Thread: Band saw tune up

Like Carbatec who sold me a CNC machine that wasn't even in the country yet and then upped the price $1100.- because it was a newer model and they no longer carry the one they advertise
Wolffie

Originally Posted by Wolffie

Like Carbatec who sold me a CNC machine that wasn't even in the country yet and then upped the price $1100.- because it was a newer model and they no longer carry the one they advertise
Wolffie

Mmm. All about the $$, isn't it?

Originally Posted by TORB

If I put a square at the back edge of the blade it is not parallel to the square. There is a slight gap which means that when I am sawing, the blade will make contact with the top of the job before the bottom. Is this a problem? I have tried a million different adjustments but can't seem to get this one sorted out.

My bandsaw, not from H&F, had this same problem. It turns out that on mine if the table is removed there are grubscrews that can be adjusted to tilt the whole trunnion assembly. Though not the same brand it might be good to check if yours is the same. The retailer was not aware that this adjustment was possible and had to consult others!

Hey Ric, I feel your frustration with this problem. I have a Powermatic PM14 bandsaw, and even though it is considered a 'high-end' brand, it still requires a lot of mucking around with to achieve good results. Whenever I have to change a blade, I have to go through the rig-moral of adjusting for bandsaw blade drift and re-adjusting all the normal settings etc. I mainly use this saw for re-sawing wide timber for box's and small cabinetry works, so there is generally a 3/4" blade on it. Here is another very useful video on tuning the bandsaw for drift etc. Hope it helps.
34-How to Adjust for Bandsaw Drift - Medium.m4v - YouTube

Thanks for the video links.

I love a well-tuned bandsaw

Paul.

Pariss, thanks for that link. The guy could teach Marcel Marceau a thing or three , but what he lacks in voice, he makes up for in pencil marking.

I finally finished a job that was approaching a deadline (two smick cutting boards) that are to be given away as presents so did not have time to look at the band saw until this morning.

I tried to loosen the screw holding the bottom wheel, but it would be a challenge for Samson the Circus Strongman. So, I rang old mate George at Hairy Forbes and the upshot is that they will need to replace it.

He is arranging to have one pulled from the warehouse and set up to make sure it is all ok, and then they will deliver it and pick up the defective one. I wonder how long it will all take to happen?

Originally Posted by TORB

I wonder how long it will all take to happen?

Hopefully not long, Ric.

Things are moving with my table now after a shaky start.
I got to check the THIRD table in a pic, with a straight-edge, before agreeing to take it. Can't do better than that. It's on the way, from Melbourne.
Dean threw in some free blades, to keep the peace.

They will probably look after you similarly, I'd say.

Good luck.

Hairy Forbes had two service calls scheduled in my area today so decided to see if band saw could be easily adjusted. The guy arrived on time.

Troy (heck of a good bloke) played around with it and after sometime started to mumble what must have been four letter words.

During our conversation, I mentioned the damage that had occurred to the lower door during transport and that I had beaten it out with a rubber mallet.

Troy responded..... ........ Well that explains why I have run out of adjustment. It must have been bent in transport.

So now, they are going to run one up in the warehouse and check it out completely. I should have it late next week. Good service from this mob.

Good news. My new/replacement band saw was delivered today and the defective one taken back.

Top marks for service to Hairy Forbes. Their communication by both phone and email was first rate. The whole interaction and process was totally professional.

Many other companies should take a leaf out of Hare and Forbes book about customer service and how to do things properly.

Originally Posted by TORB

I Band Saw Clinic with Alex Snodgrass - YouTube

"Interesting!"

Thank you for the link, very interesting.
I downloaded it so I can watch it a few times.
Wonder whether that doodah will be available here.
Looks like a very good idea even though it is around $90.
Cheers
Wolffie

The new band saw was checked by H&F before delivery and the blade was 100% perpendicular to the base when it arrived so all was good.

Then I did the rest of the set up, turned it on and cut some wood. Yippee! Not bad at all...... and then I checked the blade.

Its out by .75mm over 150mm. No matter what I do by way of tuning and playing with the top wheel, it remains out by .75mm

I know it is meant to 100% square, but what do I do now? Is it worth worrying about and will it have much/any impact on the life of the blades and or the accuracy of the work I am doing?

Originally Posted by TORB

The new band saw was checked by H&F before delivery and the blade was 100% perpendicular to the base when it arrived so all was good.

Then I did the rest of the set up, turned it on and cut some wood. Yippee! Not bad at all...... and then I checked the blade.

Its out by .75mm over 150mm. No matter what I do by way of tuning and playing with the top wheel, it remains out by .75mm

I know it is meant to 100% square, but what do I do now? Is it worth worrying about and will it have much/any impact on the life of the blades and or the accuracy of the work I am doing?

Ric, mine is out by 2-3mm over the same distance, with the bottom of the blade leading.
0.75mm sounds good to me. Mine's new too, but does have those other faults.

After reading this thread and prior to making my first bandsaw box I decided to tune up my bandsaw using the Alex Snodgrass method and wow what a difference, certainly worth the effort.

Cheers
Rumnut

Originally Posted by tdrumnut

After reading this thread and prior to making my first bandsaw box I decided to tune up my bandsaw using the Alex Snodgrass method and wow what a difference, certainly worth the effort.
Cheers
Rumnut

By coincidence, I just finished watching Snodgrass' 'Bandsaw Clinic' video a few minutes ago myself and was wondering if anyone had tried his method of tuning.
His ideas are contrary to popular belief, but make good sense, although I have some concern that running the blade gullets in the centre of the wheel would wear the rubber out very fast.
When my bandsaw hassles are sorted out I'll try setting up his way too.