blades jumping off metal band-saw...GRRR!

NickWheeler · Mar 22, 2001

I've been running E.C. Blackstone blades on my little 4"X6" Jet bandsaw with success.

BUT, lately the blade jumps off every minute or so. Do you have any idea how frustrating that is? It sucks!

I don't try to do radiused cuts on it. I don't force it. I am using TapMatic solid bar lube.

All I've been cutting recently is ATS-34 (1/8" - 1/4") and 416 SS (bolster stock).

Has anyone had this problem? and if so, what was the solution??? Or any help?

I read the band-saw faq at

http://www.halcyon.com/meretrix/4x6bsFAQ.html

But there's nothing there that applies to my problem, couldn't find anything on this with the search here either.

Help please,
Nick

[This message has been edited by NickWheeler (edited 03-22-2001).]

ddavelarsen · Mar 22, 2001

Nick, I had this problem with my HF bandsaw. When I adjusted the tracking the problem stopped. Hope you find your answer, I *do* know how frustrating it is!

Dave

docblade · Mar 22, 2001

Nick, try polishing the weld on the blade with something like a 3M satin wheel. It solved my problem. Ed

Andrew McLurkin · Mar 22, 2001

Nick, I second Dave's recommendation about checking the tracking. If you tilt the wheel with the tracking adjustment back a little it might take care of the problem. The other thing to check is the roller bearings. They are typically elliptical at the attachment where the bolt runs through. Loosen the bolt with the machine off and rotate them until they make good contact with the blade, then tighten them back down.

Eric Shaw · Mar 22, 2001

Nick- I'm jumpin' on the bandwagon for the tracking being a problem. Also check your wheels and make sure they are clean. You may have tap-a-matic/grit build-up. Just take a deep breath and try to look at it in a methodical fashion. LOL

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One Riot, One Ranger
www.shawcustomknives.com

NickWheeler · Mar 22, 2001

Thanks for all the replies guys!

I cleaned the hubs really well and the guide bearings are clean...so I'm going to play with the tracking on the hubs somehow.

These EC Blackstone blades (Lenox DieMaster) are really high quality, and you can't even see where they are welded, so I don't think that's the problem.

Thanks again,
Nick

knife141 · Mar 22, 2001

If you find that tracking is not the problem, take a look at the teeth near the blade weld. If you try to push a blade too hard, or use a coarse blade on thin stock, sometimes the teeth at the weld will strip. The blade will then catch against the stock you're cutting when it comes around. This places sudden strain on the blade and temporarily deforms it, causing it to jump off the wheels.

If you find this is the problem, you can avoid it in the future by always sizing the teeth in the blade to the stock being cut. I think the general rule is to use a blade with enough teeth so that 2-3 teeth are always in contact with the stock.

Hope this helps.

John Ownby

Matt Shade · Mar 23, 2001

A generous helping of profanity and threats on the machines life always seem to help

Check the tires on your wheels, make sure that they haven't worn enough to cause vibration or ridges that would stop the blade from tracking straight and staying in place.

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I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer... but I've got the sharpest knife in the room.

R Dannemann · Mar 24, 2001

Nick, Blacksmith friend started having similar problems after years of using the saw. After making just about every adjustment possible found the drive wheel had worked a little loose.

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ColoradoBoy