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. Before we put the new blade on, this is the perfect time to check the rubber tires on the wheels and clean off any saw dust or debris. Slowly turn the wheel and watch how the blade tracks. Most band saws will have some form of tension scale, either inside the housing like this one around the back, and it’s based on the width of the blade. Remember, the most important thing is to keep a sharp blade in your saw.
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. There is a whole quality spectrum when it comes to bandsaw blade guides. Lower the upper blade guide, open the wheel housing(s) and blade guard and carefully remove the blade. If you’re swapping to a different blade of the same width – perhaps to a higher tooth count – or putting the same blade back on, you may be able to get away without readjusting the guides. 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”. On others, the thrust bearing is a “thrust block” instead. Either way, it serves the same function: supporting the blade as you feed material and preventing the blade from bowing and twisting as you exceed its beam strength. Will The Real Bandsaw Blade Guides Please Stand Up? While the guide assemblies can be generically referred to as “the blade guides”, the actual blade guides are the parts that sit to the left and right of the blade and restrict side to side movement and twisting.
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.
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.
how to fit bandsaw blade Related Question:
Which way do band saw blades 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.
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 universal?
Bandsaw blades differ in thickness, width, length, and tooth configuration. Length varies by machine, but the size of your saw’s wheels typically determines thickness and width: Smaller machines (9–12″ wheels) need thinner blades to prevent breaking the welds. They also accept only narrow blades, often 1⁄ 2 ” or less.
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.
Can a bandsaw blade be turned inside out?
Re: Turning a band blade 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. Thanks.
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.
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 keeps coming 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.
How many TPI does a bandsaw blade need?
For general wood cutting duties in typical 3/4″ material, use a 4 TPI blade for coarse, fast cutting and a 14 TPI blade for slower, smoother cutting. A blade in the 6 to 8 TPI range provides good general-purpose performance.
How many teeth does a bandsaw blade have?
The general rule of thumb is: For wood and soft materials aim for 3 – 6 teeth in the workpiece. For metals and harder materials aim for 6 – 24 teeth in the workpiece.
Is more TPI better?
Woodworkers quickly learn that the number of teeth-per-inch (TPI) on the blade has a big impact on the quality of a cut. The general rule of thumb is “the more TPI, the smoother the cut.” The true answer, however, is just a little more complicated than that, as you’ll learn once you understand how saw teeth work.
What is a raker bandsaw blade used for?
RAKER SET has one tooth set to the right, one tooth set to the left and one tooth is straight. This is used for most production cutting of thick, solid metal sections on horizontal saws.
How long should a metal 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.
What is a raker blade?
Alternate: An all-purpose arrangement where the teeth are bent evenly left and right of the blade. Raker: Three teeth in a recurring group—one bent left, one bent right, and one that is not bent. The raker set is ideal for most contour cuts.
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.