Thread: Constantly Breaking Blades

I operate a horizontal band saw mill and a 14" " vertical band saw. The only time I have trouble with blades breaking is when the drive wheels and the blade guides are not perfectly aligned.

In the case of the vertical saw I set the drive wheels first and tension the blade. I then bring the lower guides into play leaving a paper thin gap behind the rear guide. I then adjust the side guides with much the same tolerance. When the bottom guides are right I do the top one ones with the same tolerances.

I still break blades on the vertical saw but only after they have done a lot of hours.

Whitewood

Thanks WhiteWood, I am going to check for that.

Also check that you haven't over-tensioned the blade. When you press the blade sideways, there should be about 1/4 to 3/8 inch of deflection.

Small bandsaws also tend to break blades more often than larger ones because the blade has to flex further and more often as it runs.

Originally Posted by elanjacobs

Also check that you haven't over-tensioned the blade. When you press the blade sideways, there should be about 1/4 to 3/8 inch of deflection.

Small bandsaws also tend to break blades more often than larger ones because the blade has to flex further and more often as it runs.

I will do. I am going to go purchase a 3 pack of blades today. Thank Yall and I will let yall know the outcome.

G'day mjdtexan!

Where abouts are the blades breaking? At the welds/joins?
What size lumber are you cutting when they break (depth of cut)?
Are you cutting straight or curves at the time of breakage?
What size are the blades? t.p.i .(teeth per inch) & width.

I'm also thinking along the lines as others have suggested that, as you have not done much work with these blades, it could be actually the set-up of the blades, ie. tension, alignment. Checking the manufacturers set-up instructions may also give you some tips.