New Bandsaw Setup

**Stuart** · 23rd December 2004, 01:55 PM

Need some guidelines for setting up a new bandsaw. Having never owned one ($80 GMC one doesn't count), I'm not sure about what to expect wrt quality of cut, blade tension etc.

The bandsaw is a 14" Jet lookalike with a 180mm max cutting height, running a 2490mm 6TPI blade.

The "manual" is very scant on details for setup, so am not sure just how tight to run the blade.

A couple of very quick test cuts produced a real ugly cut surface, both ripping and cross cutting.

Any suggestions much appreciated.

**craigb** · 23rd December 2004, 02:14 PM

Stuart,

I have a real Jet 14" and on the blade tensioner on the back, the various blade sizes are marked on the gauge. I just wind it up until the red mark lines up with the blade size.

It's important to make sure the wheels are co-planer which you can test by placing a straight edge across them then adjusting the top wheel tracking until they line up. You need to do this with the blade off.

Also, make sure that the guide blocks are set correctly. I set mine so that the fronts are level with the blade gullet and close enough so that you can get a $5 bill between the blade and block.

I set the thrust bearing about this close too.

Oh, and make sure your blade is sharp

HTH
Craig

**Grunt** · 23rd December 2004, 04:23 PM

Go an buy or borrow the Band Saw Book by Mark Duginske. More information on band saws than you thought was possible.

Dean has a review here

**Stuart** · 24th December 2004, 06:32 AM

thanks guys!

off to Amazon........

**tonyjune** · 24th December 2004, 10:41 PM

Stuart, try the local cardinia library first. I,ve got two different books out on the subject at the moment.

Tony.

**tonyjune** · 24th December 2004, 10:41 PM

Stuart, try the local cardinia library first. I,ve got two different books out on the subject at the moment.

Tony.

**DPB** · 4th January 2005, 06:51 PM

Stuart, I'm sorry I didn't catch this post earlier. :mad:

I have a 14" Jet Bandsaw and have gone through a number of minor mod's before being fully happy with mine. Here are the things I've done.

First replace the standard supplied blade with quality blade(s). The ones that come with most bandsaws are "crap"! I have five blades of various thicknesses and teeth counts. Your choice depends on your application. You will be surprised at the difference a good blade makes.

Next, crank up the tension all the way. I know that this sounds wrong, but believe me - it works. Just remember to release the tension when you finish using the bandsaw. To make this easier for me, I purchased a Quick Release device that simply involves releasing a lever.

Next install good quality guide blocks. I purchased ceramic blocks for both upper and lower guides from Northwood Tool Company. http://www.northwoodtools.com.au/
These block last a lifetime and run cool.

Finally, if you have a factory fence - forget it. You can have mine if you want, but I replaced my so called "deluxe fence" with a homemade fence. This also included a new table top which is much more functional that the standard fence. I posted a picture of this last year so you should be able to find it.

My bandsaw is now the most used stationary power tool I own - I just couldn't get by without it.

Give me a ring if you want any more info.

**ernknot** · 5th January 2005, 08:17 AM

I have a Carba-Tec 14" band saw and it has a mind of it's own. Cant cut curves and I suspect it is the blade that came with it. Noted all the comments above and now need to find a suitable supplier of bandsaw blades that perform. Can anyone help?

**DPB** · 5th January 2005, 10:46 AM

Ernknot, my blades come from http://www.pswood.com. The brand is Timber Wolf. If only half of what the manufacturer claims for these blades is true, they are a bargain. Based on my experience they are terrific blades!

I am sure there are suppliers of quality bandsaw blades in Australia, but as I don't have experience with these, can't comment.

**David L** · 5th January 2005, 05:59 PM

Try talking to Henry Bros Saws in Vineyard NSW. They claim to be specialists
02 9627 5088

David

**ernknot** · 5th January 2005, 09:55 PM

Thanks fellas, i will chase up the provided contacts.

**ernknot** · 5th January 2005, 10:12 PM

By the way, what would be a good set of blades for the hobby shop?

**Grunt** · 5th January 2005, 10:20 PM

I bought my blades from C&S Saw Service after reading this post

$58.19 for
1/4" x 6 tpi
1/8" x 14 tpi
1/2" x 3 tpi

Inc postage and GST

These were recommended by Mark Duginske in his book "The Band Saw Book" as a good set of blades that will cover most band saw applications.

Grunt

**ernknot** · 10th January 2005, 09:45 AM

Grunt,
Just ordered my set of blades from C/S Saw service.Very nice people to deal with. Ordered over the phone, they will send the blades and an invoice and then I pay by cheque. Excellent!

**sailingamerican** · 13th January 2005, 07:48 AM

The tension is whay curves do not cut right. You also might be using to large a blade. They do make guages for testing the tension. Take your bank book with you on this item. Good quality blades make a big difference also.
Happy sawing everyone.
Richard
I love Deadlines. I love the sound of them going by.

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