Bandsaw blade change

[TrimTheKing]

I got the kids out today helping me frame up for my new shed and needed to rip down a length of 4x2. Tried it in the bandsaw and remembered that the 1/2” blade has been so badly abused that even moving at snails pace it pulls to the left immediately.

Decided to change to the 3/4” ripping blade I have had for about 8 years and never used.

Got the old one off and folded no probs, and managed to get the new one unfolded without losing any digits or children!!

Slackened off all the bearings and fitted the blade, getting it as close to the crown of the tyres as possible by eye, then closed up and cranked up the tension.

Fired her up and it was running a bit close to the back of the tyre so adjusted the tracking and we’re good.

Adjusted the bottom bearings so the the side bearing only touch the blade when the slightest of timber pressure is applied and the rear bearing is a ‘gag paper’ away.

Same with the upper bearings and have her a whirl.

Not too bad at all with a nice slow even feed rate. Not quite tablesaw level but I reckon no more than a couple of passes with a hand plane or one pass under the thickness sander and it would be smooth as a babies bot!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[sunnybob]

I think this is the first bandsaw thread I have ever seen that isnt a curse and a scream for help. :eusa-clap:

 

[novocaine]

oddly enough purchasing a new blade is on the cards for me today having resawn a fret board with a very very very dull 1/2" blade. I stuck a bit more tension on it and it pulled the top wheel out of track, this pushed the blade in to the nice metal gate on startup just enough to remove all the tooth tops. whoops.

ho hum, off to order a new blade. edit: nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo tuffsaws is oveloaded and can't get stock or deal with it's orders, that's a real shame, I hope they make it through.

well done Mark and a bonus that you didn't loose any children, a bigger bonus that you didn't gain any either.

 

[Mike G]

I know I've seen your bandsaw, Mark, but I can't remember it. What have you got? The biggest issue in my view with hobbyist bandsaws is their inability to properly tension bigger blades, and tension (and a sharp blade, of course) is almost everything when it comes to decent ripping.

 

[novocaine]

I know I've seen your bandsaw, Mark, but I can't remember it. What have you got? The biggest issue in my view with hobbyist bandsaws is their inability to properly tension bigger blades, and tension (and a sharp blade, of course) is almost everything when it comes to decent ripping.

doesn't look like a hobby saw to me Mike, I think it's a jet JWB 18 which is a pretty handy machine by all accounts.

 

[Mike G]

Yeah, if it's an 18" saw it'll handle just about anything.

 

[Woodbloke]

oddly enough purchasing a new blade is on the cards for me today having resawn a fret board with a very very very dull 1/2" blade. I stuck a bit more tension on it and it pulled the top wheel out of track, this pushed the blade in to the nice metal gate on startup just enough to remove all the tooth tops. whoops.

ho hum, off to order a new blade. edit: nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo tuffsaws is oveloaded and can't get stock or deal with it's orders, that's a real shame, I hope they make it through.

Without getting into an interminable 'bandsaw blade discussion' , have you tried an Axminster Diamond Ground blade? Equally as good, I've used them for donkey's years - Rob (no agenda to push or ax to grind)

 

[novocaine]

oddly enough purchasing a new blade is on the cards for me today having resawn a fret board with a very very very dull 1/2" blade. I stuck a bit more tension on it and it pulled the top wheel out of track, this pushed the blade in to the nice metal gate on startup just enough to remove all the tooth tops. whoops.

ho hum, off to order a new blade. edit: nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo tuffsaws is oveloaded and can't get stock or deal with it's orders, that's a real shame, I hope they make it through.

Without getting into an interminable 'bandsaw blade discussion' , have you tried an Axminster Diamond Ground blade? Equally as good, I've used them for donkey's years - Rob (no agenda to push or ax to grind)

Yes. and they'd be an option too but I like tuffsaws more (and it feels like I'm support the little guy, which is nice)

the next problem though, Axi have none in stock.

it would appear that the issues at the ports has left the nation bladeless ( I heard rumour of this on the other forum about tuffsaws not being able to get blade stock).

trying to side if it's worth taking a punt on an ebay blade as it seems to be the only place I can find a 62x1/4" blade right now.

 

[TrimTheKing]

It’s a 14” Axminster one bought about 2007. I can’t remember the exact model but I’ll find it in a bit when I go out there.

Seems to do a decent job of tensioning but I don’t have a reference to compare it to.

