Shopsmith Forums

So back to the experts for some help I come. I purchased a used SS with a bandsaw. I have been trying to get the bandsaw to perform the way I was hoping ever since I got it home.

The entire unit had been packed up to be moved when the previous owner moved across country. This also included removing the upper guide and table for transport. The table was easy enough to get back into alignment, the upper guide no so much.

I have gone through JPG's alignment guide on here. And so far so good. I've reset the tension adjustment and it is properly adjusted for my blade. I have aligned the bearings and alignment blocks. I also replaced the old tires with new urethane tires. Making sure to clean off all old rubber.

The blade tracks perfectly. It rides the bearings perfectly. There isn't any slop during the cut. With one major exception. Hopefully you can see what its doing to the wood. I've never seen anything like this before. The blade I'm using is used, but there couldn't have been more than a mile or two on it as everything that came with this one was kept in immaculate condition.

Does anyone have any ideas what I'm doing wrong? I'm struggling here. Thank you in advance

Wood was a scrap piece of 2x4 that I'm using to align.

Feed was smooth and consistent. I've tried going very slow to make sure it wasn't me forcing it through. No change.

The blade is 1/4" shopsmith blade. Probably the original that came with the saw back in the late 80's

Thanks for the quick reply.

Just to test things I'm gonna try another cut with a different blade to see if it produces similar results.

New blade will probably make a difference. I am wondering why the blade seems to track the wave of the grain in that 2X4. If all is adjusted properly the blade should just cut through the grain.
Bill V

I bet you did that free hand(no fence). Blade tension correct? Blade guides close? Fine tooth?

I bet teeth are dull or no set on one side, for resawing it should be a 3/8 or better 1/2 3-4 TPI hook not skip. Everything you need to know is here.
http://timberwolfblades.com/

Your issue is the 1/4 inch blade. A thin blade doesn't have the tension to keep it on track and will deviate with the changing density of the wood and essentially follow the grain in the wood. Try it with a 1\2 inch blade and that should cure the problem
Paul

supermansrf wrote:So back to the experts for some help I come. I purchased a used SS with a bandsaw. I have been trying to get the bandsaw to perform the way I was hoping ever since I got it home.

The entire unit had been packed up to be moved when the previous owner moved across country. This also included removing the upper guide and table for transport. The table was easy enough to get back into alignment, the upper guide no so much.

I have gone through JPG's alignment guide on here. And so far so good. I've reset the tension adjustment and it is properly adjusted for my blade. I have aligned the bearings and alignment blocks. I also replaced the old tires with new urethane tires. Making sure to clean off all old rubber.

The blade tracks perfectly. It rides the bearings perfectly. There isn't any slop during the cut. With one major exception. Hopefully you can see what its doing to the wood. I've never seen anything like this before. The blade I'm using is used, but there couldn't have been more than a mile or two on it as everything that came with this one was kept in immaculate condition.

Does anyone have any ideas what I'm doing wrong? I'm struggling here. Thank you in advance

funky_cut.JPG

I had almost the exact experience. Bought an old Mark V with bandsaw. My cuts look just like this. There is a very narrow (1/8 inch?) used blade. I haven't done any maintenance except to tighten the tension a little. Visually the works under the cover look OK. APPrently the previous owner changed the guide bearings and put Cool Blocks on. Have you reached a diagnosis? I hope your answer will point me in the right direction...

If y'all had a circular saw blade that 'cut funky' what would y'all do.

Same here!