Bandsaws: Mastering Setup and Use - A No BS Guide

[@katzmosestools]

Products and Videos Discussed *Support what we do* at KMTools.com *Bandsaw Tensioning App IPHONE* shop.kmtools.com/TensionAppIphone *Bandsaw Tensioning App ANDROID* shop.kmtools.com/TensionAppAndroid *Andy Klein’s Bandsaw Tension App Explanation Video (update coming soon)* kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYiQkpmGpNiHl6ssi=Bwi5PV5GM3VGCTK3 *Bandsaw Flush Trim Jig* kmtools.com/products/bandsaw-flush-trim-jig-5-pack *Bandsaw Flush Trim Jig Video* kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKSvf5Kdf9t2kKMsi=NZd8IEsWABMQjMn4 *Miter Slot Locking Hardware* kmtools.com/products/miter-slot-hardware-kit-for-jigs *Timberwolf 1/2” Blade* amzn.to/3QVTgUH *Timberwolf 1/4” Blade* amzn.to/3QWkBWT *Timberwolf 1/8” Blade* amzn.to/3ucpp1e *Andy Klein Bandsaw Sharpening Jig* kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4u7namjbdakfrMsi=7_e9WMZPdgAklQaK *The Katz-Moses Woodworkers with Disabilities Fund ABOUT* kmtools.com/pages/kmww-charity

[@Favos96]

What a helpfull video! Thanks for the NO BS series. I wanted to purchase the app but i get a message the app has been made only for older android version. Any chance on getting this fixed? Greetings from Holland.

[@RodgerHarrell]

Hi Jonathan @katzmosestools It appears that the Iphone app is no longer available on the iPhone store. Can it be found elsewhere? Thanks, Rodger

[@loxire]

the app linkis broken other then that great video

[@Rpm1197]

Something that is so basic it is easy to overlook - make sure your table is square to your blade! I once spent an hour fiddling with the guides and my fence trying to figure out why my resaw was skewing off track and the table wasn’t at perfect 90 to the blade

[@jimrichards7014]

I feel your pain, been there

[@halsonger1317]

Same for me. I wound up having to shim between the table and the trunnions using a cut-up soda can to get the table square to the blade on my Grizzly 14 inch. After that resawing worked like a dream.

[@scottmorris4914]

I keep a square at my bandsaw, just for this purpose.

[@stoopsyo]

That’s why you never fuck with the table hahah

[@DaveWrightKB9MNM]

I got my first band saw a week ago, used of course. It works, cuts but needed some tuning. Got a new blade on, followed the instructions from Snodgrass and it cuts like a hot knife! I just learned that I still need to do some tweaking after watching this video.

[@edwardmedina1236]

Thanks for the tips. Especially on the tension and setting it up. Mine was all wrong, but I took the five minutes it took to set it right. Thanks again.

[@RobertIdda]

Great video. I've used a similar method for tuning my bandsaw using a guitar tuner.

[@DustyWolfWoodworks]

Great video, and just in time. I had a blade wandering and everything was tuned up, not running on bearings, not over tight, or loose on the tension. Tracking was perfect, back of gullet riding right on the center of the tire. Wouldn't you know, the blade was dull...I didn't realize how dull until I swapped it out. Thank you!

[@joseescoto9069]

I swear this is sorcery. You put out a sharpening video the same day I purchased a book dedicated to sharpening and this week I had my first bandsaw delivered. Was planning on setting up these next couple of days

[@walterrider9600]

thank you Katz . i have the same bandsaw . i use a 3/4 " 3 tpi for resaw and use a disk grinder to resharpen it it takes about 18 mins . on the face . after i got it a wind fall fell into my lap . trees dropped in my area . 200.00$ chain saw and i have logs to boards . pear . china berry , birch and oak . sitting on cinder blocks an 2/4" pear is chest high . lots of work but good wood .in 72 i learned to open blades . i forgot how by 2014 lol . at this time i got 8 white oak logs waiting for health to improve and to finish building Izzs chain saw jig / sled . thank you for all you do .

