Video
Machine Setup: The Bandsaw
Woodworking instructor Ellen Kaspern demonstrates how to set up a 14-in. bandsaw.
Aug 07, 2018
When a machine is tuned up and maintained properly, it not only will make your woodworking more accurate, but it will also make your time in the shop more enjoyable. Woodworking instructors Matt Wajda and Ellen Kaspern have spent countless hours behind machines making furniture, and they’ve also taught classes on setting up and maintaining machinery. In this video workshop series, Matt and Ellen show you what they know, guiding you through each critical machine in the shop.
In this episode, Ellen makes sure that the bandsaw blade is tracking properly by setting the wheels coplanar to each other, crowning the tires, and setting the tilt and tension on the top wheel. Finally, she sets the bearings and guide blocks.
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Videos in the Series
-
An Introduction to Machine SetupJuly 23, 2018 -
Machine Setup: The Table SawJuly 23, 2018 -
Machine Setup: Adjusting Jointer TablesJuly 30, 2018 -
Machine Setup: Setting Jointer KnivesJuly 30, 2018 -
Machine Setup: The BandsawAugust 7, 2018 -
Machine Setup: Hollow-Chisel MortiserAugust 13, 2018 -
Machine Setup: The PlanerAugust 20, 2018
Comments
Re the bandsaw video:
Nicely done and good info. One small issue I would have is that before you put the blade on the saw, back off and loosten up all the guides. That eases the process of getting the blade mounted. It also assures that nothing interferes while you adjust the tracking. One other thing is that band saw tension calibration is notoriously inaccurate, usually on the weak side. Simply using the pre-marked points on the saw frame rarely results in the best tension.
I know it's a bit more work but I remove the table before I make any adjustments. This allows me to clean the accumulated dust off the guides and it is much easier to adjust the blocks and bearing.
Definitely a worthwhile endeavor.
I also like the additional steps shown in the Michael Fortune video regarding minimizing/eliminating bandsaw drift by ensuring that 1) the blade is tracking in the center of the top tire, 2) the fence is parallel to the miter slot and 3) the miter slot (table) is parallel to the blade.
Michael Fortune and Alex Snodgrass have much better videos.
Great video, thanks!
It would be helpful to learn how to replace sticky thrust bearings as well as adjusting the tension on the motor pulley. Thanks!
Definitely a useful video and well presented.
Overall a good video on bandsaw setup. She should be wearing safety glasses when removing the blade from the machine and when uncoiling the blade.
And gloves. If you lose control of the coil it can do some damage to your hand, very quickly.
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