My First Post/ Question
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BuckeyeDennis
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- Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2012 10:03 pm
- Location: Central Ohio
I believe that Shopsmith strongly recommends the use of Cool Blocks when using bandsaw blades of 1/8". Setting the guide blocks behind the teeth of a 1/8" blade does not leave enough of a margin to properly control the blade. The use of Cool Blocks enables you to capture the entire blade and increases control.
Most of the obvious reasons for this condition have been discussed. If the blade is properly tensioned and is in good condition you should get good results as long as your technique is good. Don't push too hard. The blade can only cut at a specific speed and trying to make it do more than it can will make it wander. If the stock is too thick for the TPI (teeth per inch ) the teeth will stop cutting part way through the cut because the gullet is filled with debris. This can also cause a wandering blade.
After the blade is properly tensioned make sure that it travels in a straight line at 90 deg to the table between the upper and lower guide block assemblies.
As was mentioned in an earlier post, The guide blocks should be loosened when putting the blade under tension and positioned last.
Bill V
P.S. How did you "accidentally" buy a Shopsmith?
Most of the obvious reasons for this condition have been discussed. If the blade is properly tensioned and is in good condition you should get good results as long as your technique is good. Don't push too hard. The blade can only cut at a specific speed and trying to make it do more than it can will make it wander. If the stock is too thick for the TPI (teeth per inch ) the teeth will stop cutting part way through the cut because the gullet is filled with debris. This can also cause a wandering blade.
After the blade is properly tensioned make sure that it travels in a straight line at 90 deg to the table between the upper and lower guide block assemblies.
As was mentioned in an earlier post, The guide blocks should be loosened when putting the blade under tension and positioned last.
Bill V
P.S. How did you "accidentally" buy a Shopsmith?
wa2crk wrote: P.S. How did you "accidentally" buy a Shopsmith?
That's for your info. I have a lot of day to day things to handle for the next few days before I can get the bandsaw pulled out and checked again....as for the purchase: I want to fill out the group of attachments for my own SS, and have been watching Craigslist to try and find deals. I found a listing for a Mk V with bandsaw, belt sander, jointer and the standard table saw and disc sander attachments. Asking price was $400.00....which was about what I was expecting to pay for just the jointer and belt sander if I found them. So I went and bought it. I had to. Now I am debating making it into a Mini or refurbishing it and selling to cover the expense of the attachments I gained for the overall collection. The bandsaw that came with it needs the rubber for the wheels, which should be an easy fix, and then I'll sell it for sure....