[@TimberworksTables]

I've been building for more than thirty years and I *still* pick up a tip or two with your no BS videos.

[@ekw555]

I need to work on my set up. particularly blade tracking. this should help. thanks, Jonathan.

[@BradRemillard]

Highland woodworking wood slicer resaw blade. Fine woodworking a few years back voted it to be best 1/2 inch blade for resawing. It is really good. I bought the app. Thanks.

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

I watched another content creator recently. I LOVE his comment. “I’d rather eat a frozen pinecone than change my bandsaw blade”. This is how I feel. I think it’s more about making sure i know how to set everything up. So this is super helpful. I mainly do straight cuts and resawing on my bandsaw. So I have my amazing resaw blade installed. But I’ve gotten into doing some template routing. And I KNOW that I should put my other blade in. But I’ve just been too lazy. This was super helpful> I may end up changing it today.

[@ianmoore525]

I have a 14” wood cutting bandsaw and love it. If you think putting a new blade on can be intimidating, you should try that on a horizontal steel cutting bandsaw, where the blade twists almost 90 degrees to go around the pulleys. I’d also just replaced the guide bearings so everything was out of. whack. I enjoyed your video, keep up the good work. Almost forgot regarding changing blade, I have only one arm which doesn’t help either.

[@kevinnathanson6876]

As you point out in showing your testing rig, bandsaw tension is set in pounds (lbs). There are actual tension gauges available to set the tension; one of the best is from Starrett. The saw itself plays a huge role in selecting the target tension, so it would be good if the app allowed for cast iron vs. welded steel bandsaws etc. I have a 24" Agazzani that I run a 1" carbide Trimaster blade on tensioned to 35,000 lbs, and it works beautifully. I also have a 17" Grizzly, and there is no way in the world that saw could tension any blade to 35,000 lbs, as the spring would be in coil bind well before that, so the type of saw is very important to determining the target tension.

[@tomcotter2714]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge in a down-to-earth way everyone can understand and no shenanigans.

[@pmdinaz]

Great timing Just picked up my bandsaw Interesting tip on de-tensioning the blade I won't use it daily so this is a good one

[@frankvanderwal4571]

Wow! Downloaded the app and many thanks for sharing these basic things! The last thing I want to be is some smart^&% know-it-all, yet I struggled for a long time to stop my blade from wandering, no matter how hard I pushed it against the fence. It turned out that my table wasn’t 100% square to my blade when leaving the factory. It might help others to also check that in addition to your wonderful informative video! Oh, and my bandsaw is the Hammer N3800…

[@davidpeters8813]

WOW! I have never seen or heard of a "follower" for templates, but that is absolutely brilliant!

[@redsox501]

Always had issues it’s my small band saw, defo gonna try these techniques

[@SandyMasquith]

Thank you for this video, Jonathan. As a cautionary tale, I ruined a Rikon band saw during my move because I forgot to detention it. During the move (summertime in the Eastern US) it was on the truck several nights and when I finally got to it in the shop, the main spring was toast. Still to this day I can’t find any way to replace that, so now I have to replace the entire saw. I’m heartbroken and wallet light. But, your video will be key when I finally get that new saw and get it tuned and set up. :)

[@davidpeters8813]

Amazon sells a Carter tension spring for 14" bandsaws - called a "cobra coil bandsaw tension spring", about $35

[@coypemberton]

The timing of this is perfect for me. I just ordered my 1st 14" bandsaw. Thanks for the great content.

[@short6691]

Great info! I have been using the frequency method for several years after a blade failure (I was using the finger press method previously) took me by surprise. I use the free Spectroid app on my cell phone to measure band frequency and formula from Fine Woodworking to calculate the desired band frequency. For my saw (14” Rikon) and the blades I commonly use the target frequency is usually 57-61 Hz. So I have just been using 58 Hz and that has worked well. I resaw 10” wide boards into 0.180” thick panels for ukulele fronts, backs and sides. That can be challenging and proper tension and a sharp blade really helps. The only problem I have when tuning a blade is noise in the workshop. I end up turning off the fluorescent lights, dehumidifier, and occasionally the furnace to make sure I have found the rightpeak on the Spectroid display representing the “fundamental” and not 60 cycle noise or a higher harmonic.

