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To do this, tension a blade according to the saw’s tension gauge, then use the tracking knob to center the blade on the wheels while slowly rotating them by hand. Before scrutinizing each individually, check the tracking. Inspect the wheels and tiresįor precise tracking and smooth performance, the wheels, bearings, and tires must be in good shape.
Tuning up a bandsaw tockler how to#
I’ll show you how to fix common problems and quickly dance through the steps involved in changing blades.įirst things first: Give your saw a general checkup, inspecting the wheels, tires, guides, and other parts to ensure proper alignment and good working condition. Here’s how to give your saw a thorough once-over to ensure that the parts are all in good operating order. Whether you own a giant with 20" diameter wheels or a 9" benchtop, it requires periodic maintenance to cut as well as it should. Finding this machine equally desirable for fine and rough work, I made room in my shop for two saws: a 30-year-old 14" Rockwell, set up with a narrow blade for curve-cutting, and a newer 14" Delta, outfitted with a wide blade and riser block, for resawing.ĭespite its simple appearance, a bandsaw is a precision instrument. Outfitted with an appropriate blade, it can chew through thick stock to rough-out parts, fine-saw joinery like tenons and dovetails, and even do detailed scrollwork. It can rip, resaw, crosscut, and execute all kinds of curved work, including cabriole legs, circles, arcs, and serpentine drawer fronts. The bandsaw may be the most versatile player in the woodshop.
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