An out-of-balance bandsaw wheel, whether upper or lower, can cause you problems in a number of areas. Determine whether your bandsaw wheel is out of balance. George provides a simple, low-tech way to identify the heavy side of your bandsaw wheel.
Twice in one week I was asked how I balance band saw wheels so I thought I would write something up on the subject. Balancing of the wheels is important on all band saws but it is essential on larger and higher speed saws. I have found that balancing the wheels while on the saw and running at their normal speed is much preferable than balancing off the saw.
If it stops in the same place, the wheel is out of balance, heavy on the bottom. Add some wire or an adhesive wheel weight at 12 o’clock. When the wheel stops at different places with each spin, it’s as balanced as you will need.
how to balance a bandsaw wheel Related Question:
Why does my bandsaw 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.
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.
Why is my bandsaw blade vibrating?
The tire was pulling the blade back and forth. If a urethane tire is not on the wheel straight, it will carry the blade back and forth, causing oscillation that is visible from the side of the blade.
How do you straighten a bandsaw blade?
How to straighten a bandsaw blade? It is risky but if it’s absolutely necessary, a temporary fix to straighten a bandsaw blade can be done by placing it on an anvil and gently tapping it flat with a nylon head hammer/mallet or using a pair of gas pliers to straighten out the 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.
Which way do the teeth point on a bandsaw?
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.
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..