Place the blade in the guides but don’t fit it to the drive wheels. Make sure the plates that the top wheel slides up and down between when adjusting blade tension are tight so there is no play in the adjuster block. Checking alignment with a straight edge between the wheels but it is better if you cut it to length so you can do this with the blade fitted as tension changes the top wheel mounting geometry.
Basically, the “Arms” move the blade closer, or further from the vise, and the “Wrists” pivot the blade’s axis. I put in a new blade, set rollers to touch and adjust it in by eye, loosen vice jaw and square it with the blade and lock down. Then do the same thing by setting square on table and eye ball that blade is vertical by sighting with square up next to blade.
On a typical wood or metal cutting blade the hook or of point of the blade should be pointing down for a vertical blade bandsaw, or for a horizontal blade saw the hook of the teeth should be pointed such that they enter the workpiece first as the blade moves. During regular cutting on a well set up bandsaw the blade will move or bow backwards a bit as you press the workpiece into it. The side guides will assist in keeping the blade cutting straight, but they are not an iron lock on the blade forcing it to cut straight.
Install blade between wheel and insert blade between bearings on blade guides. Tension blade slightly to remove any sag in blade between blade wheels. Install new blade by placing blade between blade guides first.
how to adjust horizontal band saw Related Question:
Why is my horizontal band saw not cutting straight?
Make sure the blade is running in the correct direction. On machines powered by three phases power so it is common to get the wiring reversed and have the blade running the wrong direction. On all vertical blade bandsaws the working portion of the blade should go down. This forces the workpiece down into the table.
When using a horizontal band saw you should adjust the blade guide as close to the work as possible?
The upper guide and guard should be set as close to the work as possible, at least within 1/4 inch. If the band breaks, immediately shut off the power and stand clear until the machine has stopped. Examine blade before installing to see if it is cracked, do not install a cracked blade.
How much tension should a bandsaw 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.
How tight should metal 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.
What causes bandsaw 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.
What is the closest you should put your fingers to the blade while it is running?
Do not put your fingers closer than two inches from the blade. 3. Do not place your hands directly in line with the blade while cutting stock. 4.
Where should your fingers stay while cutting with the band saw and scroll saw?
Keep your fingers to the side of the saw blade. Never allow your fingers to be in front of the saw blade. Your fingers must be positioned more than two inches from the blade when the saw is operating. When cutting cylindrical (round) stock, secure stock in a “V” fixture.
Why do bandsaws wander?
Tim Inman: Because band saw blades ride on crowned wheels, they always have a little “camber” angle relative to the vertical axis of the wheel. This causes the blade to tip a little and makes the cut “pull” to the side.
Why are my bandsaw cuts wavy?
Re: Band saw Cutting Wavy Cuts. The clasic cause for wavy lumber is pushing a dull blade past it’s limits. Sharp don’t get it. On these low powered mills, the blade gotta be razor sharp..
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.