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tabletop bandsaw issue

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tabletop bandsaw issue

#1

tabletop bandsaw issue

Dan Bundy

The saw is an 8" Delta (28-180); not a great saw but has done what I've needed. I'm trying to put on and adjust a 1/8" blade. The problem is that I can't get the blade to stay on the lower wheel. It keeps sliding off and running on the rim of the wheel instead of the tire. The only way I got it to say on was to track the blade off the back of the top wheel. I don't recall ever having this problem with wider blades (just took off a 1/4"). Is it just that 1/8" blades are that fussy or could there be other issues at play?

I've considered trying to shim out the bottom wheel some, but I can't get the screw that holds it on to budge. Would that screw be a standard "lefty loosey" or might it be a reverse thread? Haven't tried heat on it yet but really was hoping not to have to go that extreme.

I can probably go back to the 1/4" but I'm cutting some tight radii and the 1/8" is better suited. Thanks.

Re: tabletop bandsaw issue

#2

Re: tabletop bandsaw issue

Sam Force

Don't have that saw but I would not move the bottom wheel. I would center the blade on both wheels and put tension on the blade and slowly turn the wheels by hand. As the blade moves then make "small" adjustments with the top wheel. Usually I can dial a blade in this way. May take some time but doable. Once you make a few adjustments you will see what direction the blade is going to move

Re: tabletop bandsaw issue

#4

Re: Does the blade tension sufficiently?

Dan Bundy

It seems too. Manual calls for 56 1/8" blade and that's what it is.

Re: tabletop bandsaw issue

#5

Re: tabletop bandsaw issue

AlanWS

I have found with blades as narrow as 1/8" that adding tension too soon (before tracking is just right) can have the effect you describe. Try putting on the blade with very low tension and adjusting the tracking. Then gradually add more tension, alternating between that and fine adjusting the tracking so the blade rides in the center of the top wheel.

That might help.

Re: tabletop bandsaw issue

#6

Re: tabletop bandsaw issue

Dan Bundy

Thanks for the tip. I'll give it a try.

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