 

[TrimTheKing]

oddly enough purchasing a new blade is on the cards for me today having resawn a fret board with a very very very dull 1/2" blade. I stuck a bit more tension on it and it pulled the top wheel out of track, this pushed the blade in to the nice metal gate on startup just enough to remove all the tooth tops. whoops.

ho hum, off to order a new blade. edit: nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo tuffsaws is oveloaded and can't get stock or deal with it's orders, that's a real shame, I hope they make it through.

Without getting into an interminable 'bandsaw blade discussion' , have you tried an Axminster Diamond Ground blade? Equally as good, I've used them for donkey's years - Rob (no agenda to push or ax to grind)

Yes. and they'd be an option too but I like tuffsaws more (and it feels like I'm support the little guy, which is nice)

the next problem though, Axi have none in stock.

it would appear that the issues at the ports has left the nation bladeless ( I heard rumour of this on the other forum about tuffsaws not being able to get blade stock).

trying to side if it's worth taking a punt on an ebay blade as it seems to be the only place I can find a 62x1/4" blade right now.

Let me see what length mine are because I have a brand new 1/4 Tuffsaws (Well actually Dragon) blade in stock. If it’s the right length you can have it and replace when they’re available.

 

[novocaine]

It’s a 14” Axminster one bought about 2007. I can’t remember the exact model but I’ll find it in a bit when I go out there.

Seems to do a decent job of tensioning but I don’t have a reference to compare it to.

saw off? my cheap as chips little titan vs your Axminister. quickest to cut through half a tree wins a beer.

obviously have to wait for tuffsaws to be open again so we can get matching blades.

queue rocky style montage of my Titan getting tuned up while eye of the tiger plays, ending with a picture of the titan on the top of the stairs.

your axi can be Mr T.

to late Mark, I took the punt, it will get me through and I'll set and sharpen the 1/2" at some point. Thanks for the very kind offer.

 

[TrimTheKing]

No probs, I think mine are around 84” anyway if memory serves.

 

[9fingers]

Screwfix list a 6 tpi 60x1/4
Bob

 

[novocaine]

Screwfix list a 6 tpi 60x1/4
Bob

they do, I need a 62", they do stock it but not in stores near me at present and they don't deliver it.

 

[9fingers]

I meant to type 62 x 1/4
Stock locally showing here
Anyway seems you are sorted?

Bob

 

[TrimTheKing]

Mine is the one in this old workshop pic, still can’t find the model but got some paid work to do before I can go to the workshop and check.

Trimble Towers Workshop Tour
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/topic? ... source=app

 

[RogerS]

Screwfix list a 6 tpi 60x1/4
Bob

Would you buy a C3 blade from Screwfix ? I know I wouldn't.

 

[novocaine]

I meant to type 62 x 1/4
Stock locally showing here
Anyway seems you are sorted?

Bob

Thanks for checking, I'd checked and they didn't show local to me unfortunately.

I'm sorted assuming what arrives is fit for purpose.

Roger, screwfist blades are Starrett.

 

[novocaine]

Sorry Mark, I seem to have stolen your thread.

wasn't my intention.

impressed with the cut of that saw.

 

[Mike G]

.... have you tried an Axminster Diamond Ground blade? Equally as good, I've used them for donkey's years.....

Yep, they're the same quality as Tuffsaws (or vice versa). I've used them now and then over the years.

 

[AndyP]

In defence of hobbyist bandsaws

You may be surprised what can be achieved with patience and a sharp blade. For anyone who missed the original thread that is 3" douglas fir, about 2.5m long and an Inca 260.

 

[TrimTheKing]

Right, found it, mine is an Axminster Plus SBW4300SL bandsaw. Bought in Feb 2008 so obviously not still going, and I've just been in touch with Ax to ask if they still have the PDF manual on file, which I was surprised to find they don't! I would have thought they would keep PDF manuals of everything they sold (their own branded products at least) because people will keep them for years...

Anyway, I can't find the specs until I can find the manual, which will be buried in a packing case in the shop so won't be found for a little while yet. I did however find my old email confirmation from Ian at Dragon Saws (same Ian that is now Tuffsaw) and it seems my blades are 131", so a little long for your requirements Dave! :lol:

I'm not sure if it's a 12" or 14" but it can take and tension the 3/4 3tpi blade that's on it now, so it's good enough for me. I will need to properly set it up as yesterday was a very quick and dirty job, but when I do so I will do a proper deep ripping test and document on here.

 

[Mike G]

.....I'm not sure if it's a 12" or 14"......

It's 16". This is simply the measurement of the diameter of the wheels. That's a decent machine you've got there.

 

[RogerS]

....

Roger, screwfist blades are Starrett.

