I have a 14" Jet bandsaw that as of recently refuses to cut in a
straight line. The blade consistently drifts at about a 10 degree
angle, making attempted 90 degree cuts come out to something like 80
degree cuts. I tried tuning the saw the following way:
-Checking blade tracking on both tires (tires look worn, but
servicable. When the rotation direction is reversed, the blade shifts
position to a new location, about 1/2" drift, and returns back to
original position when normal rotation is resumed). During normal
rotation, blade tracks along top of tire.
-Checking guidepost alignment. Guidepost is as parallel as I can make it.
-Checking blade tension. As best as I can figure, the blade is
tensioned properly.
-Checking guideblock alignment. Guideblocks are the black plastic type,
but are installed correctly.
-Checking bearing alignment. Blade overlaps bearing by 1/4" or so, more
than the recommended 1/8"
To be sure, on the bandsaw I have limited ability to remove wheel twist
and out-of-parallelism. Besides, until recently the saw worked
perfectly, so I am assuming I simply need either new tires or a new
blade. The tires are original (10+ year old saw), and the blade could
be losing the set.
As it stands, the bandsaw is unusable, and I would appreciate any
insight or help. None of the websites I checked addressed this specific
problem, other than providing general tuning procedures. Thanks in advance.
Andy
--
Andrew Resnick, Ph.D.
Department of Physiology and Biophysics
CWRU School of Medicine
A very good point, Bruce.
It's interesting also, to read the description. It seems to me that Lee Valley
usually checks this out and writes much of the prose themselves. They note the
absolutely straight cut, which is also something I've seen, as there's
virtually no blade lead.
The only issue I've had was the deviation from flat in the blade, which causes
a slight back-and-forth movement, but this was primarily in their 3/4 blade.
As to lasting, I bought a bunch of them maybe 4 years ago, and only a few have
worn out.
GerryG
On 11 Sep 2004 10:59:08 GMT, Bruce Barnett
<[email protected]> wrote:
>WD <[email protected]> writes:
>
>> On 10 Sep 2004 12:28:29 -0700, [email protected] (wdh) wrote:
>>
>> I agree with you don't buy Timberwolf. I suggest Viking's blades from Lee
>> Valley. I thought I am the ONLY one here who had used Timberwolf blades
>> and was convinced that the blades were trashes.
>
>
>Viking blades ARE Timberwolf blades.
>
>http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?SID=&ccurrency=2&page=30276&category=1,41036,41037
Interesting. It's been over 3 years since I bought some of their blades, and
my experience with them was quite different. I've never had one snap, and
their "low tension" seemed to work unless I was cutting over 5", then more
tension was needed to help prevent crowning. OTOH, I initially had some
quality issues and they replaced a few blades. Since it's been awhile, I'm
suspecting that something's changed.
GerryG
On 10 Sep 2004 12:28:29 -0700, [email protected] (wdh) wrote:
>I have to disagree with Layne. Timberwolf blades are the worst ones
>I've tried. Notice I didn't say use. I bought a three pack (1/8") at
>a show, and the steel used to make them is so soft, I bent the first
>two just trying to get them on the saw. I managed to get the third
>one on without a bend, but the "low tension" instructions that came
>with the blade are absoulute fiction. Once I got the tension up just
>past where I normally set it for 1/8" blades, the blade finally
>stopped fluttering. Even so, it cut the widest kerf of any blade I've
>had, and the blade snapped after less that 30 minutes of cutting.
>Probably because the tension had to be set so high.
>
>I have noticed that there are "gimics products" in certain industries.
> Golf and fishing certainly come to mind, with products that are this
>year's fad and promise far more than they deliver. Woodworking shows
>have these types of products too. Timberwolf bandsaw blades are among
>them.
>
>Just my $0.02.
On Sat, 21 Aug 2004 08:34:54 +0100, "Jeff Gorman" <seethesig> wrote:
>
>"Andy Resnick" <[email protected]> wrote
>
>: I have a 14" Jet bandsaw that as of recently refuses to cut in a
>: straight line. The blade consistently drifts at about a 10 degree
>: angle,
>
>There is a great deal of lore about bandsaw drift, but is it really asking
>too much of a narrow bandsaw to ask it to cut parallel to a fence?
>
>Try stretching an elastic band between index finger (or any other that you
>like!) between the index finger and thumb. Apply pressure to the edge of the
>band and observe the inevitable twist.
>
>I find that the drift angle even varies with the type of wood being cut.
>
>People do manage successfully to cut veneer with a narrow bandsaw (I believe
>that anything less than 3in or 4in is classified as 'narrow'), but I'm
>pretty certain that the principal factor is blade sharpness, which, sadly,
>doesn't last all that long.
