New Bandsaw

[Tucson Bill]

Well, I got my new Timberwolf blades today. All I can say is WOW!!!

I put a 1/4" 4 tooth blade on the saw and gave it a quick try on an old piece of 4x4 I had handy. If there is any blade drift, I can't see it and it tracks around curves like a dream, to say nothing of the fact that the saw thought that 4x4 was made out of soft butter!

Do I have to add that I am a happy camper??

[squbrigg]

It's a great feeling when a new tool works well for you. Encourages you to try all kinds of new stuff you would never have before. Have fun with the new saw and blade. We'll be looking for pictures when you get a chance!

Bob

[wdrite]

I have a Delta 9 " that my dad bought used in 1966. I inherited it in 1976 and it still works fine. However, I have replaced it with a Grizzly 14 1`/2 because of the limited capacity. Don't use the Delta much anymore but keep it as a backup. It has done a lot of work for me.

[xsailer]

I had for years a small bench bandsaw. I just took up carving and needed a saw that could cut better and thicker wood. I got a Delta. I am so happy with it I could scream. Same story about getting a 6 point blade and cutting like butter. I never did like the other saw and wish I could have afforded the Delta years ago. I am so spoiled.

[Dusty Buffalo]

I have a question for all of you experts.

I have the 9" Delta table top band saw and the blade is constantly wanting to twist no matter what.

Do I not have the tension tight enough or is it something else? I'm using the blade that came with the saw. I don't use it for a lot of things but when I do, I would really like a straight cut. It seems to want to curve to the right.

Thanks for the help.

[AlArchie]

I'd replace that blade with a quality one....Timberwolf, Veritas, or one of several others you will hear about.....the blade makes ALL the difference. You may also have a problem with wheel allignment if that is a 3 wheel saw. The larger 2 wheel ones tend to run a bit more true. But in all probability a better blade will solve your problem. Make sure you follow the tension suggestions that come with your new blade, it's important!

Al

[squbrigg]

Kelly,

You aren't going to get a straight cut with a 9" table top bandsaw, sorry. I have one and it just isn't up to the task. Even most 14" saws aren't. Believe me, I've tried them all!!! I was looking for a bandsaw to cut straight wood for planks for my ship models and finally found one, but had to pay dearly. A good quality 14" will give you reasonable results, once the saw is set up properly, but this in itself is an art. The blade will drift or track slightly differently with each saw and blade, the fence has to be adjusted to suit the blade, not the other way around. Once you learn to get the saw set up well, it will track much better. But if you want perfectly straight cuts.....buy a Laguna. Expensive , but a good investment for a lifetime of woodworking. (they were $945 US, when I bought mine, plus shipping and tax and a good blade)

Bob

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Here's a suggestion.....Use 3/16" skip tooth blades vs. the 1/4" ones. After you get the blade on the saw take a fine file and round the back edges of the blade while the saw is running. You'll be amazed at the tight turns you can make even with thick wood. Also, invest in a blade repair kit. They cost about as much as a good blade but will pay for themselves the first time you repair a blade. I bought one about 5 years ago and haven't bought a new blade since. I use Olsen blades. No complaints and I saw a lot of wood.