Replies

1. 
   jharveyb | Jul 18, 2022 09:15pm | #1

   My answer is mostly yes. I would not use a beeswax candle, as it could end up being gummy. But a random candle should be fine. I haven't bought another chunk of paraffin since I got one decades ago. I use it or candles to lubricate screws before driving them into hard wood (you can break a wood screw trying to drive it into hard maple, even with proper sized holes drilled in it.) You can also use paste wax (like Johnson's or Minwax in the round yellow can.) Use an old toothbrush to apply it to the band saw blade, rather than a rag that could be caught by a tooth.

1. 
   Deleted | Jul 18, 2022 09:37pm | #2

   “[Deleted]”

2. 
   randomwoodguy | Jul 18, 2022 09:38pm | #3

   Thank you for answering my question that information is very helpfull

2. 
   gulfstar | Jul 18, 2022 09:56pm | #4

   Why would you wax a sawblade? The body is not meant to touch the wood and the tires sure don’t want a slippery blade but maybe I am missing another aspect .

1. 
   randomwoodguy | Jul 19, 2022 12:38am | #5

   Waxing bandsaw blades reduces friction resulting in less vibration during use and reduces any burn/scorch marks left on the wood . This information is on YouTube videos, its a new concept to myself Iv not long discovered but yeah general purpose table saw blades shouldn’t be an issue as the teeth on the blades are wider than the disc itself good point .

2. 
   john_c2 | Jul 19, 2022 06:03am | #6

   I wouldn't wax a bandsaw blade. Never have, never needed anything like that. If there's a vibration issue, fix the issue.

   I would never ever ever wax a tablesaw blade. Good God, why?

1. 
   randomwoodguy | Jul 19, 2022 06:25am | #7

   I saw a YouTube video of a guy waxing the blades apparently it reduces any scorch marks that may occur and lessens vibrations but judging by the responses. It’s probably not Necessary probably just mis information on YouTube

2. 
   flyfisher111 | Jul 24, 2022 09:55pm | #18

   I would agree. If, for whatever reason, the blade body is touching the wood, any wax would be wiped off in seconds.

3. 
   _mj_ | Jul 19, 2022 07:08am | #8

   With all due respect to youtube, the thought of waxing sawblades was invented by some guy looking for a new market to move his warehouse full of wax.

4. 
   stantheman | Jul 19, 2022 07:27am | #9

   Sounds like the potential drawbacks exceed the supposed benefits. You could justify waxing a table saw blade for the same reasons. I dont think any wax would survive prolonged high temp wood contact long enough to have an impact.

5. 
   TaunTonMacoute | Jul 19, 2022 11:14am | #10

   It'll just build up on the tires eventually. There's nothing to be gained from it.

6. 
   pantalones868 | Jul 19, 2022 06:18pm | #11

   The idea of a dry lube applied to the guides maybe but wax on the blade? If your burning through the wood try a new blade or technique.

7. 
   jharveyb | Jul 19, 2022 08:46pm | #12

   I have solid metal guides on my two bandsaws, and find that rubbing paraffin or even paste wax on the sides and back edge helps reduce friction/heat between the blade and guides. If I had roller guides I might not do it. I've been doing it for years, not to excess each time, and have never had any build-up problem.

8. 
   EdWeber | Jul 19, 2022 08:48pm | #13

   Then why do all the manufacturers put a non stick coating on their blades?

   Wax can keep resin and pitch build up to a minimum.
   On bandsaw blades lubing or waxing helps when cutting curves where the rear of the blade often contacts the side of the kerf.
   Waxing any blade helps to reduce friction and inhibit rust. Also helps if a cut begins to bind. Very helpful with green wood.
   I would suggest not to simply dismiss it out of hand until you understand how helpful it can be.

1. 
   gulfstar | Jul 19, 2022 09:51pm | #14

   Which band saw manufacturer puts non stick coating?

2. 
   john_c2 | Jul 20, 2022 10:41am | #16

   Never seen a bandsaw blade with a coating. Never needed one.

   Many circular saws have a coating, many do not. It hasn't made a lick of difference to me as far as how much and how fast pitch will build up on the blade. Both kinds need regular cleanings.

   Wax on a handsaw helps. Wax on a powered blade will disappear almost instantly. If it doesn't, that part of the blade isn't rubbing against anything, and thus can't be reducing friction.

   If a blade is burning or vibrating excessively, waxing won't solve anything. To solve it, most likely you need to sharpen or replace the blade, adjust the alignment of the blade, check the belt, etc.

9. 
   _mj_ | Jul 19, 2022 10:40pm | #15

   Any wax on the back edge of a bandsaw blade will be gone in a single rev if it contacts the side of the kerf. You're better off stoning the running blade's trailing edges, or better yet using a blade appropriate to the curve you are trying to cut... and I say trying because if the blade is rubbing enough to worry about burning it is the wrong blade and you`ll probably wind up wide of your line.

   2 questions:
   When does a bandsawn cut really bind?
   How do they get the teflon to stick to the pots & pans?

10. 
    EdWeber | Jul 20, 2022 11:17am | #17

    "Which band saw manufacturer puts non stick coating?"
    I was refereeing to table saw blades in that comment. Any "colored" blade that isn't just bare steel has a low friction coating.

    Again, wax or what some call lubricant, works in more than one way. It keeps blades from clogging up with pitch and resin, If the teeth stay clean they last longer. It is a protectant keeping the saw from rusting.
    On hand saws, If you've ever had a cut close up as you're cutting, wax will help alleviate the binding. There are many more situations where a little less friction will aide you in your cutting. How you use your saw to make cuts is out of my hands.
    Using a wax on blades is a common practice with more than one benefit. It's not a replacement for proper technique nor did I suggest that.
    Any product that eases the cut, cools the blade, prevents build up and doesn't impact the wood is a benefit worth trying IMO.