Install the blade and apply just enough tension to keep the blade securely on the wheels. Instead, tension the blade until your finger is only able to deflect the blade by about 1/4″. This test should be done at the back of the saw where nothing can get in the way of the blade. Adjust the thrust bearings carefully so that they do NOT rotate while the blade moves, but they DO begin to rotate as soon as light pressure is applied to the blade.
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.
The first thing you need to do is install the blade. Remember, do not push too hard but rather adjust the amount of pressure and monitor the blade tracking. A known fact is if the blade slides in the cut slot easily, the table is 90 degrees to the blade.
A bandsaw will only cut accurately if the blade guides are set correctly, so these are important. Some people have the bearings touching, others don’t, we tend to side with the latter and like them to be set around 0.5mm either side of the blade. Simply place the Buddy up against the blade, using the recess to counter the tooth set.
The band saw set up is to carefully install and align the blade. So being aware of how to set up the blade tension should be your priority step in bandsaw set up process. If the side guides come to contact with the blade or set at the parallel position to the blade teeth then the blade can be broken when it moves.
Use paper to adjust the side roller clearance with the blade set just behind the gullet of the blade and have about two millimeters between the rear of the blade and the thrust bearing. You will end up with a range of blades likely ranging from 6 mpm to 25 mpm with 1.5 T.P.I to 12 T.P.I. The larger blades with smaller T.P.I are used for large and deep cutting on dense woods. When setting up the blade, the top wheel can be adjusted to allow for the blade to center on the wheel for correct travel by cantering the wheel in or out at the top for centering the blade.
how to setup a bandsaw Related Question:
How close do you set the side guides on the band saw?
The front of the side guides should be located about 1/16″ back from the deepest part of the blade gullets. You don’t want the side guides to contact the cutting teeth of the blade since the teeth flare out at a slight angle. This adjustment is made to both the top and bottom guides.
How tight should my bandsaw blade be?
The blade should deflect no more than 1/4 in. A good place to begin is to tension the blade until the meter reads proper tension for the next wider blade. For example, if you’re tensioning a 3/8-in.
Which way should 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.
Why won’t my bandsaw cut straight?
Band Saw: Why won’t my band saw cut straight? When the band saw cuts crooked, a dull blade, improper feeding, loose blade tension or not using a work piece guide could be the cause. Use the rip fence or miter gauge to guide the work piece uniformly through the cutting blade to make straight cuts.
How far should the safety guard be above the stock?
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.
What materials can a bandsaw cut?
Most bandsaws have two wheels rotating in the same plane, one of which is powered. The blade itself can come in a variety of sizes and tooth pitch (teeth per inch, or TPI) which enables the machine to be highly versatile and able to cut a wide variety of materials including wood, metal and plastic.
How high should a band saw table be?
For the small shop furniture maker, go with 14″ as the minimum for a bandsaw, though 16″ is better. Those doing larger work might even want 18″ or 20″ machines. Just make sure you have a minimum resaw height of 12″ for versatility.
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 do bandsaw blades break?
Machine Defects Even the best blades can fail if there is something else wrong with your bandsaw, and even a small misalignment of bearings or guides can put a twist in the blade as it goes around. Resulting in tension being applied in all the wrong ways which will lead to early breakage.
Why does my bandsaw blade wobble?
The blade on a saw left idle for long periods of time can leave an impression in the rubber tire which might cause erratic tracking. Purchase and install aftermarket replacement tires. (Search for “bandsaw tire” at woodcraft.com.) If you still see a back-and-forth motion, the culprit is probably the wheel itself.
How long should a bandsaw blade last?
On average your bandsaw blade should last 6 months to as long as a few years depending on what your cutting with it. Make sure to match your blade strength and quality to the project and material your cutting.
Can a bandsaw blade be turned inside out?
hi ,just get heavy gloves,an uncoiled blade ,step on the bottom and turn the blade inside out,and it will go right on a turner mill and just reverse the blade to sharpen.
Why is my bandsaw burning the wood?
A majority of issues with wood burning is because of a dull saw blade. These blades may not be sharp enough to efficiently cut the wood, and thus create enough friction to heat and burn the wood. What is this? Dull blades make it more challenging to cut, which causes friction as you pass the wood through.