A long straightedge should touch the tops and bottoms of both wheels simultaneously in order for the blade to track on the center of both wheels, photo below left. Reinstall the blade on the center of the tires and add tension while slowly turning the top wheel by hand. Hand-spin the wheels to check blade tracking and make any final adjustments before giving the blade a short test with the motor running.
Learn how to tune up your band saw for top performance. You’ll learn how to change a band saw blade, clean a band saw, tension a band saw blade, adjust the band saw blade tracking, adjust the band saw upper and lower blades guides, and test the band saw cutting.
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.
how to tune up bandsaw Related Question:
Do I need to oil my bandsaw?
A band saw blade is a tool. You must lubricate both sides! In both cases, we know for a fact that lubrication of the body of the band increases band life by over 30%. Applied sparingly, you can cut grade lumber with NO staining to your product.
Why does my bandsaw blade keep 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.
What helps to keep a band saw blade on?
You can help keep your bandsaw in the best condition by following a daily cleaning and lubricating routine, including lightly oiling the bearings where possible, and using an airline to blow away any swarf that has built up in the blade and mechanism.
Why do bandsaws shake?
Band saw tires are another likely source of vibration. Tired tires, caked with pitch and dust or full of cracks and missing chunks, can not only contribute to blade and saw vibration but can also cause major blade tracking problems.
What does the blade guard protect?
Its purpose is to keep the kerf of the cut open or “split” to prevent the workpiece from pinching the blade, or contacting the rear, rising teeth of the blade and thereby causing the blade to throw the workpiece back at the operator. This is known as “kicking back” the workpiece or simply a “kickback”.
Should you lubricate a bandsaw blade?
Band saw blade lubricant is essential for keeping temperatures low and stopping the metal or wood from being treated by the heat generated during sawing. In fact, heat dissipation is one of the primary roles of the band saw blade lubricant and coolant.
What oil do you use for a bandsaw?
BAND SAW KLEENKOOL is a premium quality oil specially formulated for the unique problems associated with high speed band saws. BAND SAW KLEENKOOL is engineered to lubricate, cool, and clean residue from band saw blades.
Why does my bandsaw stall?
Using a dull blade or the incorrect type of blade can cause the band saw to cut through work pieces slowly. The blade will also move slowly through the work piece if the blade is installed incorrectly. A weak drive motor can also cause the band saw to cut slowly.
Why is it important to use lubricant when using the blade?
The lubrication system acts as a blade wash, removing the hairs. For many products lubricating the blade also greatly assists the cutting action and eases the passage of the blade through the extrusion. This will reduce blade wear & lessen the cutting power needed to cut the product.
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. blade, I would set the scale to 1/2 in.
How tight should a sawmill 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.
Why does my bandsaw blade wander?
If the wheels are worn and do not have a distinct top to the crown then the blade will not know where to go, and may wander around. This of course can cause poor cut quality and difficulty in setting the guides.
How is a band saw blade tracked?
Tracking describes the in-plane “front-to-back” motion of a bandsaw as it runs on the bandmill wheels. Bandsaw tracking stability returns the sawblade to its initial position after any in-plane side-to-side displacement caused by a cutting force.
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.