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Bulged bandsaw blades

1K views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  Walnut_Weasel 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I would appreciate opinions on BS blades. It seems that ALL 1/2" or 3/4" blades I get have a very pronounced bend at the weld. I have purchased Olsons and Timberwolves and both brands have this problem. If I set the thrust bearing to the proper distance on the main body of the blade the distinct bulge at the weld whacks the bearing. I now set the bearing back from the weld and allow a lot more space on the rest of the blade than is commonly reccommended. Is this a common problem? Should I even consider this a defect? Are there blades that don't suffer form bulging at the weld?

Thanks in advance for your input
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#3 · (Edited by Moderator)
That size blade should be very smooth. If you can't get your current supplier to make it so, find another one.

I have a BS Blade welder and used to buy bulk blade and weld them myself (when we were in production). We made a lot of puzzles using 1/8" blade. The blade needs to be ground smooth to fit between bearings or blocks. Too fat at the weld and it makes a lot of noise. Burns cuts too. 1/8" blades are hard to weld and grind. That's why they charge so much for them. ($12.00+ for 1/8, 9.00 or so for 1/4") Larger sizes get easier. Find a good blade supplier (one that makes and grinds good welds) and stick with them. It's another skill. At that size of blade it should be easy.

I used a 14" Powermatic and a 12" delta Band saws for the puzzles we used to make. Powermatic uses bearings, Delta uses blocks. Delta was better for the small blades.
 
#4 ·
I ran into the same problem with a 1/2" blade. Here is my forum posting it. Unfortunately I cannot find my receipt for the blade from Woodcraft so I have not tried to return it. I plan on purchasing my blade directly from the timerwolf website in the future - they cost less and once I called, they seemed to be very knowledgeable.
 
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