[@katzmosestools]

Sounds like a lot of work but cool way to do it

[@bobd5119]

Thanks! Excellent pointers,

[@mjd4124]

Thank you, I've been butchering band saw set ups since I was a kid.

[@richardgeorge9750]

I downloaded the app and used it on a Laguna 14BX with a Timberwolf 1/8” x 14RK 0.025 … I couldn’t loosen the tension sufficiently to get into the desired range and it felt scary loose. Interesting, I cleaned my blade (it had some pine resin/sawdust) and, without moving my phone, the frequency changed slightly. I’ll check the next blade when I need to change for the project, but am apprehensive about running the 1/8” at such a low tension (reading below 0 on the built in reference). Keep up the great work and I look forward to the updates to the app.

[@KevinGuitarLessons]

Thanks for the video! I was just gifted a bandsaw a week ago, and have no clue where to start. This helps a lot.

[@roadrnr21]

This was so much help! I rarely use a bandsaw, until last night trying to resaw for the first time.

[@PeterFreese]

I don't have a bandsaw yet, and have been somewhat intimidated by the tool. This video really helped me understand what's involved in setting one up (and gives me some ideas in what to look for in my bandsaw purchase).

[@chrisprincing5724]

Awesome, I use Grizzley 513 17" saw, and always wondered about this. The blade is 131 1/2". Thanks for the great info

[@bernkondret9981]

Several really good tips. Blade tracking and tension, templet jig, how to adjust bearings, types and width of blades. However you didn't cover aligning the miter slot to the blade and the fence to the miter slot.

[@katzmosestools]

That’s more table saw setup. A bandsaw is a rough cutting tool and those things aren’t as critical

[@michaelheck9148]

This is just an amazing series. As a newer woodworker, this is taking a lot of the fear out of moving from hand tools to my inherited power tools. Thank you for producing these, and thank you for making an app! I never would have thought of measuring the frequency of the blade! You and Andy Klein are a dangerous combination! I would love to see your take on a circular saw, and the drill press. Might be shorter videos, but maybe combine a few different tools into one? Thanks again!

[@FixtheGodofBiscuits]

Something I think might be interesting for a No BS video would be fences. How to set fences properly. Differences in fence styles and lengths. Recommended fence upgrades via purchase (Bow XT extender, Jess Em stock guides, etc), as well as jigs or other construction that can be made to compensate for a fence that won't keep square or is too short (a contractor saw fence, essentially).

[@robertcullity1695]

Just put the blade tensioning app on my iPhone and iPad . Getting the blade tensioning right is so tough for me. Can’t wait to give this a try. Keep up the “nerd” work. Love the insight you give us mortals. Rob

[@Kavik79]

A recommendation for the app, that could help inexperienced users (and you, if you start selling bandsaw blades through your site, or if you have affiliate links): Blade recommendations by usage. When you're on the screen to set your parameters, put the type of cutting first in the list. Have the app default to recommended blade width and tpi automatically, and a link to where we can get your recommended blade for that setup. Then, if they don't have that exact blade, they can adjust parameters to the closest of the ones they have. I know the more advanced users won't need to be reminded of the recommended type each time, but it could be a nice perk for the newer users. Not for nothing, but finding another way to offset the cost of the app might be a good idea. Don't get me wrong, it's a cool idea, but raising the cost more than $5 on something that is basically a combination of a single data reference table and a free guitar tuning app is probably going to be pushing it. (and coming from someone who's bought quite a few of your products, i mean this in a constructive way, not trying to negatively criticize) Thanks for another great No BS video!

[@gtg393w]

I would love to see how you store your bandsaw blades. I Haven't found a good storage solution for my small shop yet.