>
I think you are right, although I have what seems an anecdotal
exception. All my experience with larger bandsaws required stoning
each new blade and fiddling with everything. I have not had a shop
with large tools for a long time.
So when I bought a tiny Inca bandsaw to use in my small city
apartment, I didn't expect much. I was astonished that the blade that
came on it (about 6 mm wide) cuts parallel to the fence in boxwood and
in pine, about as different as two woods can be.
The saw has 8-inch depth and is made of cast aluminum. I can pick it
up with one hand.
I dread having to replace the blade, beacause I can't believe the next
one will behave as well.
Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC
We have achieved faith-based science,
faith-based economics, faith-based law
enforcement, and faith-based missile
defense.
What's next? Faith-based air traffic control?
"Andy Resnick" <[email protected]> wrote
: I have a 14" Jet bandsaw that as of recently refuses to cut in a
: straight line. The blade consistently drifts at about a 10 degree
: angle,
There is a great deal of lore about bandsaw drift, but is it really asking
too much of a narrow bandsaw to ask it to cut parallel to a fence?
Try stretching an elastic band between index finger (or any other that you
like!) between the index finger and thumb. Apply pressure to the edge of the
band and observe the inevitable twist.
I find that the drift angle even varies with the type of wood being cut.
People do manage successfully to cut veneer with a narrow bandsaw (I believe
that anything less than 3in or 4in is classified as 'narrow'), but I'm
pretty certain that the principal factor is blade sharpness, which, sadly,
doesn't last all that long.
Jeff G
--
Jeff Gorman, West Yorkshire, UK
Email: username is amgron
ISP is clara.co.uk
www.amgron.clara.net
On 10 Sep 2004 12:28:29 -0700, [email protected] (wdh) wrote:
I agree with you don't buy Timberwolf. I suggest Viking's blades from Lee
Valley. I thought I am the ONLY one here who had used Timberwolf blades
and was convinced that the blades were trashes.
>I have to disagree with Layne. Timberwolf blades are the worst ones
>I've tried. Notice I didn't say use. I bought a three pack (1/8") at
>a show, and the steel used to make them is so soft, I bent the first
>two just trying to get them on the saw. I managed to get the third
>one on without a bend, but the "low tension" instructions that came
>with the blade are absoulute fiction. Once I got the tension up just
>past where I normally set it for 1/8" blades, the blade finally
>stopped fluttering. Even so, it cut the widest kerf of any blade I've
>had, and the blade snapped after less that 30 minutes of cutting.
>Probably because the tension had to be set so high.
>
>I have noticed that there are "gimics products" in certain industries.
> Golf and fishing certainly come to mind, with products that are this
>year's fad and promise far more than they deliver. Woodworking shows
>have these types of products too. Timberwolf bandsaw blades are among
>them.
>
>Just my $0.02.
On Fri, 20 Aug 2004 08:20:46 -0400, Andy Resnick <[email protected]>
wrote:
snip
>To be sure, on the bandsaw I have limited ability to remove wheel twist
>and out-of-parallelism. Besides, until recently the saw worked
>perfectly, so I am assuming I simply need either new tires or a new
>blade. The tires are original (10+ year old saw), and the blade could
>be losing the set.
>
>As it stands, the bandsaw is unusable, and I would appreciate any
>insight or help. None of the websites I checked addressed this specific
>problem, other than providing general tuning procedures. Thanks in advance.
Andy,
It sounds like your blade is worn. If you think the wear is abnormal
check that the blade isn't touching the metal insert plate in the
table. This will wear out a blade in no time. This is the reason I
switched to those plastic inserts. If you're considering getting a new
blade try Timberwolf. They're very good blades and track straight. I
set my fence parallel to the blade and I get straight cuts. Ususally
drift is caused by improperly set teeth.
Layne
Bunch of reasons why blades lead. One of the most popular at this turner's
house is sand in the bark of pieces being prepared for the lathe, though
teeth which are stamped versus ground, improperly set, or a bit dulled from
touching the guides can certainly do the same. As can blades with a bit of
a burr in the back, away from the teeth. This can be turned in use on the
saw as well.
When it leads so much that it irritates, replace, and don't be surprised if
the new one leads a bit, too.
"Lawrence L'Hote" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:eHmVc.53002$TI1.32003@attbi_s52...
>
> "Andy Resnick" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > I have a 14" Jet bandsaw that as of recently refuses to cut in a
> > straight line. The blade consistently drifts at about a 10 degree
> --snip snip ----
> >
>
> It's 'normal' to experience blade drift. You didn't mention you changed
the
> blade. Get a new(good) blade (i.g. Lenox). IIRC the drift is caused by
the
> way the teeth are cut.
