Get Started With Bandsaw Blades

Here at sawblade.co.nz we’ve come up with a simple, but comprehensive guide to help you get started with bandsaw blades!
Following the steps below will set you up to get the most out of your bandsaw blades.

The value of bandsaw blades to you, is measurable by the longevity of the blade. If you don’t take care of your blade, it can compromise the structural integrity of your blade. You’ll be limiting your blades full potential.

The first tell-tale sign your bandsaw blade is not working the way it should, is if it loses it’s sharpness faster than anticipated. Your blade is designed to cut straight out of the box. If your blade is lacking in the performance department, it can be put down to improper use. If you’re 100% sure your blade should’ve lasted longer, then you’ve come to the right place.

Mastering Blade Tension

It’s a common, and unfortunate, misconception amongst newbies in the world of bandsaw blades, that the tension in the blades should be less. This, as you might guess by judging that last sentence, is not true. Increased tension will give your blade a longer life, and help provide better results. Keep the tension high, but measured.

Here’s an easy method to check and adjust the tension. Carefully (don’t chop your fingers off), place your thumb on the back edge (non tooth) of the blade. Try to push it vertically out of the guides. If the blades movement is any further than 1-2mm, you need to increase the tension on the blade.

Correct Break In Process

As with a new pair of steel capped boots, you need to break in your bandsaw blade. Correctly breaking in your blade will prevent stripping of the teeth. When you begin with a new blade, decrease the feed rate (the speed at which you are operating the blade) to half. Keeping the feed rate at half, cut a solid piece of mild steel, while gradually increasing the feed rate.

The break in process will gently sharpen the teeth, and align them properly. This also minimises the chances of early breakage.

The Use Of Coolants

The use of coolants during the initial cutting process helps to reduce heat, and wash chips out of the blade gullets. Using coolants is vital for extending the blade life. This is because, while cooling the tooth edge, it ALSO cools the entire cutting process. Without using a coolant, heat will build up in the teeth and weld itself to the cutting material.

Other Factors That Prolong Or Shorten Blade Life

A proper feed rate ensures that the head of the saw is smooth when it drops on to the metal being cut.

Tightly clamped materials are the set square to the cut, and offer support to the cutting process. A moving clamp material could likely chip off the teeth.

Guides support the bandsaw blade, and it should not be movable by hand. Guides should be as close to the cutting material as possible, and firmly secure.