[@markduggan3451]

Great information as always. I thought that the blade had to be tight, like a scrollsaw, thanks for clearing that up for me.

[@desertdogs2145]

Perfect timing! My new Timberwolf blade arrived the other day for my Rikon 10” saw. My project today was to install it and set it up. And BOOM! You released this video🙃. Love these no BS videos. I will be downloading the app to give it a try as part of my set up.

[@J4Julz]

Super helpful video as I just got my first bandsaw yesterday! Picked up the app for my iPhone- great tool to have to helpful remove some of the guesswork.

[@zackstern3803]

I’d love to see a no BS guide to changing jointer knives/basic jointer set up. I have an older Jet jointer with straight knives and it was extremely nerve wracking to swap the knives and dial it in. Great series of videos, thanks!

[@BitsOfEternity]

It is so funny - I am blessed, that's for sure - some people might call it coincidence, but this happens to me all the time. I just bought a Rikon 10" bandsaw, and I've been watching a ton of videos on setup, and I get this email today, because this video was just made. The same thing has happened when I ran into a hiccup while trying to learn something while playing guitar, or when working on my photography, or ... etc - I'm not kidding, it is awesome, so, thank you for this. PS I bought the app, without even finishing this video. Here's hoping it works as expected, when it is out of beta.

[@kevinw6282]

Great video. Thanks! Please look at tension parameters for Highland Woodworking wood slicer resaw blades if you haven't already. The skip tooth design of these makes them so nice to use and makes for a great cut surface.

[@jasonricchio5139]

I am really enjoying the No BS series

[@jeffpicken5057]

Love the flush trim jig!

[@RichScip]

Jonathan, this video could not have come out at a better time! I just finished cleaning and replacing the guide bearings on my 14” Craftsman bandsaw last night in preparation for getting back out in the shop after a long hiatus. The app has been purchased and I’ll be using it when I install the blade today! Thanks for all the awesome no-BS videos!

[@mwoody4560]

I own a craftsman also. Unfortunately since Sears went belly up support for the saw doesn’t exist. However, I found that my saw must have been built by Rikon or the manufacturer of Rikon. Mine is a cross between the 10-324 and 10-325. I’ve been able to buy parts and accessories that work perfectly with my Craftsman. And it is a great saw.

[@RichScip]

@@mwoody4560I have a Rikon 13-900 rip fence on it. Bolted right on with no modifications.

[@michaelgreethurst3785]

Great job always get a lot from them. I have a 14" Delta and love it.

[@kengoodwin459]

id love a no bs video on drying wood or tips for selecting large pieces of wood from a lumbar yard.

[@joshwalker5605]

With respect to TPI I have had a lot of success with the guideline of “enough to have 4 teeth in the cut, or 3 tpi, whichever is coarser.” You don’t want to cut 1/2” stock with a 3 tpi blade, but for resawing 6” stock 3 tpi is great.

[@garymiller5937]

Thanks Jonathan. I don't have a bandsaw but I'll refer back to your video if I ever do. 😊😊😊

[@CallmeSam00]

Awesome, I was wondering if I could just tune my saw to a specific note or frequency

[@ValleyComputerService]

Great video, I'm buying the app. My blades are a Highland Woodslicer 1/2 in, a Resaw King 3/4 in, R & D Tufftooth 3/8, Viking 1/4 in , all 111 in long, on Rikon 326. It seems to have enough power for the 3/4 in blade.

[@dian3145]

Found an old bench top bandsaw. This will really help me tune it up. Do you look for the 1/2 deflection on all sized blades? Great video, timed perfectly! Thank you.

[@Drevid]

My favorite no BS video yet. My bandsaw (Laguna 14BX) is brand new over the summer ('23) and its by far my favorite tool to date. So much great info here. Thanks!! Oh and got the app this morning.

[@jaeyi8936]

Glad to hear you like that bandsaw, it's next on my list of large tools to get.

