Bandsaw Problems

Michael J. Spangler

Michael J. Spangler

Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
2,181
hey guys i'm having trouble with a wood working bandsaw i have... the damn thing won't cut a straight line. its a delta 9"
http://www.toolpeddler.com/BS100.htm
any suggestions? new blade maybe? thanks a lot guys. i'd really like to use this thing.. and it seems like it could make life easier if it worked properly... but you can't get anything out of it but s curves and 45 degree angles:(
 
Have you got enough blade tension? that can cause problems like you describe
 
Blades "like" to wander, Michael. It's common. As mentioned, need a really sharp blade that's properly tensioned. Size matters; that saw will accept a 3/8" blade. Narrower the blade, the more it wanders. Tooth type matters, too; one has to experiment. It's as much technique as the saw.

Always adjust the guides so they are as close down to the wood as possible. Don't push too hard.

These hard woods we use, with a lot of non-linear grain, tend to be problematic regarding blade wander.

I've had some good success recently with 4 tooth blades from Lee Valley. I think they're called "Viking", IIRC.
 
thanks Mike. i'm going to have to try a wider blade. i only really want to use it for slabbing things out and cutting blocks to length. i'm not really in need of the thin blades for cutting a radius. i'll try the blade you mentioned, thanks again
any more suggestions are appreciated
 
Michael, Sears oughtta have a 3/8" blade in your size, too, if you don't want to wait. The Viking just seemed to stay sharp longer.
 
knowing me i'll probably go and buy the sears and get pissed at it, then go buy the one i really need. i'll call around for something local before i give up and hit the local sears. thanks again
 
YW, Michael. Good luck.

Don't think you're the lone ranger. When I screw a set up and get two slabs with a mirror-image snake-dance, I put them on the mill and knock 'em down flat so I have two nice faces. Just keep track, so later you know what sides go out for the bookmatch. Takes leaving a little extra wood when slabbing, but corrects a few "Aw, dookie"s.
 
Even when the blade doesnt feel worn, they will cut crooked after the blades teeth get cocked from riding on the wheel under high tension.

New blade for you :)
 
I know what you mean! Lots of fun and frustration when your trying to slab out Ivory and not wanting to waste half of it. Mike
 
you can only cut so crooked till its time for a new blade. I tjibk I push sideways more than straight to tell you the truth :)
 
I don't know how familiar you are with band saws, but you need to keep your upper guide as close to your material as possible. Also if you have multiple speeds try a faster speed. Just a couple of thoughts.
 
I got one of those bandsaws, and I was unimpressed with its cutting ability.... until I replaced the blade. It seems that the blade that comes with it is junk, but with a decent quality blade it's a great tool.
 
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