>
On Fri, 20 Aug 2004 08:20:46 -0400, Andy Resnick <[email protected]>
vaguely proposed a theory
......and in reply I say!:
remove ns from my header address to reply via email
4 words. The Bandsaw Handbook. Mark Duginske.
3 words. Probably new blade.
Is this the first blade ever?
It is possible to work with a saw that does what you descirbe. You
simply start feeding ghe wood at the angel the saw wants.
>I have a 14" Jet bandsaw that as of recently refuses to cut in a
>straight line. The blade consistently drifts at about a 10 degree
>angle, making attempted 90 degree cuts come out to something like 80
>degree cuts. I tried tuning the saw the following way:
>
>-Checking blade tracking on both tires (tires look worn, but
>servicable. When the rotation direction is reversed, the blade shifts
>position to a new location, about 1/2" drift, and returns back to
>original position when normal rotation is resumed). During normal
>rotation, blade tracks along top of tire.
>-Checking guidepost alignment. Guidepost is as parallel as I can make it.
>-Checking blade tension. As best as I can figure, the blade is
>tensioned properly.
>-Checking guideblock alignment. Guideblocks are the black plastic type,
>but are installed correctly.
>-Checking bearing alignment. Blade overlaps bearing by 1/4" or so, more
>than the recommended 1/8"
>
>To be sure, on the bandsaw I have limited ability to remove wheel twist
>and out-of-parallelism. Besides, until recently the saw worked
>perfectly, so I am assuming I simply need either new tires or a new
>blade. The tires are original (10+ year old saw), and the blade could
>be losing the set.
>
>As it stands, the bandsaw is unusable, and I would appreciate any
>insight or help. None of the websites I checked addressed this specific
>problem, other than providing general tuning procedures. Thanks in advance.
>
>Andy
*****************************************************
Marriage. Where two people decide to get together so
that neither of them can do what they want to because
of the other one.
I have to disagree with Layne. Timberwolf blades are the worst ones
I've tried. Notice I didn't say use. I bought a three pack (1/8") at
a show, and the steel used to make them is so soft, I bent the first
two just trying to get them on the saw. I managed to get the third
one on without a bend, but the "low tension" instructions that came
with the blade are absoulute fiction. Once I got the tension up just
past where I normally set it for 1/8" blades, the blade finally
stopped fluttering. Even so, it cut the widest kerf of any blade I've
had, and the blade snapped after less that 30 minutes of cutting.
Probably because the tension had to be set so high.
I have noticed that there are "gimics products" in certain industries.
Golf and fishing certainly come to mind, with products that are this
year's fad and promise far more than they deliver. Woodworking shows
have these types of products too. Timberwolf bandsaw blades are among
them.
Just my $0.02.
Andy Resnick <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> I have a 14" Jet bandsaw that as of recently refuses to cut in a
> straight line. The blade consistently drifts at about a 10 degree
> angle, making attempted 90 degree cuts come out to something like 80
> degree cuts. I tried tuning the saw the following way:
>
> -Checking blade tracking on both tires (tires look worn, but
> servicable. When the rotation direction is reversed, the blade shifts
> position to a new location, about 1/2" drift, and returns back to
> original position when normal rotation is resumed). During normal
> rotation, blade tracks along top of tire.
> -Checking guidepost alignment. Guidepost is as parallel as I can make it.
> -Checking blade tension. As best as I can figure, the blade is
> tensioned properly.
> -Checking guideblock alignment. Guideblocks are the black plastic type,
> but are installed correctly.
> -Checking bearing alignment. Blade overlaps bearing by 1/4" or so, more
> than the recommended 1/8"
>
> To be sure, on the bandsaw I have limited ability to remove wheel twist
> and out-of-parallelism. Besides, until recently the saw worked
> perfectly, so I am assuming I simply need either new tires or a new
> blade. The tires are original (10+ year old saw), and the blade could
> be losing the set.
>
> As it stands, the bandsaw is unusable, and I would appreciate any
> insight or help. None of the websites I checked addressed this specific
> problem, other than providing general tuning procedures. Thanks in advance.
>
> Andy
Try a new blade, although I do not think that is the problem. Even
with a new blade and new tires , you may have a tracking problem.Check
for wheel alignment between top and bottom wheels, this is called
coplanar when they line up at four points. Place a straight edge
against the top and bottom wheels next to the hubs. The wheels shoud
touch the straight edge at two points on each wheel. After this
initial setup you may have to shim or remove a shim if the tracking
knob does not allow you to get coplanar.