[@randywl8925]

That guide for the templateis genius. Im new to bandsawing and easily impressed. 😁 Great stuff. 👍

[@jasonphillips150]

I really love your videos and that's no BS! In the past, when you over tightened your blade, did you have a lot of blades break? I have a friend who swears that tighter is better but I am skeptical. Could you please expand on the why of proper tension on a bandsaw? Thank you!

[@jimrosson6702]

Another great video and amazing tips for new woodworkers. Thanks for sharing

[@robandsharonseddon-smith5216]

Defo the best hair on KZbin! Sadly app is not compatible with latest version if Android so I could not buy it.

[@shaunbarrickman6339]

Olson blades, since they are readily available on Amazon to most of us. Thanks.

[@harvhemp]

i hope you will include smaller bandsaws.. i will definately purchase the app if you do... for the RECORD i have a RECORD BS250

[@dennisdoherty3221]

Excellent video. Than you JKM. One helpful hint that would have helped (If it is true). When the cut is tracking to the left, the blade needs to be adjusted forward and vice versa, if it is tracking right, the blade is too far back on the wheel. I am pretty sure I learned that from Mr. Snodgrass.

[@katzmosestools]

Feels like we should test that. Makes sense and has never crossed my mind

[@dennisdoherty3221]

@@katzmosestools That has always been my issue with my Harvey Ambasadore. I can't keep the wood against the fence. It walks away (need to move the blade toward me.)

[@brendondespres9352]

BTW, I really enjoyed the segment. Like most of your KZbin, it was very informative and enjoyable to watch.

[@AndersZommarin]

Great video! I got a Hammer bandsaw, will buy the app when it has support!

[@scottmorris4914]

For an 1/8” blade, how are you adjusting the side bearings? The distance the blade pushes back into the back bearing, seems about to put the teeth on the side bearings. Thanks for the video, great one.

[@paultyler5989]

Thanks for the video. Would have liked to check out the app but I couldn't because it was made to work with a older android version.

[@SteveAugust7]

I'm an early adopter of the app and would love to see Laguna resaw king carbide tipped blades included. Also the highland woodslicer blade. Thanks so much!

[@fullsendnetwork2909]

Could we get a no bs jointer video? Loving this series

[@JohnMarino-r6u]

I bought a used band saw at a friend's garage sale a few years ago and haven''t set it up yet. (small space) I am really gaining good knowledge from your videos. I play guitar and have an electronic tuner - think that might work if I find the right pitch to tune the blade? Thanks for all the info.

[@patrickbink4617]

Good video on the bandsaw. How do you go about cleaning your bandsaw blades? Mine seemed to get dirty easily and it takes forever to clean them

[@acquiredtargett6015]

I really appreciate this series of videos. They're incredibly helpful for me as a beginner. I'd appreciate it if you could do one on jigsaws. Sounds stupid but I still haven't gotten a decent grip on them.

[@katzmosestools]

Pun intended hahaha?

[@acquiredtargett6015]

haha, I missed that one!

[@yellowdog2181]

Lenox blades are what I buy for my shop . I’m sure there are other great blades but the company where I buy blades and knives for the molder and shapers only sells Lenox blades of all sorts.

[@RussThacher]

The concept of the app is excellent. I can't wait to give it a try but I'll have to wait for the update. I attempted to purchase the app in the Google Play store and it won't let me because it was made for an older version of Android. I'll keep an eye open for the update though so I can grab it when it's available for my phone.

[@tonyblanco305]

Same problem here for my android phone. I was interested in getting in before the price hike as I've always wondered if my tension is correct. This app would do the trick.

[@DonBradway]

Once again, an outstanding No BS video! Your timing was perfectly timed for what I need to do with my saw. How about adding the Laguna resaw blade?

[@paddymalone7957]

Top man, another winner. Thank you.

[@katzmosestools]

Thank you my friend

[@rrabbit1960]

Really liking these No BS videos! Great information for beginners and refreshers for more experienced woodworkers.

