Maintenance

Bandsaw & Blade Maintenance

1The bandsaw blade is a fragile tool that requires care, both on and off the bandsaw. If the blade is properly cared for, it will last longer and give better performance.

2The condition of the bandsaw makes a difference. If the machine vibrates or has out-of-round wheels, the blade life will be shortened. Vibration is often decreased by good pulley and belt alignment. High-quality cast-iron pulleys and a high-quality belt often make a great improvement, especially on less-expensive saws.

3Proper saw adjustment prolongs the life of the blade. Saw alignment and the tracking and adjustment of the guides and thrust bearing are very important. Poorly adjusted metal guides can damage the blade teeth. The new nonmetal guides such as Cool Blocks, prevent tooth damage and also prolong blade life by decreasing the heat from friction between the blade and the blocks.

4Over tensioning and under tensioning can shorten blade life. It is a good idea to decrease the tension after using the saw. This is also good for the wheels and the tyres. When decreasing the tension, use the same amount of turns on the knob each time. Then, when it comes time to increase the tension again, you can do it quickly and accurately.

5How the operator uses the saw the saw is also important. The movement should be smooth and slow. A quick turn can cause a kink, which is a sharp bend in the blade. A blade will usually break at the kink. Feeding too fast can shorten blade life. Forcing a wide blade around a tight curve twists the body of the blade, which often causes the blade to break. Running the saw for periods of time when the saw is not cutting , also is not good for the blade.