Used Equipment

Bandsaw Tuning – Everything you need to know

To get the best out of your bandsaw one must start with a properly adjusted blade, guide blocks, thrust bearings and a squared up table.  It is very important to check each of these factors every time you use your saw, change your blade, or when your blade and blocks show some wear.  A properly adjusted bandsaw is a delight to use.  However, if improperly adjusted, it can be a major frustration.

There are five simple steps one must perform in sequence, to assure a properly tuned bandsaw.

1. Tension the Blade
   To do this, you use the “blade tightening” knob that protrudes above the case of the top blade wheel.  Some saws have indications for different blade widths.  These are merely approximate indicators, so start by moderately tightening the blade, which has been placed on the wheels.
2. Tracking the Blade
   Before you start to plug in the machine, make sure the guide blocks and thrust bearings are totally clear of the blade.  Rotate the blade wheels by hand.  CAUTION:  Don’t place your finger through the spokes of the wheel.  You could severely damage or lose a finger.  As it is rotated, the blade should move to the center of the rubber tire on the top and hopefully the bottom wheels.  If the blade does not seem to center, you have to adjust the “top wheel tilt knob” while you hand-turn the wheel.  Turn the wheel until you get it tracking on the center of the rubber tires or as close as possible.  You may need a bit more tension on the blade, but don’t overly compress the rubber tires.
3. Adjusting the Guide Blocks/Pins
   Move the top guide blocks/pins back or forward so the front edges will be right behind the blade teeth.  Take a piece of paper the size of a $5.00 bill and fold it from the back around the saw blade.  Move the blade and bank note between the guides/pins and without deflecting the blade, tighten the guides/pins to a nice fit around the paper. Do the same for the bottom guide/pins.
4. Position the Thrust Bearings
   Move the top thrust bearing until it is almost touching the blade.  It need not roll when you hand-turn the blade, but should roll when you cut wood.  Do the same for the bottom bearing. You should now have your blade, guides, and thrust bearings tuned for accurate sawing.
5. Square the Table
   The final step is to set the table 90 degrees to the blade. Place a small square (4″ to 6″) on the table against the blade.  At the back, bottom of the table, there should be an adjusting bolt allowing you to change the angle of the table. Turn the bolt until the square shows the blade and table are 90 degrees to each other.

NOTE: Each time you change the blade, you should go through steps 1 through 5.

When you have finished working with your bandsaw, and will not be using it for a while, release the blade tension. There is no sense in creating a flat side on your rubber tires.

CONGRATULATIONS!  YOU HAVE TUNED AND ADJUSTED YOUR BANDSAW AND SHOULD NOW EXPERIENCE MORE “BANDSAWING SUCCESS.” HAVE FUN!

About the Author

Jim is a writer for Western Tool – a retailer of tools and tool parts including saw blades, circular saw blades, and band saw blades.

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