I have a Craftsman 12″ bandsaw that tends to drift when cutting. I have adjusted the guides according to the manual and also adjusted the blade tension. If I try to cut less than a 1/16″, the blade describes an arc along the edge of the wood. I also get a wavy cut while resawing. Am I adjusting it wrong or expecting too much from the saw? Can I replace the guides with better quality? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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Replies
dyoung,
A dull blade will often give the same results as you describe. Make sure the gullet of the blade is riding in the guides in the correct position. If your guide blocks are of a hard material , it is possible the teeth could have rubbed to dull ness on the guides. Try a new blade just to eliminate that possibility.
good luck dusty
Thanks. I just happen to have a new blade hanging on the wall. I will give it a try and let you know.
dyoung
Get Dugindske's book on tuning bandsaws. Taunton press. Sounds like a dull blade. Also set of the teeth can be a factor in drift and this can happen in a new blade as well.
Drift will cause this. If the fence is not compensated for drift the blade will try to walk sideways causing the cut you describe.
Mike
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