How to Sharpen a Band Saw Blade

A band saw's job is cutting lumber, metal or meat with bone, so the abuse on the blade is great. Sharpen a band saw when you notice it is no longer giving a smooth cut or it becomes difficult to cut the material.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Automatic Band Saw Grinder

1. Wear safety goggles and ear plugs when you sharpen a band saw blade.

2. Remove the blade from the band saw. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
   

3. Mark the blade so you know where to begin and stop when you sharpen a band saw blade.

4. See the automatic band saw grinder-operating manual for complete instructions. Newer band saw sharpening machine models are available with computer controlled touch screens or manual operating controls to set grinding parameters, gullet depth, number of grinding passes, grinding wheel rpm and teeth per inch.

5. Adjust the grinding parameter controls and double check the teeth per inch and gullet depth setting.

6. Set the grinding wheel depth and angle adjustment. Make sure the grinding wheel makes proper contact with the blade.

7. Prepared to turn the machine off when the entire blade completes the sharpening process if it doesn't turn off automatically. Remove the blade from the grinding machine and put it on the band saw.

Hand Held Band Saw Grinder

8. Read and follow Steps 1, 2 and 3 for the automatic grinder.
   

9. Use a high-speed hand held grinder. Begin sharpening the blade's bottom tooth and go to the top tooth of the blade.
   

10. Follow the top of the tooth and the natural angle of the blade when you sharpen a band saw blade.
    

11. Make a test cut using your sharpened blade. If the cut is not a smooth, clean cut, sharpen the band saw blade again.