide blade. 11-30-2017, 5:47 PM #10 My 1923 Oliver 36″ saw has had a blade under tension for the last 5 years.
where should bandsaw blade be on wheel Related Question:
How high should bandsaw blades be?
Adjust blade guard height to about 3 mm or 1/8 inch to 6mm or 1/4 inch above the top of the material being cut. Wider gaps will place tension on the blade and increase the risk of breaking. Ensure the blade is tracking correctly and runs freely in and against the upper and lower guide rollers.
How much space should there be between a band saw blade and the upper guide blocks?
The guide blocks should have an air gap on both sides of the blade the thickness of a piece of paper. The upper guide assembly should be anywhere from 1/4″ to 1/2″ above the work piece being cut. If too much blade shows, it becomes dangerous.
Why does my bandsaw blade keep falling off?
Blade Tension Is Too Loose The most common reason why the blade is slipping off is that there isn’t enough tension to keep it on. Blades can slowly become loose after years of wear and tear, and eventually, you’ll need to tighten or replace them.
Which way do the teeth face on a bandsaw?
The teeth on the bandsaw blade should face down so that the cutting action is from the top of the material to the bottom.
What side of a bandsaw should you stand on?
Stand to one side, never directly in line with, of work being fed through the saw. Use the proper blade for the material and type of cut. Do not use a rip blade for cross cutting, or, a crosscut blade for rip sawing.
How far should the safety guard be above the stock bandsaw?
Keep guards in place at all times. The blade guard should be from 1/8 to ¼ inch above stock. Keep hands away from blade and do not open upper or lower bandsaw doors while blade is in motion. Maintain a balanced stance and keep your body under control at all times; do not overreach.
Which side of the line should you always make cuts on?
Always cut to the outside of your mark line because you will have to round off your edges regardless. For thinner wood, a jigsaw can provide better results.
Where is the danger zone of the band saw?
The area to the right of the band saw is a danger zone.
Why are my bandsaw cuts wavy?
The clasic cause for wavy lumber is pushing a dull blade past it’s limits. Sharp don’t get it.
What causes bandsaw blade drift?
Drift is cause because the blade buckles under the load. You can see that by stretching a ribbon between 2 points and applying a pressure to one of the edges, it will turn sideway easily. A sharp blade and high blade speed will help a lot with that.
Why does my bandsaw wander?
The crown of the bandsaw wheels is what keeps the blade in place. The blade will always try to climb to the highest point of the wheel, the top of the crown. If the wheels are worn and do not have a distinct top to the crown then the blade will not know where to go, and may wander around.
How tight should a sawmill blade be?
For carbon steel toothed blades (cutting blades) this is typically 15,000 to 25,000 PSI. Slitting type blades typically are tensioned in the range of 12,000 to 20,000 PSI. In general bandsaw blades are never tensioned past 35,000 psi.