How to Tuneup a Band Saw
Keeping a band saw well tuned makes the saw not only more efficient, but also an easier tool to operate. Regardless of the vertical band saws use, keeping the cutting blades sharp and aligned are just a couple operational best practices. Ensuring a clean and slick tabletop along with good rubber wheels will go a long way in a top-performing machine. Results from a well-functioning band saw will be apparent in the final product of your woodworking projects. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Compressed air
- Clean rag
- Carpenter square
- Blade guide adjustment tools
- Quality car wax
Instructions
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1
Open the drive wheel cabinets and clean out any errant sawdust. Use a compressed air blower to remove any residing sawdust. Run a clean rag over the surfaces of the drive wheels to remove any built-up sawdust accumulated between the rubber drive wheel and the band saw blade. Keeping the rubber tires clean will go a long way to a straight tracking blade.
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2
Adjust the tension of the blade to meet the saw blades manufacturer's recommendations by loosening the top tension holder on the top drive wheel. Various blade sizes will require different tensions. Retighten the top tension holder.
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3
Set the long edge of the carpenter square on top of the band saw table. Move the short edge of the square so it can rest against the vertical blade. Adjust the table so its surface is at a perfect 90-degree angle to the vertical blade.
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4
Loosen and align the sides of the saw blade guides using the blade guide adjustment tools provided by the saw's manufacturer. This should be performed for each size of blade. Each blade will have a different thickness, even if it is the same-sized blade from the same manufacturer. Blade thickness can always vary, and keeping the blade guides correctly adjusted will improve the cuts in any wooden work piece.
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5
Check the drive belt tension. The drive belt transfers the electric motor power to the drive wheel of the band saw. A loose drive belt will cause the blade to hesitate through long cuts.
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6
Keep a good coat of high-quality car wax on the band saw's tabletop. A slick surface makes pushing wooden work pieces through the moving blade easier. The wax coating will also aid the rust resistance capacity of the steel table.
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Tips & Warnings
Only use clean, sharp blades on the band saw. Dull, rusty blades will cause the saw to bind during the cutting process.
Follow all of the manufacturer's safety practices when operating the band saw. This includes the wearing of proper eye and ear protection.
