bandsaw not cutting straight...wtf

[Mr. Krinkle]

I have a new 9" craftsman bandsaw. I tried to adjust it using the tensioner and I can't seem to get a straight cut. Any suggestions?

[Pete F.]

Read the directions
blade tension, guide adjustment and feed rate are all critical to getting a straight cut.
Google bandsaw tuning and I'll bet you find something also

[The Dad Fisherman]

Is it a 1/4" blade? You have to go REAL slow or that size blade tends to twist

[LaPala]

Bandsaw blades have a tendency to drift, to cut straight you feed at an angle.

[JFigliuolo]

Originally Posted by The Dad Fisherman

Is it a 1/4" blade? You have to go REAL slow or that size blade tends to twist

I could not get a straight cut with the 1/4" blade... get a 3/8 you'll be all set.

[NIB]

Originally Posted by JFigliuolo

I could not get a straight cut with the 1/4" blade... get a 3/8 you'll be all set.

Right most times the blade these cheap machines come with is some sort of multi pupose thing.I basically cuts nothing good.Get urself a thicker blade with a more aggressive wood cutting tooth pattern.

[numbskull]

Originally Posted by LaPala

Bandsaw blades have a tendency to drift, to cut straight you feed at an angle.

This is exactly right. Search for "Bandsaw Tuning" and you will find lots of info. Even with a perfectly tuned saw each blade (because of twist, tooth set, sharpness) will want to cut in a lead of its own choosing. Once you have tuned your saw you simply cut a piece of thick wood and figure out the blade's lead, then clamp or adjust you fence parallel to this. Unless you are trying to slice veneer, however, you are better off just cutting freehand on a small bandsaw.

[Charleston]

I had the same problem with my small Delta bench top saw. I got a much better blade and set the guides and followers correctly. Now it cuts die straight! Sometimes you need to change your thinking when you consider Teeth per inch.
I get the best results with a blade that is 18 TPI (in AYC).

[LaPala]

Here's 2 videos that'll definitely help:
1. Setting up and tuning your new bandsaw.
2. Cutting Bandsaw Veneer sheets (if you can cut veneer, it's definitely cutting straight )

PS: Don't blame me if you spend a few days watching the other videos in that site.

[Dr.fish]

tuning the saw is critical...but going SLOWLY is the key...take your friggin' time...wtf is the hurry??? LOL

[Bernzy]

My post from 1-11-07

I went through the same thing when I bought my bandsaw.

You have 2 sets of guide blocks, one set is above the table the other set is below. You need to loosen the machine screws on both sets and push the blocks in towards the blade. You want the space between the blocks and the blade to be about the thickness of a dollar bill.
Also, you have 2 thrust bearings that face the back of the blade. One is above the table, the other is below. You want to push them in towards the back of the blade, close but not touching.

I hope this helps.

Bernzy

[striperondafly]

Originally Posted by Charleston

I had the same problem with my small Delta bench top saw. I got a much better blade and set the guides and followers correctly. Now it cuts die straight! Sometimes you need to change your thinking when you consider Teeth per inch.
I get the best results with a blade that is 18 TPI (in AYC).

Charelston helped me out last year. I was going nuts I had the bandsaw setup what I thought was correct - went from 4 TPI blade to 18 TPI and no more bad cuts - even with only a 1/8" blade

Thanks Bill

[pbadad]

I was having a problem with the cuts also. made adjustments to the rollers and tension. Changed to an Olsen 6 tpi with a 6 degree kerf angle. Cuts clean and straight. That 's been doing the trick ever since. BTW I'm using a Craftsman table ban saw.

[Mr. Krinkle]

Thanks a lot guys. I appreciate all your advice. Will let you know what my resolve is when I get time to play with it.