To make the proper cuts; you’ll need to install the correct blade, which means you’ll need to know not only how to change the band saw blade, but also how to adjust the saw to keep the blade that you do install tracking straight and true. In the following step-by-step tutorial, learn how to change your band saw blade as well as how to make the adjustments necessary to keep your band saw blade cutting properly. Before you can begin to truly tension and adjust the tracking on your new band saw blade, you’ll need to loosen the band saw guide blocks and rollers that keep the blade tracking properly.
Speaker: Today, I’m going to walk you through the process of changing a band saw blade. It’s pretty simple, but there are three main things to consider: blade tracking, blade tension, and guide adjustment. Since the blade is a continuous loop, the table is slotted so that you can get the blade out.
The rear blade guard wraps the bandsaw blade while protecting you in the event of blade rupture. All most all bandsaw problems are blade related and a dull blade can cause blade drift. Knowing how to change a bandsaw blade can easily help you get rid of these problems quickly.
Installing the blade is almost identical to taking it off, but this time you WILL need to re-adjust the upper and lower blade guides and the Thrust Bearing. So install the new blade by placing it on the upper wheel first, then the lower wheel, and now is a good time to take up a bit of slack in the blade. Before you start to align the blade on the wheel, make sure none of guides or thrust bearings are touching the blade … now, spin the upper wheel while adjusting the angle of the blade.
I presume you have chosen a new blade or just received a freshly sharpened band from the saw doctor! It is time now to fit your bandsaw blade. Loosely position top guides onto the band saw blade. I have made a video on how to change your bandsaw blade and setting up your guides.
how to change the blade on a bandsaw Related Question:
How often should you change a bandsaw blade?
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.
What 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.
What do you do with old bandsaw blades?
There is life for those old, broken, and dull bandsaw blades. Just cut the old blade into sections about 12″ long. Stack the pieces together, alternating the teeth so that they don’t touch their neighbors. Use either same tape, or just braze the ends together,.
Can I put a wider blade on my bandsaw?
An 18-inch diameter wheel can use a 0.032-inch thick blade that is 3/4 inch wide. In general, thicker and wider blades will be the choice when sawing dense wood and woods with hard knots. Such wood needs the extra strength of a thicker, wide blade to avoid breaking. Thicker blades also deflect less when resawing.
Are bandsaw blades worth sharpening?
Since a carbide-tipped bandsaw blade will cost well over $100, spending a third of the cost of the blade (or more) to get it sharp and working like new again can make financial sense. However the majority of bandsaw blades, the Wood Slicer included, are not worth spending money to have sharpened.
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.
Which way does a bandsaw blade go?
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.
How do I get my bandsaw to 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.
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 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.
Are table saw blades reverse threaded?
Table saws provide consistent precision cuts, making them a valuable asset in the woodshop. But if you’re new to this power-tool, they are intimidating. One common concern among new woodworkers is how the blades are threaded. Table saw blades are reversed threaded if they tilt right.