Bandsaw Blues

Henry · #1 11-03-2007, 11:20 AM

I have a problem that has been frustrating me for years. When I first start a carving I glue my pattern onto a block of wood and cut it out on my bandsaw. The problem is that my bandsaw blade never tracks the same from the upper surface of the wood to the bottom surface. The bottom suface cuts about 1/16" off from the top. I've tried making sure my tabletop is level, my blade is tracking straight and everything I can think of. I've used 1/4" blades and 1/8" blades, but I can NEVER get a straight cut. I get the same results whether I'm cutting through 2" thick wood or 4" thick wood. I set the height of my blade so that the guides are setting just above the piece of wood thinking that maybe I had too much play in it. I try to saw as slowly as possible thinking that maybe I was trying to force the blade through too quickly, but nothing helps. I have a Jet bandsaw with a 14" throat. HELLLLLP!!!

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #2 11-03-2007, 12:55 PM

put a small 2 in machinists square on the table next to the blade...the table maybe square but the blade could be off a hair in comparison....

Henry · #3 11-04-2007, 09:35 AM

Thanks, but I've already tried that a long time ago. The table was a little off so I set it to be trued with the blade instead of the zero mark. Like I said, I've tried everything I could think of. Sorry.

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #4 11-04-2007, 10:18 AM

well two other things then, get some good blade guides and get a wolf brand blade from www.suffolkmachinery.com

Bill in TX · #5 11-04-2007, 02:38 PM

The usual cause for the blade not cutting straight vertically is blade tension. Usually I will tension the blade at the setting for the next blade width. For example, for a 1/4 in. blade I set the tension for 3/8 or 1/2 in. blade.

squbrigg · #6 11-04-2007, 04:05 PM

Sorry for your trouble. I had similar problems and solved them by buying a Laguna bandsaw! No more trouble! LOL Sorry, but it's true.

Bob

mark yundt · #7 11-04-2007, 08:14 PM

I'm sure you did this already,,but when you install a blade be sure both sets of wheels/blocks are completly free of the blade.Tension it properly,, I usually run it for a bit to be sure it's seated..THEN bring the wheels/blocks back to touch the blade.I've seen many people neglect the bottom sets of wheels/blocks and it creates many problems with tracking. If both top and bottom are true,,and the blade is 90 to the table ,,you shouldn't have any problems. Also,,if you are using the cool blocks,,check to be sure they aren't worn,,usually where the back edge of the blade contacts them. It only takes the slightest scoring,,or them not being 90 degrees to the blade that tracking problems will occur.The top is on line,,but the bottoms allow the blade to flex and follow it's own line.

One other thing,,using cheap blades that seem like they were punched out of a strip of steel can and do track weird and off course. The tend to have a set to the teeth that favours one side and will tend to wander off to that side all the time. If you try to keep the line to the left of the blade,,the bottom will undercut..if you keep the line to the right of the blade it'll over cut.Left vs. right radius cuts will also be easier or harder as well.You really do develope a feel for each blade and what it tends to do.

But for your problems,,there are only so many things that can go wrong.. Double check too that the bottom guides are held firmly in position,,,if it's loose or flexes at all,,well ,,a bad cut results. Hope this helps.

BobT · #8 11-05-2007, 06:35 AM

I have had my Delta 14" saw for about 12 years. I have always used Timberwolf blades. The saw has always cut very accurately. I recently broke my last blade. I went to Woodcraft and they did not have a timberwolf in stock in my size. I bought one of their house brand blades. It cut crooked and at an angle. I thought something was wrong with the saw and went through the entire setup. Still not good. I ordered a Timberwolf blade and all was well again. I can't believe the difference between blades. Anyone want a free (poor cutting) 105" blade?

BobD · #9 11-05-2007, 12:27 PM

One thing also to watch is to make sure you are not pushing the wood into the blade too much. If you push too hard, you will bow the blade while you cut (which is why increasing the tension helps).

Let the blade cut at it's own speed...don't force it!

Bob

gene messer · #10 11-05-2007, 12:59 PM

Henry .. Bob is right about pushing the wood into the blade too much ... I have a Delta 14 inch and I have had this problem often when I try and get in a hurry and cut too quickly ..

Often times let the blade cut at it's own pace and guide it slowly ... When I do this .. I dont seem to have the problem ..

And Thanks Bob T on the info of Tiberwolf Blades on a Delta ..

Gene