[JIM QUILICI]

Originally Posted by Ed Redwine

I'm with the rest of the guys. My first band saw was a bench top model and I couldn't keep enough blades for it. Broke them right and left. I finally gave in and purchased a Delta 14 in. with the stand. It is the best investment made in the tool area and I use it constantly. Do yourself a favor and find room for a real saw!

Ed

atta boy Ed preachin to the choir
Jim

[RVer47]

Hi All,

I'm new to this forum and have followed the thread about benchtop bandsaws. I had a 14" bandsaw when I had a home shop years ago and loved it. However, I now live on the road in a 40' motorhome and don't have the space for the larger bandsaw. Had an 8" Delta for 6 years. Did great on small carving projects. Wanted something with better capacity. Got the Craftsman 10" #21400 Bandsaw. Got the Suffix Machinery Timberwolf blades for it (variety of sizes). Cut great. Problem is that it broke blades (never had a blade break with my old 14" saw - except one at weld).

Has anyone else had experience with this saw? Is blade breakage common with this saw? I have sent it in for repair and/or adjustment twice.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[Bonnot]

I havent broken any blades on my Grizzly 14" G0555. I have used a 3/8" fine tooth blade that came with it and a 1/4" Grizzly raker blade with no problem but I really haven't put any stress on those blades. By stress I am talking no real tight corners.

John

[Dan S]

There are a few possibilities that I can think of. The blades you purchsed may be defective or of poor quality. The blades may be too thick for the smaller wheels. You may have too much tension on the blades. Your guides may be out of adjustment. You may also be placing too much pressure on the blade when you are sawing. You may also be using the wrong blade for what you are cutting. I don't know if it would cause blade brakage but your wheels may also need to be alligned. Fine woodworking had a nice article on how to tune a bandsaw.
I would try a different brand of blade. Something like a 1/4" with about 6 TPI. Try to get a thinner blade if you can .014" or there abouts. By thinner I mean the thickness of the steel not hte width of the blade. Thicker metal fatigues faster on smaller saws. Adjust both your upper and lower guides. Try rounding the back of the blade as this may help prevent cracks from forming and try it out.
If it still breaks blades tell your wife that you need a new one.
Dan

[RVer47]

Thanks Dan & John,

Have tried everything that you suggested. Haven't rounded the backs of the blades since I've misplaced the stone. Will try again.

I especially like your last statement.

"If it still breaks blades tell your wife that you need a new one." Dan