Band saw update

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ed4copies

ed4copies

Local Chapter Manager
Joined
Mar 25, 2005
Messages
24,638
Location
Racine, WI, USA.
A few of you have asked what ever happened with my bandsaw? Did I start using better blades?? Did I clean my old ones? etc.

Progress report: NO. I had a bunch of blades (cheapies) in stock, so I used a couple more as normal. One night the motor was really struggling, and I had not gotten as many cuts as I thought I should have. So, I reached for the WD 40. I don't really cut wood on this saw anymore and I was frustrated with blade changing, so I squirted the sucker.

OMG!!! Here's that worn out "Hot knife through butter" analogy again. That lasted for a couple nights. So, when we had the meeting at WoodCraft, I bought some of the saw table lubricant (so it won't affect wood, when I do cut a piece now and again) and have been using that successfully, for a couple weeks.

Moral of the story: Lube your blade! I don't know if it is REMOVING the crap from the blade or just allows the blade to move more smoothly, but the cuts are nicer and the "removed material" is coming out in strings. Much thinner than the ribbons we create when turning, but the same idea.

Yes, I will be trying better blades in the future -- will let you know how that goes too. But the future is getting farther away, since my cheapy blades are now going at least TWICE as long.

Thanks to all who purchase from www.exoticblanks.com for making this cutting necessary!!!
 
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The product that I am using is Bostik Top Cote. Yes, it is available on line and it's still expensive. Amazon was best I could find.

If you find a better source, please let me know. I will be using a can every couple weeks.

thanks
 
I use PAM cooking spray, on blade when cutting wet wood. Must be expensive, wife keeps taking it back into the house. She forgets to buy me some when she goes grocery shopping.
 
Try holding a bar of parafin sealing wax against both sides of the blade for a few seconds. Do this of course when the blade is running!

The wax is dirt cheap and works for me. You will need to re-apply the wax when the effects wear down so I keep mine right there on the back of the table in easy reach.

Also, take a fine file and slightly round the back edges of both sides of the spinning blade of the blade. One of the diamond files on a stick does great for this.

Be very careful with the fingers as you are doing this since the blade doesn't care just what material it is cutting through. We all know just how defenseless our flesh really is!!
 
Wildman said:
I use PAM cooking spray, on blade when cutting wet wood. Must be expensive, wife keeps taking it back into the house. She forgets to buy me some when she goes grocery shopping.
Click to expand...

As a confirmed "cheap old coot", I can advise you to go to your local "everything for a buck" store --- they will have a pam substitute, for a buck.
 
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