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Member ProfileSubmitted by Gen Jansen This hint is for those of you who cut your own blanks using a bandsaw. I have found that bandsaw blades last a lot longer if they are “dressed.” Blades most often break when backing out of a release cut kerf. In order to reduce or prevent breakage, a blade needs to be “dressed’ before using it. To do this, place the blade on the wheels and set the tension as usual. If set too loose, the blade will run off the wheels. If set too tight, the blade may snap. Replace the cover and do a test run. Then....using a good file, touch each back edge of the blade as the bandsaw runs. You need not apply a whole lot of pressure, but just enough to take both corners off the blade. Then run a scrap piece of wood through the saw. Another hint in this department is to cut across the grain in making a release cut. Then back out of the kerf If you make a release cut with the grain, there is a tendency of the wood to close itself ad trap the blade. This would make backing out impossible. By making the first release cut across the grain of the wood usually lets the kerf stay open. Then make the other cuts necessary to remove waste wood. Ihave had some blades last 7 to 9 months by dressing the blades. And...I cut many, many blanks for my own use and for students in the classes that I teach. Sometimes I need to throw them out as they become dull. |
