Bandsaw question

pmc2022 | Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on September 17, 2019 09:27pm

The blade on my Wadkin BZB20 band saw runs with no for and aft movement, and stays in one place on both wheels. However, it is closer to the back of the top wheel and closer to the front of the bottom wheel. The bottom wheel is fixed to the motor shaft (no belts). I’m wondering if I should move the motor/bottom wheel assembly to correct this, or if I should be happy that there is no for and aft movement and just leave well enough alone. Your advice is welcome.

Replies

john_c2 | Sep 18, 2019 03:31am | #1
How does it cut?
_mj_ | Sep 18, 2019 09:35am | #2
https://www.scosarg.com/copy-of-manual-for-wadkin-bzb-20-bandsaw
pmc2022 | Sep 18, 2019 10:49am | #3
I've got the manual.
pmc2022 | Sep 18, 2019 10:53am | #4
It cuts fine, but the teeth on a 1" wide blade are not on the top wheel. If I adjust the top wheel to get the teeth on it, then the teeth will not be on the bottom wheel. I've got the manual, but it doesn't address this problem.
_mj_ | Sep 18, 2019 04:52pm | #5
Has the blade jumped off the wheels? How does the problem present itself?

I have a Laguna 14/SUV and it can take up to a 1" blade. The tires are 1" wide and pretty much a flat profile. Right now I have a 3/8" blade mounted and with the gullets centered on the top wheel the blade is about 3/8" forward of center on the bottom wheel. I've never used wider than a 1/2" resaw blade, but if the 3/8" diff is consistent I'd be in the same spot as you with a 1" blade on the saw. (teeth off the lower wheel)

Perhaps there is not a problem at all? If the saw is cutting well and the guides have the range to reach and support the blade properly why not call it good?
geedubbee | Sep 19, 2019 10:11pm | #6
As you have noticed there are a couple of camps on co-planer bandsaw wheels. I can relate to the "if it cuts good, don't mess with it" camp. I am in the co-planer camp. The reason? When I made my wheels co-planer during a re-alignment of my 17" machine, several things happened.
- The machine got spooky smooth and quiet.
- I can switch blades with impunity and experience no drift issues.
- I can run any size blade within specs without issues.
I am not saying the "don't fix it if it ain't broke" camp is wrong. But, that experience had me align all my saws the same way and I am very happy about it ;-)
pmc2022 | Sep 22, 2019 10:57pm | #7
GeeDubBee,
Good comment! So, how do I get my wheels to be co-planer? I'd love to have 'spooky smooth and quiet."
forrestb | Dec 17, 2019 09:27pm | #8
Bandsaw blades are angled on purpose to ease the cutting power . Not a problem if you take the slight angle into account for your precise cutting requirements.
geedubbee | Dec 18, 2019 12:54am | #9
Paul, I apologize for wandering off and not getting back to this thread. I’m still new to this Forum software and I’m used to getting notifications.

The manual should address how to set the wheels coplanar. I find it surprising that it does not. My manual even includes instructions for making a jig to help check for coplanar alignment.

For my machine it was a matter of a washer or two behind the lower wheel. For your situation I would look at the exploded parts diagram and see if there are washer/spacers behind your upper wheel that could be removed.

I have set up notifications on this thread and so should answer more promptly if you post here. I would be glad to try and help you get the machine aligned since it has done so much good for me to do so.