Troubleshooting Bandsaw Blade Problems
A simple solution to your spindle problem.
If you are having problems with your bandsaw blade, first make sure the blade is installed correctly on the saw. If it’s not, you can try installing a new one.
Table of Contents
Bandsaws are an essential tool in the woodworking industry. One should be in every woodshop. You probably already have one if you’ve done some woodworking in your own shop. They might be fussy at times, but when properly cared for, they can perform like no other saw. If yours is obstinate, won’t cut a straight line, or is acting up, it’s likely a minor issue with tension, tracking, or blade build-up. Adjusting the issue will help troubleshoot it.
Read our guide on the best bandsaws under $500.
Tension on the blades
Draw a line across a scrap piece of wood to diagnose tension issues. Turn on the saw and try to follow the line with it. Your blade may be too loose if you have difficulties following the line or if it travels back and forth across the line. Turn off the saw and look for a huge knob that tightens the blade (it’s usually on top of the bandsaw enclosure); it’s the same knob that’s used to remove and replace the blade. Turn the knob a couple of times clockwise. By cutting down the line, you can see how tight the blade is. If the blade continues to stray, counterclockwise spin it a couple more times and try again. Repeat the operation until the line is smooth, the knob is stiff and difficult to turn without effort, and the blade flexes no more than 1/4 inch when pushed sideways with a stick while the saw is switched off.
Blade with a dull finish
If the blade still wanders after you’ve tightened it properly, you may have a dull blade. By cutting into a scrap piece of wood, you may check the blade’s sharpness. It’s definitely dull if you have to use a lot of power to drive the wood through the blade, or if you notice wisps of smoke emerging from the wood or the blade. Allow the blade to cease moving after turning off the saw. The blade should be replaced if the teeth are burned and have black tips. Burned teeth aren’t always obvious; if you’ve struck a nail, staple, screw, or even a rock buried in the wood in the past few days, the tooth’s ends may seem twisted or blunted. This also implies that the blade needs to be changed. Replace the dull blade with a new one according to the manufacturer’s instructions for your bandsaw.
Guides
The blade guides may be set too high if you increased the tension and replaced the blade and it still wanders back and forth. On the blade, look for a pair of ball-bearing guides that the blade travels through. The right side of the guide features a knob that permits it to travel up and down the blade. Place the scrap piece of wood next to the blade. Turn the counterclockwise knob on the side of the guide until the guide with the bearings loosens. Slide the guide up or down the blade until it’s no more than 3/4 inch vertically above the board, then tighten the knob to secure the guide. Cut along the line with the saw after it is turned on. The blade should cut clean and straight if the tension has been correctly set and a fresh blade has been inserted. If you can still see the place where the blade touches the wood and the ball-bearing guide doesn’t interfere with the wood going beneath it, you may move the guides further lower.
Tracking
Turn on the saw and watch the blade as it passes through the slot in the table’s top. In the slot, the blade should be centered. If the blade is too far forward or back, or even rubs at the front or rear, the tracking is incorrect and has to be adjusted. At eye level, locate a huge knob on the rear of the saw, located on the wheel housing. The tilt of the wheel is controlled by this knob. For this adjustment, keep the saw running. To return the blade to the slot, crank the wheel one-half turn clockwise. As you crank the wheel, keep an eye on the blade. If it still won’t move, half-turn the wheel until the blade is centered within the slot. Turn the knob counterclockwise to bring the blade forward until it centers in the slot if it slides too far back. To fine-tune the location, crank the knob one-quarter turn at a time until the blade centers and stays there.
a filthy wheel
If the blade will not remain centered within the slot after you’ve set the tracking appropriately, it’s likely that the wheel has to be cleaned. Sawdust combines with resin and sticks to the blade, depending on what you’ve been cutting — wood is a potential culprit. The sticky sawdust packs onto the wheel as it goes in a circle, generating a buildup. The blade wanders back and forth within the slot due to the accumulation. Turn off the saw if you’ve adjusted the tracking and the blade still won’t center. Remove the blade and scrape any packed sawdust, mud, or grime off the wheel with a putty knife until it’s clean. Turn on the saw and reset the tracking after wiping off the blade and installing it. The blade should be centered and secure.
Bio of the Author
Wade Shaddy has worked in the homebuilding industry since 1972, specializing in hardwood furniture, trim carpentry, cabinets, home remodeling, and architectural millwork. Shaddy has previously worked as a reporter and writer for a newspaper and as a contributor to Bicycling Magazine. Shaddy started writing for publications in 1992 and released his first book, “Dark Canyon,” in 2008.
The “behringer saw troubleshooting” is a guide that will help you identify and fix problems with your bandsaw blade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my bandsaw blade keep stopping?
A: Unfortunately, this is a common issue with bandsaw blades. The best way to solve the problem would be replacing your blade. Another solution would be taking out the sawdust that has accumulated inside of it and then cleaning it up with some compressed air.
Why does my bandsaw blade wander?
A: If your band saw blade is wandering, the best thing to do is make sure all of the bolts are tight. Make sure that you tighten any bolt or nut with a wrench while also rotating it in circles by hand until it feels snug on its track.
How do you troubleshoot a bandsaw?
A: First and foremost, ensure your power is turned on. Then check if the band of the saw blade has become loose by moving it up and down while keeping an eye on how much tension you can apply to keep it in place. If theres no tension, youll need to tighten or loosen this with a wrench until such time as possible before replacing your bandsaw blade
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