Replies

1. 
   mike4244 | Apr 13, 2007 06:34pm | #1

   Put a glove on one hand,place one foot in the loop,twist with gloved hand.The blade will coil into three equal rings as you lower your hand.

   mike

1. 
   Al from Unionville | Apr 13, 2007 06:46pm | #2

   well that was easy. I think my mistake was in putting a glove on each hand.
   Thanks again

2. 
   forestgirl | Apr 13, 2007 06:47pm | #3

   Unfortunately, I think Taunton put the bandsaw-blade-folding video in the paid section of the web site.  I'm not positive, though, so you could try this link:
   http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/ToolGuide/ToolGuideArticle.aspx?id=5206

   LMK if it is a paid-only video, and I'll get my hubby to shoot the process for us.

   In words:  Put on some gloves if it's a big blade.  Put your foot on the blade.  As to your hand.... hang your arm down with your palm facing backward (like a gorilla), then rotate your wrist so the back of your hand faces your body and your thumb is pointed to the side.  Grasp the blade, and untwist your wrist.   As you bend over at the waist toward your foot, keep turning your wrist, and the saw blade will fall into loops.

   Much harder to describe than to do.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   

1. 
   Al from Unionville | Apr 13, 2007 06:52pm | #4

   thank you. I do have access to the paid part of the web site and was able to watch the video.
   I appreciate the quick response.

2. 
   Quickstep | Apr 15, 2007 03:26am | #6

   How cool is that?!? I've been trying to do this for a while with no success. Now I know how! Thanks for the instructions.

1. 
   derekcohen | Apr 15, 2007 08:29am | #7

   I don't have a problem folding most blades, but I just cannot do one that is 3/4" wide. Anyone have this experience?

   Regards from Perth

   Derek

1. 
   user-211435 | Apr 15, 2007 09:11pm | #10

   Rather than simply twisting your hands in order to fold the blade, give it a little groundward snap at the same time and it will do its thing.  It's easy to do much larger blades than 3/4" with that little snap.

   Hal

1. 
   Joby | Apr 21, 2007 04:05pm | #11

   Once you get it, folding them is no problem. I just can't figure out how to unfold the big ones. Thankfully I will only ever have to unfold my 1-1/4" blade once. It was a scary process. Once I got the loops to start to unfold, I could feel the pressure in all directions with mighty large teeth staring at me. I just got it close, threw it and ran. It basically exploded into a wild jagged circle that chased me backwards. The teeth seemed OK, but most importantly, it did not bite me. It now just hangs in its natural state on the wall behind the saw.

2. 
   forestgirl | Apr 21, 2007 07:14pm | #12

   Too funny!!  Need a big rubber bag to slide it into before unfolding, keep it contained.  LOL!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

3. 
   EdHarrow | Apr 13, 2007 08:44pm | #5

   If you'd like to practice, and don't want to risk various parts of you anatomy to a sharp blade, you can use a bicycle tire  (large and skinny work best).  It comes 'natural' but I can't remember to describe it.  Hold opposite sides in opposite hands, and twist oppositely  (I think).  Voila!  Three little circles from one big one.  Very cool to watch.  Amaze your friends!

4. 
   THintz | Apr 15, 2007 09:40am | #8

   We have a story and video on coiling bandsaw blades at the link below. This little video has been one of the most popular on our site for years!

   http://www.newwoodworker.com/coilbsblde.html

   Tom Hintz

   Because there is always more to learn!

1. 
   Al from Unionville | Apr 15, 2007 03:14pm | #9

   thank you Tom, a nice simple video. I hadn't visited your site before. I am looking forward to spending some time looking through the site / Al