Thread: Help with New Hammer N4400 band saw blade

Hi,
I just posted a thread regarding my N4400 band saw and I found this thread so hopefully keeping the machine problem together I might get some advice. My blade is sitting on the tyres with the teeth flush to the front of the wheels. Yet the none of the tension wheels aligne with the blade. I have watched the video on youtube and the recommend that is where I set my blade, but in order for all the tension wheels including the one that should be just behind the blade in no where near. In order everything to align up I need to put the blade in the middle of the wheel? Also where the brush is sitting on the lower wheel there is a piece of loose rubber attached to the brush is this normal? I have only had this a few months and used it twice. Thank you again in advance for your help. I live in a remote part of the bellerine so not too much help in them there parts.

diana - if you want to cut straight, the blade should be aligned on the centre of the wheel, i.e. running on the crown of the tyre. I've never heard of anyone suggesting you align the teeth to the edge of the wheel

I have a new Basato 4 bandsaw, and it has easy adjustment for the top wheel to set the blade in the centre of the tyre.

In terms of cutting straight lines, Michael Fortune (in a FWW article) suggests first setting your fence exactly parallel to the table mitre slot, then play with the blade tracking until the saw will cut along a straight line as timber is run against the fence. This might prove easier than setting the blade first, then adjustng the fence to allow for blade drift and give straight cuts.

Diana, dont be afraid to play with your bandsaw's settings you'll most likley need to do it everytime you change your blade anyway.

Have a play with the coplanar dial, just remember to unplug your bandsaw first and turn it by hand while you have the correct tension.

If your not 100% sure on bandsaw usage Mark duginske (Sp?) has an excellent dvd out.

I just had a quick look at my n4400 and there is a about 3-5mm difference between the top and bottom wheels but so far it hasnt effected it.

If that doesnt resolve the issue, give felder a call, you might need to shim one of the wheels.

good luck

joez

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16Nhq5swos8&feature=related"]YouTube - Woodworking Tips - HAMMER Bandsaw N4400 PART 1[/ame]

Thank you for your prompt reply. i have attached the Hammer video on Youtube so that you can see where they tell you to align the saw blade to the front of the wheel. Since reading your reply I went to put the blade on the middle of the wheel. But alas it still will not engage into the lower balace wheel. I need to put it on the very back of the wheel. Also I have noticed the rubber insert on the band saw table is no where near the middle of the blade. The blade is cutting the rubber to the left. on the back of the wheel at the top is a big screw with a locking lever is this to move the wheels forward or backward. It has a picture of the blade with an arrow pointing behind on it. I hope this all is clear to you.

thank you for this. I have noticed that the red box covering the band saw is actually touching the upper wheel when it is shut and the lock is in place. There is an area at the top of the red metal box which looks damage due to it touching the upper wheel. This does not seem right.Does your red box when closed touch the upper wheel?

The red box covering (blade guard) on my bandsaw is about 50mm from the top wheel, could it be that your blade is too short?

If possible you should post some pictures up....


joez

Diana, who told you to have the teeth flush with the front of the wheels? The blade should be centred on the crown of the wheels. You achieve this by using the saw blade position adjusting handwheel (Part #14 in the manual). As you turn the wheel clockwise, the blade will move towards the centre of the wheel when you rotate the wheels by hand. When you are doing this, make sure all the bearings are clear of the blade. Once it's centred, adjust the tension and check the blade position.
The red blade guard touching the wheel doesn't sound right. Is it because the top of the wheel is tilted so far forward that it's touching? If so, adjusting the tilt using part #14 should fix it. You can also adjust the position of the blade guard by loosening the two Allen bolts on outside of the guide assembly.

If you still have problems after checking this, let us know and we'll see where we go from there.

Diana
where did you buy your bandsaw?
I'm sure if you call them, Felder will be only too happy to help you set the machine up

Hi Diana, I've replied at length in your other thread. As Mr. Brush says, despite what the video says, the blade should be running on the crown, not the front of the wheel.
I'm not sure what you mean by the blade not engaging with the lower wheel. Is the blade to long or too short? You can adjust the height of the top wheel using the tensioning handwheel - part #14 in the manual. To put the blade on, have the top wheel as low as it will go, then get the blade in position and raise the top wheel to put correct tension on it. The wheel at the back (blade position adjusting handwheel part #14) tilts the top wheel, which has the effect of moving the blade backwards and forwards on the wheel. As you turn the wheel clockwise, the blade moves back. It's sort of counter-intuitive - as the top of the wheel tilts back, the blade also moves back.
It is possible that the blade is too long or short - I had one that was once - but unlikely. You need to sort everything else out first.

Mods, is it possible to join this thread and the other one (in "G'day") and make them a separate thread to the original one her please?

I started from the beginning and put the blade on the middle of the wheel, adjusted the #14 wheel and my blade is now running through all the tension wheels. You were right about not being scared of the adjustments, and not taking notice of the video. It is running well. The blade was delivered with my machine from Hammer so I knew it must be the right size. Thank you so much. Love my hammer and CS31 just has the dado cutter head fitted so now I can cut my rabbits on the table saw. Do you know of a wood working club on the bellerine that I could Join? I am down near queenscliff if anyone knows were that is. I would love some guidance on my spindle moulder. Dont want to go there without some one on one tutoring. Best thing I have done was join this forum. Like having a room full of mentors in my workshop all sitting there ready to help not so lonely on the Bellerine now.

Contact Jim Carroll and he can tell you where a club is there. Home | Carroll's Woodcraft Supplies

Good to hear your bandsaw is up and running !! I have a feeling that the Hammer video on the 4400 lost something in the translation, as it is completely wrong. If you subscribe to FWW online (well worth a few $$$ a month IMHO) search for a couple of articles by Michael Fortune on fine tuning your bandsaw, and some jigs to help get the most out of it.

You have an N4400 bandsaw AND a C3 31 combo machine?????? That's just about my dream setup, for when I have a bigger shed and plenty of spare cash !

Never mind JOINING a woodworking club. Just tell a few people what machines you have, and they'll beat a path to your door.....a woodworking club will form around you in no time

Thanks for the remarks for my tools. I think I invested wisely. Have loved woodwork all my life. My tools are my pride and joy as well as my Kenwood Major Mixer. Love to cook too.
I have joined the Fine woodworking website afew months ago, you are correct it is filled with great tips and tricks but my first port of call is here as I can chat to human woodworking people.LOL
My next major project is a brand new kitchen for my new house. I am going to do all the joinery in spotted Gum my Kitchen will be made in both spotted gum and two pack. Bought the full set of Norms (New Yankee workshop Kitchen series) and my fitted walk in robe. Will be needing all the advice I can get when that project starts . Have to admit I cannot wait.
Again many many thanks for the help with my Hammer Band saw. SInce my move cannot locate the bandsaw manual anywhere. Would you have an idea where Imay down load a new copy?

Glad it's all sorted. You won't be disappointed.
Wise not to play with the spindle moulder without tuition - Jim should be able to help you.