I just finished sawing some 8/4 red oak, 4" wide, into roughly 1/4" widths, using a "new" 3/4" 3tpi Timberwolf blade. My bandsaw is a "new" Ridgid 14" (wheels are coplaner), and uses normal 110v circuit.
Even with making sure all the guides, blocks, etc are lined up, it took a lot of pressure to push the plank through. Is this normal? Seems like with this blade that it would be "easy".
Am I paranoid, or is there something wrong with this picture?
I have not used the blade in question, but the hook of the blade can effect the feed pressure. Generally, more hook is better, and will help pull the material into the blade when re-sawing. FWIW,
Greg G.
And more hook gives the sawdust being created a place to go other than between the blade and the sides of the cut where it'd generate heat. Burned wood ain't really a problem. Oveheated bandsaw blade is a problem.
I've got the same TW blade but found that their 1/2" version cuts quicker - perhaps less side friction in the kerf.
Another possibility is friction between the bottom of the stock and the table. I've noticed that when I'm pressing a smooth flat bottomed piece onto a very smooth cast iron table, I get what seems like a vacuum between the two - ala two pieces of plate glass sticking together.
Just some more possibilities.
charlie b
Try running a scrap of some lighter density material (pine/ poplar) and get a feel if things are binding up.
A quick check that the fence is perfectly square to the blade. Compression of the material (wants to squeeze the blade)?
I don't usually use that wide of a blade unless I'm resawing something in the range of 10"-12" or more. A 3/8-1/2 blade with your guides and blade tension set, will give great results.
Cheers,
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