Blade-slippage problems on bandsaws
forestgirl
| Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on
There have been two recent threads that involved bandsaw blades that had (or probably had) suffered severe slippage or twisting. Today, I was installing the riser block on my Grizzly 14″ saw and found myself thinking about the general topic. My thoughts, disconnected as they are, follow. Please chip in with yours.
- The easiest way to screw up a bandsaw blade is to twist it (accidentally, of course :-), and it doesn’t take much twist to cause complications. It pays to think through things carefully before sawing a large or awkward piece of stock
- Muscling a piece of stock through a bandsaw cut could easily cause problems
- Although an under-tensioned blade may be the most obvious cause of a blade “stopping” (ceasing to turn with the wheels), another cause could be a loose belt. Especially likely on a new saw where the new belt may have stretched a bit.
- I’m curious as to the possible consequences of over-tightening a blade, if there are any. I’m doubtful that the Timber Wolf blades need any more tension than indicated by the manufacturer, and wonder if there’s a downside to adding significantly more tension to these blades than called for by the “flutter test.”
forestgirl — you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can’t take the forest out of the girl 😉
Another proud member of the “I Rocked With ToolDoc Club” …. :>)
Replies
Re: over tensioning...... They break.. I know, pretty obvious huh. Thats the most prominent problem. The second is tire grooving that results in a compressed tire and finally in blade slipage. The groove will also cause twisting in larger or smaller width blades. Once this happens the only solution is to replace the tires at about 25.00 a shot.
Cheap blades are the biggest reason for overtensioning. Lenox and Timberwolf (Amana) are probably the best with Olson comming in among the best buy's class for the generic off the shelf line. Use a bi-metal blade whenever possible and tension to manufacturers recommendations. If you are still having problems then look to other areas, such as guides and wheel camber for the source of your troubles.
Does that answer your question ?
Sincerely;
The Tool Guy
Hi Tool Guy, thanks for the response. Fortunately, I've not had any problems (and am a Happy Camper with my newly extended band saw capacity), I'm just ruminating above and was hoping to prod some general debate after those other two threads were aired, as I had some reservations about a few of the responses.
I've never heard Timber Wolf (Suffolk Machinery, Gschwind Group) linked up with Amana. What's the scoop there???forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
Arghhhhh, there I go again.. I meant Timberline and not Timber Wolf... Although I did really mean Timber Wolf just not in reference to Amana.Sincerely;
The Tool Guy
Whew! I was afraid the wolf had been eaten by the appliance company.
So, I take it you like the Timber Wolf blades? I love 'em, but am no expert. Did my first larger resaw yesterday after installing the riser block in 14" Grizzly saw. Used a TW blade (1/2" 3tpi I think). Man did it do a good job. Smooth and easy-going.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
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