Oops....mea culpa

 

[Lons]

The only accident I've ever had in 35 years of bandsaws ( I'll have to find some wood to touch now :shock: ), was due to impatience when I should have changed a blunt blade but pushed through one last cut. It wasn't bad but the sight of red stuff all over the place is a lesson not to be forgotten. It stained the bloody wood as well, (pun intended) :eusa-doh:

 

[Woodbloke]

In defence of hobbyist bandsaws

You may be surprised what can be achieved with patience and a sharp blade. For anyone who missed the original thread that is 3" douglas fir, about 2.5m long and an Inca 260.

Which once belonged to me Nice to see it's still going strong - Rob

 

[Woodster]

Interestingly the Screwfix blades for my saw say they cut metal. Obviously my saw can’t as it runs too fast. Shame they don’t fit variable speed motors on vertical bandsaws.

 

[novocaine]

I think I'll bow out gracefully from that saw off.

 

[TrimTheKing]

I think I'll bow out gracefully from that saw off.

:lol: :eusa-whistle:

 

[TrimTheKing]

.....I'm not sure if it's a 12" or 14"......

It's 16". This is simply the measurement of the diameter of the wheels. That's a decent machine you've got there.

Ah okay, I thought the measurement was the width of cut it could take...

I'm definitely happy with it, also considering looking back I paid £780 for it and the equivalent now is over £1500!

 

[Woodster]

Tuffsaws is temporarily off line for orders. Can anyone recommend anyone else for blades?

I like Axminster blades but they don’t sell a very big range for my saw.

 

[novocaine]

Tuffsaws is temporarily off line for orders. Can anyone recommend anyone else for blades?

I like Axminster blades but they don’t sell a very big range for my saw.

I know, it sucks.

I've resorted to evilbay, I will report back on the blade when it arrives, it maybe a backup supplier to tuffsaw.

 

[John Brown]

I bought a blade from Screwfix, when I thought Tuffsaws weren't responding(turns out I was using an old email address). It's a Starret, I have no idea of the quality, as I haven't had a chance to try it yet, but it's handy to be able to get one in a hurry.

 

[Woodster]

I bought a blade from Screwfix, when I thought Tuffsaws weren't responding(turns out I was using an old email address). It's a Starret, I have no idea of the quality, as I haven't had a chance to try it yet, but it's handy to be able to get one in a hurry.

Good price as well but they only do two blades for my machine, both 1/4”. One is 6 tpi and the 14.

 

[Rod]

In the past I’ve bought excellent blades intended for meat preparation.
Have a search on the web

Rod

 

[Lons]

Interestingly the Screwfix blades for my saw say they cut metal. Obviously my saw can’t as it runs too fast. Shame they don’t fit variable speed motors on vertical bandsaws.

The DeWalt 3501 I had for many years was variable speed and there were others around from Jet and Sheppach if I remember correctly though possibly not now the case. My current old 2 speed Startrite 352 suits my needs now.

There are likely ways to convert to variable speed it it's worth the cost and effort.

 

[Trevanion]

There are likely ways to convert to variable speed it it's worth the cost and effort.

You need quite the reduction to get it down to the sort of speeds you'd want for cutting any metal other than Aluminium or Lead. Wood blades generally want to whiz around at ~3000ft per minute while a blade for cutting steel wants to be running at somewhere around 100ft per minute, otherwise, it will just burn up instantly.

Not impossible though, quite a few people have done it.

 

[novocaine]

So about the reduction on an angle grinder gearbox if you run the output shaft as the input.

 

[novocaine]

New blade arrived from ebay. Cut nicely for 1 cut.

Then i drove it in to a hidden screw on the second cut. So yer, kids learned a new word or two.
Cuts ok now but ive definately nacked it.

 

[TrimTheKing]

New blade arrived from ebay. Cut nicely for 1 cut.

Then i drove it in to a hidden screw on the second cut. So yer, kids learned a new word or two.
Cuts ok now but ive definately nacked it.

Ouch! How much was it?

I had the opposite luck yesterday, well kind of. I had put a new blade into the SCMS a few days ago but was cutting some reclaimed timbers that I was pretty sure I’d cleared of nails, but you never know.

I decided it would be fine so wouldn’t change it, then at the last second changed my mind, and the blade. As luck would have it (or not depending on your view) I caught a hidden brad in an old rafter, taking another tooth edge off!

It’s a really old blade (15 years old) that’s only ever been used for crappy wood and has quite a few tooth edges missing now so I’m mighty glad I decided to change to it at the last second!