Ask WWGOA: Cure Bandsaw Blade Movement

ask WWGOA text with a man posing

Question:

I just put a new band saw blade (3/8″) on my saw. As I was trying to adjust the side bearings, I noticed that the blade moved in and out [in the direction of the cut] by about 1/4″. By the time I finished adjusting the bearings, the deviation was still about 1/4″. Is this a bad blade?

I’ve decided to leave it on the saw, under tension, for a few days and see if it straightens out.

I’ve never seen anything like this. What’s happening (it is a name brand blade – Olson, All Pro)? Has it been in the box, with 4 or 5 loops, too long?

Submitted by Dondz


Answer:

Make sure the blade is resting on your band saw wheels in the right spot. A 3/8″ blade should be bridging the crown of the band saw tires, which means centering blade on the upper wheel. Do this using the tracking adjustment on the back of the saw.

With the saw unplugged, spin the upper wheel by hand and watch what the band saw blade is doing. Make certain it’s remaining where it should be on the wheel. Once the tracking is correctly set the front of the blade should remain in a straight line from the upper to lower wheel, not pulse back and forth.

If the band saw blade is remaining centered on the top wheel but it looks like the front of the band saw blade is pulsing forward, you could have a crooked weld on the blade that’s causing the problem.

Thank you for your question.

George

Related Videos:

  • Shop-Made Brush for Your Lower Band Saw Wheel
  • Cutting a Log Using a Bandsaw

  • Do you have a question for WWGOA? Ask us on Facebook or email editor@wwgoa.com. Note: questions may be edited for clarity and relevance.

    Share tips, start a discussion or ask one of our experts or other students a question.

    Make a comment:
    500 characters remaining

    4 Responses to “Ask WWGOA: Cure Bandsaw Blade Movement”

    1. Mary

      I have only one wheel that I can adjust, that is the top one (Rikon 10-423). I have a 3/16 inch blade on but can not get it to stay in the center. By hand I can spin the wheel and the blade stays in the placement I put the blade. As I plug it in the blade moves toward the back of the wheel. So I attempt to adjust it by turning the top wheel either clockwise and counter-clockwise Which moves the blade either to the back front. So if the blade moves to the back, Does that mean that the blade is not tilted enough to the door or to the back of the unit. What does it mean ,if the blade is tilted to the back turn the tension clockwise or counterclockwise if the blade is to close too the

    2. retiredtom

      I have a difficult time with the bandsaw blades becoming worn after a very few cuts. My machine is a Jet 10" I bought new 2-years ago from Rockler. I found my blade guard & rack to be bent & Jet sent me new ones without question. I have been very careful about my set-up & alignment. Should I buy a carbide blade ($ouch$)? HELP!

    3. John

      How do you know that you have the proper tension for the new bandsaw blade?

    4. David

      What is a good way to stain basswood so that it is more uniform in color