Thread: Bandsaw newbie

Originally Posted by Shovelfreak

Firstly and most importantly, can anyone tell me where I can get a blade for it? I have searched a bit, and found a few places that sell blades by length not by model or anything, so, does anyone know what length blade fits my saw?

Determining the length is easy.

• Measure the diameter of both wheels, purely to check that they're both the same size.
• Measure the distance around the outside tyre of one of them. (The circumference) A dress-makers tape is best for this, but a std. tape measure will do.
• Measure the distance between the centres of the top axle and bottom axle.
• The length you need is Wheel Circumference + 2x(Axle Distance)

If the wheels are different sizes (rare, but they're out there) measure the circumferences of both, add them together and halve the result, then add 2x Axle Distance.

Oh... yeah...

Before you take any measurements, adjust the tensioner to remove all blade tension.

On most bandsaws this simply means that the upper wheel is lowered a few inches. You don't have to adjust the tensioner all the way down, but you want it at least down to the last 20% of travel or so.

Then take your measurements.

Otherwise when you go to retension your new blade you might run out of travel before it's fully tensioned.

(DAMHIKT. )

Henry Brothers at Vineyard, near Windsor. Wind down the tension wheel, run a non-stretch cord (strapping tape) over the wheels in what would be the blade's location, pull snug and mark of the length on the tape.

Also give some thought to a standard length blade, if you measure say 80 3/4" then going to 81" might be a standard length and should be cheaper, but make sure you have the top wheel movement to go to a standard length.


Pete

Our local saw sharpener makes blades to suit. Your's might too.

Have a look on the nameplate for the length - you might be lucky

GMF tools haven't been made for at least 15 years, (Guess) , The blade length has been explained by the other Posts' , but the easiest way to measure it , is as follows

1,. set blade tension so that the top wheel is at it's lowest point then wind up 4-5full turns of the tension screw..

2,. Place a piece of packing strap around both wheels ensuring it goes through the guides

3 measure , and mark

4 this will give you the length of the blade