Shop Tips
Spring Clamp Helps with Bandsaw Blade Changes
When changing bandsaw blades, use a large spring clamp as a third hand to hold the blade in place on the top wheel.
I really like my 75-year-old bandsaw, but changing the blade is another matter. I used to hang it on the top wheel only to have it fall off every time I began to work it into position between the blade guides and over the bottom wheel. Then I realized that a large spring clamp could be a third hand. It holds the blade in place on the top wheel and makes the rest of the job a cinch.
—DON MESSMER, Blairstown, N.J.
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Rikon 10-3061 10-in. Deluxe Bandsaw
The 1⁄2-hp motor has all the power needed to resaw at its maximum capacity of 5 in.
The saw has two speeds: 3,280 sfpm (surface feet per minute) for wood and 1,515 sfpm for soft metals and some plastics.
Ridgid EB4424 Oscillating Spindle/Belt Sander
With five spindles sized from 1/2 in. to 2 in. and a 4 X 24-in. belt, this sander has become a staple in many a shop Fine Woodworking visits.
Makita LS1219L Miter Saw
This is the saw I want in my shop. For one, it’s easy to use. All of the controls are easy to reach and manipulate, and the glide mechanism is both robust and smooth. The handle works well for righties and lefties. Then there are added bonuses that no other saw has. For instance, its hold-down is superb, as it can move to different locations, hinges for a greater range of coverage, and actually holds down the work. In addition, the saw has two points of dust collection, letting it firmly beat the rest of the field. The one downside was the saw’s laser, which was so faint we had to turn off the shop lights to see it. Still, all these pluses in a package that fits tight to the wall? That’s a winner for me.
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Comments
Great idea. Wish I would have seen this last week when I was installing a blade on my band saw.
Great idea. Thank
D'oh that's such a good idea. Why didn't I think of it before... thank you for sharing.
I thought this was a great idea when I tried it, however when you attach a spring clamp to the wheel it throws off the balance it tries to swing down to the bottom. So I had to use a wedge to keep it from turning. As a result, I discovered that the wedge also keeps the blade on the wheel while freezing the wheel from turning.
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