SMALL band saw advice?

[JimPletcher]

I use a small (about 9") Delta band saw with an 1/8" blade for cutting out small and/or complex blanks from all kinds of wood (some very hard).

The saw creates a tremendous amount of dust that is difficult to contain,
In addition, it is forever out of adjustment, and I only readjust it as necessary.

Is there a better SMALL band saw out there, or does someone have advice to improve this one?

[richipper]

All saws will generate dust... need vacuum to really contain.
What kind of blade are you using? I have a small Ryobi that doesn't cut well either. I plan on being getting a higher quality blade to see if that helps. Also tough to cut anything thicker than 3/4 inch. That is why I like the 14 inch Jet.
Richard in CO.

[Dan S]

Small bandsaws have a number of issues. For the most part they are cheaply built. This is especially true of the guides for the blade. Pick up a copy of "the New Complete Guide to the Band Saw" It has some great advise for tuning and maintaining these tools.
If you have the room I'd get a better saw. An older 14" delta would work well for you.

Dan

[JimPletcher]

This saw seems to blow dust from every opening, I haven't found a way to position a vacuum that gives mich improvement.

I'm using a Olsen blade, and it routinely cuts 2" blanks of really hard woods. Chechen gives it a workout though.

When it gets too far out of alignment, the blade walks off the front of the bottom wheel. I've tried adjusting the blade guides and tension, but the blade NEVER centers on the wheel.
I have the book, but once aligned, the saw doesn't STAY in alignment. Maybe I'm just using it too hard?

I have a 14" Delta that I use for bigger stuff (normally with a 1/2" Timberwolf blade), that never gets out of adjustment.

[Robson Valley]

I have a bench top Ryobi. For most of what I do, it's fine. It has a dust extraction port at the bottom left, where the blade comes off the lower wheel and starts uupwards. Aside from the noise, the ShopVac hose just has to be pointed in there to catch it all.

I don't have any alignment troubles at all so far, 5? yrs. BUT the blade goes hairy-wild if it's dull and wanders all over. Only fix which has ever worked is to change blades.

I'd like to have a bandsaw which would cut an honest 4" x 4". And, 12 - 14" wide. . . . to swing pieces around which have a drawing on only one side.

[mobjack68]

Most small bandsaw blades wander not only because they get dull but also because they lose their set. Cheaper blades will lose set before the teeth get dull. Kind of a conundrum...rake your thumb across the teeth, feels pretty sharp.....blade wanders everywhere when cutting. Incorrectly set blade guides will also destroy the set ...causing an ill cutting blade.
Setting the blade guides is important and not terrible difficult. Go to youtube, there are a ton of videos there. If your blade has lost it's set??? It is very easy to add set back into the blade, just bend the teeth.

[Dan S]

Check to see if your wheels are paralell. I agree with the information about the blade but if those are out of allignment it will screw the works up. That book I mentioned will tell you how.

Dan

[JimPletcher]

I have checked the wheels, and they seem to be parallel, BUT - the top wheel appears (meaning I can't be sure) to tilt a little under load.

The reason I say this is that, with no blade, the top wheel can be tilted slightly with a little hand pressure. Almost like the bearing isn't well fitted.

All the small band saws I've seen are not to well built. Does anyone make a well built small band saw?

[Dan S]

I think Jet makes a good 12" saw. Delta may as well. I've never used other brands so I couldn't help much. Have a look at Craigslist. See what you find.

Dan

[Smee]

There used to be this Swiss brand that made a very up scale 12" band saw. They're out of business now, though. All I can remember is they were green in color. Maybe one of you know what I'm talking about.