Thread: Bandsaw Tracking Problem

It sounds to me like you don't have sufficient tension on the blade for the size of blade you are using. Tension was probably fine for the lighter blade , but will need to be altered for the larger one.

Regards,

Rob

Ok, thanks Bob I will try that tonight and see what happens.

Thanks,

Peter.

There's another very possible reason for the blade not tracking straight; one side of the teeth may be blunted or set with less angle than the other. A bit of gravel on one side of the kerf, "just touching" a nail, or even something as simple as cutting a lot of circular blanks (one side of the teeth will always wear more) can cause this. I've even had brand new blades that were 'faulty' like this.

Before getting stressed about the BS itself, I'd be inclined to carefully inspect the blade and possibly even just send it off to be resharpened and reset by someone I trust to do a good job.

Once the blade itself is eliminated from the possible list of culprits, then I'd start checking for the... "more expensive to remedy causes."

Hi Peter,
We had a similar problem with a Carbi-Tec B/Saw we acquired a while back.
Could not get the Blade anyway near the Centre.
Problem was solved be changing over the 2 Bolts, 1 for the Table & the other was to short to push the top wheel to where it should go.
So all we did was to swap them over as some CLOT got it all wrong.
Hope that may help.

Thanks for the replies. I am pretty sure blade is not the problem as i have tried 2 different blades . It also doesn't seem to matter what blade i use they all seem to need to track over the crown of the tyre towards the back of the wheel. This is a real big problem with the wider blades as they hit the back of the wheel cover.

As for the "wrong" bolts, can you tell me which bolt on the top wheel was incorrect?

Thanks,

G'day Peter

I often drive pass your area, if you like, I can drop in one day and go through your set up to help you eliminate/identify any problems with your bandsaw.

This won't help with your 3/4" blade problem, but Alex Snodgrass in his Bandsaw Clinic video recommends setting tracking such that the bottom of the blade gullets ride in the centre of the top wheel. So don't be concerned that a 1/2" blade needs to be adjusted that way to track straight - it's all good.

Not sure what's going on with the 3/4" blade, unless it's tension as suggested.
In my case, I found that my BS frame wasn't strong enough for a wide blade, (still within spec), and flexed during use causing tracking and other horrible problems. Sticking to a narrow blade cured that, even for resawing hardwoods up to 5 or 6 inches thick, but I have to replace blades a lot more often.

Way cool DJ!!

Rob

Originally Posted by DJ's Timber

G'day Peter

I often drive pass your area, if you like, I can drop in one day and go through your set up to help you eliminate/identify any problems with your bandsaw.

Hi Peter,
Yes, the Bolt with the Plastic Knob, moves the Top Wheel in & out, meaning as you Screw the Bolt in or out, it helps to centre the Blade. 1 Bolt is longer than the other, so you want the Long One to move the Wheel.
The Real Top Bolt tightens the Blade.
Anyway you have DJ coming over, so he will fix it, I'm sure.

Thanks all for your suggestions. DJ, thanks for your offer, if you are going to be around at all over easter it would be great if you could have a look at the bandsaw.

Thanks again,

Peter.

Peter I will be around over Easter, no plans really made at this stage, PM me your address and a number I can reach you on and I'll give you a call once I know what I'm doing.

I am not a band saw expert but try to check this and you may want to watch this video too Band Saw Clinic with Alex Snodgrass - YouTube

Thanks for the links and DJ i'll send you a PM.

Thanks

No problem. Good luck. Hope you'll have your band saw fix as soon as possible.