Thread: Rounding the Bandsaw Blade Back

Hi

IMHO rounding the back of a blade is generally not required, given the size of your blades.

The only occasion I will take a metal file to back of a blade is to smooth a weld spot to reduce the vibration of the blade striking the rear thrust bearing.

looking forward to seeing your work posted on this forum,

It can be beneficial if you tend to cut do a lot of cutting at close to the minimum radius for each size blade.

When I first fit a new blade I'll give the back a quick touch with a stone or steel to take off the edge. But not for the above reason. It's purely so that if I touch the back of the blade while running, I don't end up with a serious "paper cut." (I've a nasty habit of getting my fingers in up close and personal. Seriously not recommended! )

HI, thanks for the response. I thought it might be something that's not a common practice, especially if one got carried away and since the strength of the blade is its back in could be a little dangerous. I won't practice the idea.

I have visited your site several times and am very impressed with the artistic and quality work that is displayed. Also impressed by the artistic work of the Visitors. I have gotten the 'bug' as it opens a big field of expression for me. Just need to get the feel of the machine.

Noticed that a lot of your work is using Cedar, that is my favorite wood. Always enjoyed working with it as a young kid and still do. I imagine that the texture of the Australian Cedar is very similar to our Western Red and the California species.

I will be posting.
Yes, I like my fingers too. Did have a TS kickback a year ago, don't need any other surprises.

glenn

Hi Glen,
Rather nice looking machine. Rather surprised, that you can get to cut 8in., but that is really good.
I have been making up my own Blades for some time now, & I have a bit of 80 grit Paper glued to a Flat Stick, & I always Round over My New Blades.
I think it is just an inner thing, but it makes me feel better..

Be VERY CAREFUL of that Western Red Cedar & mask up well.
A friend of mine, ended up in Hospital, & went very close to not being with us.
The Dust is a real Shocker.

One of the "advantages" found in a Google search is to facilitate backing out from a cut. Not a great idea I think, because it gives the teeth an opportunity to widen the kerf. For critical work, I usually back out with the saw stopped, or gently moved by hand (rotating the upper wheel in reverse).

BTW, depending on blade length, you may be able to find a 1/8" blade for minimum radius.

Cheers,
Joe

I tend to round over the back on the smaller 3/16" blades but not on the larger ones. I use an old oil stone and just quickly rub over the edge when the blade is put on the first time.

In theory it makes sense as it should be easier to get around the corner of a cut as it gives a little relief at the back. In practice I am not sure it makes much difference but at the end of the day it takes all of 5 seconds to do and doesn't do any harm.

Originally Posted by joe greiner

One of the "advantages" found in a Google search is to facilitate backing out from a cut.

Backing out? That's... that's... that's UnAustralian, that is!

g'day all

As with a lot of us beginners in this area woodworking, I did purchase several books recommended by the members here, and of course Miss Ventura's book. I'll be using some of her patterns for my internship!!

I will be getting a 1/8" blade asap, the company has to types. A Swedish Silicon and industrial carbon, both .025" and 14 tpi. This saw takes a 99 3/4" length blade, an odd size I've been inform of. I do have a good supply of stones - collected over the years, some coarse, a few in a medium grit and a couple hard ones. Not sure on the numbers, so I will give one of the narrower blades a "back buffing", probably a 1/4" one as I did purchase one and one came with the saw.

Am aware of the dust factor and do use a mask, my work area is in at the end of an attached sunroom between the house and garage. Not fully enclosed as there's 3 patio doors off of it (its L shaped), so with a little breeze coming thru it helps with the dust dispersal. Even a big fan helps - summers here now!

I caught myself backing out of a cut, the outline, with the saw still running - whoa man don't do that - and could visualize what the kerf would be like on the inside cuts. Learn as you go. And with your input its been going good.

Glenn