When done, move the wheel by hand , adjust tracking so blade is fairly
centered. Blade tension is usually about 1'4" to 1/2" play with
moderate pressure. The blade should stay on the wheels at the same
position whether you turn (by hand) forward or backward. Try the saw,
if problem persists change blade, then change tires if needed.
Andy Resnick <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> I have a 14" Jet bandsaw that as of recently refuses to cut in a
> straight line. The blade consistently drifts at about a 10 degree
> angle, making attempted 90 degree cuts come out to something like 80
> degree cuts. I tried tuning the saw the following way:
>
> -Checking blade tracking on both tires (tires look worn, but
> servicable. When the rotation direction is reversed, the blade shifts
> position to a new location, about 1/2" drift, and returns back to
> original position when normal rotation is resumed). During normal
> rotation, blade tracks along top of tire.
> -Checking guidepost alignment. Guidepost is as parallel as I can make it.
> -Checking blade tension. As best as I can figure, the blade is
> tensioned properly.
> -Checking guideblock alignment. Guideblocks are the black plastic type,
> but are installed correctly.
> -Checking bearing alignment. Blade overlaps bearing by 1/4" or so, more
> than the recommended 1/8"
>
> To be sure, on the bandsaw I have limited ability to remove wheel twist
> and out-of-parallelism. Besides, until recently the saw worked
> perfectly, so I am assuming I simply need either new tires or a new
> blade. The tires are original (10+ year old saw), and the blade could
> be losing the set.
>
> As it stands, the bandsaw is unusable, and I would appreciate any
> insight or help. None of the websites I checked addressed this specific
> problem, other than providing general tuning procedures. Thanks in advance.
>
> Andy
Try a new blade, although I do not think that is the problem. Even
with a new blade and new tires , you may have a tracking problem.Check
for wheel alignment between top and bottom wheels, this is called
coplanar when they line up at four points. Place a straight edge
against the top and bottom wheels next to the hubs. The wheels shoud
touch the straight edge at two points on each wheel. After this
initial setup you may have to shim or remove a shim if the tracking
knob does not allow you to get coplanar.
When done, move the wheel by hand , adjust tracking so blade is fairly
centered. Blade tension is usually about 1'4" to 1/2" play with
moderate pressure. The blade should stay on the wheels at the same
position whether you turn (by hand) forward or backward. Try the saw,
if problem persists change blade, then change tires if needed.
"Andy Resnick" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I have a 14" Jet bandsaw that as of recently refuses to cut in a
> straight line. The blade consistently drifts at about a 10 degree
> angle, making attempted 90 degree cuts come out to something like 80
> degree cuts. I tried tuning the saw the following way:
<SNIPPED>
> Andy
>
> --
> Andrew Resnick, Ph.D.
> Department of Physiology and Biophysics
> CWRU School of Medicine
>
Take a scrap piece of wood and run it through the bandsaw.
The blade will drift, but you will have the angle of drift on the scrap
piece.
Measure the drift angle on the scrap piece of wood with a Sliding T-Bevel /
Bevel Gauge.
Adjust your fence on the bandsaw to the angle on the bevel gauge.
When you run another piece through , your cut should be straight as you have
accounted for the drift in the blade by moving the fence parallel to the
drift angle of the blade, rather than the blade itself.
L Anthony Johnson
WD <[email protected]> writes:
> On 10 Sep 2004 12:28:29 -0700, [email protected] (wdh) wrote:
>
> I agree with you don't buy Timberwolf. I suggest Viking's blades from Lee
> Valley. I thought I am the ONLY one here who had used Timberwolf blades
> and was convinced that the blades were trashes.
Viking blades ARE Timberwolf blades.
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?SID=&ccurrency=2&page=30276&category=1,41036,41037
--
Sending unsolicited commercial e-mail to this account incurs a fee of
$500 per message, and acknowledges the legality of this contract.
"Andy Resnick" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I have a 14" Jet bandsaw that as of recently refuses to cut in a
> straight line. The blade consistently drifts at about a 10 degree
--snip snip ----
> As it stands, the bandsaw is unusable, and I would appreciate any
> insight or help. None of the websites I checked addressed this specific
> problem, other than providing general tuning procedures. Thanks in
advance.
>
It's 'normal' to experience blade drift. You didn't mention you changed the
blade. Get a new(good) blade (i.g. Lenox). IIRC the drift is caused by the
way the teeth are cut.
Larry
To pick a nit it would be the lead angle for THAT blade as each blade
has its' own.
On Fri, 20 Aug 2004 12:24:13 -0400, "L Anthony Johnson"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>When you run another piece through , your cut should be straight as you have
>accounted for the drift in the blade by moving the fence parallel to the
>drift angle of the blade, rather than the blade itself.