I just got an 20-year old Craftsman bandsaw. It's in perfect mechanical condition except for the fact that when ever I cut something it cuts of to the left. I've tried to adjust what's adjustable, but nothing helps.
I'm new to bandsaws so I don't know what the reason for this is. Do I just need to get a new blade?
That will help.
Do a search on this site for the word "lead" as in blind leading the, and you'll get the idea that almost all blades lead. If it cuts fine, compensate.
Library a good place to pick up information on the peculiarities and safety considerations for your new saw.
It's also known as drift.
Almost all bandsaw BLADES do this some degree. It is more a property of the blade than the bandsaw itself. It's also called "drift" and you generally adjust the fence to compensate for it. The following will help:
If the blade is old, then it's probably wise to replace it, since you don't know what kind of condition it's in. Bandsaw blades are relatively cheap so it's not a big investment.
As others have pointed out, you need to adjust for drift or lead, and the AWW page explains it pretty well. But if you're new to bandsawing, I recommend you pick up a copy of Mark Duginske's Bandsaw Handbook. It will explain about the lead corrections and a whole lot more that's really good to know.
-- jc Published e-mail address is strictly for spam collection. If e-mailing me, please use jc631 at optonline dot net
David J. Marks tuned a bandsaw on the DIYNetwork show "WOOD WORKS" one episode.
The link to the episode is:
A Timberwolf blade will cut straight but most blades drift so you will have to compensate in those cases. Personally I prefer to go with the Timberwolf blades even though they break easily.
Ken Muldrew snipped-for-privacy@ucalgazry.ca (remove all letters after y in the alphabet)
Anyone tried playing with the tracking, like making the blade ride a bit higher on the tire?
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