[@katzmosestools]

Thank you my friend

[@spectrumwoodworksllc]

Hey Jonathan, What about those who purchased the app when Andy first introduced it? Just checking.....

[@martinkorinek5489]

The app looks great, I am using Makita LB1200F bandsaw with stock blade. Would be great, if the App could support it. Thanks. BTW I really like this no BS series, I would love to see one about table saw, similar to this, mix of safety /settings / operation advices.

[@marcsabel1926]

Thank you Jonathan, downloaded the iOS app & went out to my Jet 14" band saw that currently has a 105" x 3/8' 3 TPI Carter AccuRight blade installed - I was amazed at how under tensioned the blade was. I set the manufacturer parameter to 'Other' - the app worked perfectly. My one question is does the temperature of the blade and ambient surroundings have any effect on the tension tuning (I'm in NJ, my garage temperature was 54 degrees) If so how often, or at what +/- temperature variation should I expect to re-tension?

[@wayneclark4703]

I’d love to see you do a tutorial on wood turning. 1:40

[@robertmelchionda7456]

Johnathan, please add the Powermatic 14 inch bandsaw to your list for the app please! Thank you very much!

[@ljgault]

I use Wood Slicer for re-sawing, please ad it

[@homtherobot]

Amazing video, thank you. I just bought my first bandsaw and have been overwhelmed trying to figure out why my cut quality sucks. Question: What blade would you recommend for bandsaw boxes? Still a 1/4" blade for the curves, but lower tpi since you're creating more sawdust?

[@katzmosestools]

I’d go with an 1/8” 14tpi

[@MrFinn]

Ace as always! The App looks great, would you consider adding the Axminster range of bandsaws for us over in the UK? ;)

[@MCsCreations]

Really excellent tips, Jonathan! Thanks a bunch! 😃 I still don't have a bandsaw, but I definitely want to get one! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@scottsipiora3467]

Can you get Wood Slicer blades added to the application?

[@themaaddmonkey]

So for us super budget bandsaw operators, how would you tune up one of those Harbor Freight bandsaws? I bought a nicer bosch blade for it, but would really like to maximize what it can do (I don't use it for a whole lot, hence why I only have a cheap-o one). Love your videos!

[@wanderbum]

Excellent tips…If you have never used a wood slicer re-saw blade from Highland Woodworking then you owe it to yourself to try one.

[@ChrisHornberger]

Great series, man. Thanks for these videos!

[@coreywalker2656]

Digging the no bs videos thank you

[@Thomllama]

App looks interesting, add the Highland Woodworking "Wood Slicer" blades! (if you haven't already) TimberWolf and Highland blades are about all I use these days! Nice video!

[@lendevonuk5479]

Good to see you back!

[@SSBailey77845]

Brilliant video Katz Man! Keep ‘em coming!

[@RidgidRon]

Great information and will be using the information

[@katzmosestools]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sgsax]

Always looking to up my bandsaw game. I like my 10" Rikon saw, but I think it's time to invest in some nicer blades. I keep watching for a used 14" saw, but haven't had any luck yet. Really enjoying this series, thanks for the tips!

[@AZHighlandHomestead]

keep looking. I picked up an old 1990's 3/4HP Delta 14" for $100 on craigslist last week. They're out there and old wood workers are getting out of the hobby every day.

[@Steve-dr7rr]

Jonathan is the app available in U.K. I have a iPhone cheers

[@richardkates2185]

I have a large Rikon bandsaw with a significant tracking error. Is there a way to fix this?

[@dtork47]

Very helpful video, great tips! How about 1/2 & 1/4” Timber Wolf blades 132” length? Great idea with the app. Stay safe.

[@DGH550]

I purchased the app. I set up all the parameters, Timberwolf, 31” wheel to wheel centers distance, non-carbide, wood, straight cut, & ½” blade, and tried it out. No matter what the tension it read “Too Tight” even to the point where there was hardly any tension on the blade. The tension indicator never moved! I did at one time get close to that deep base tone at which time it still read “Too Tight”.

[@katzmosestools]

Watch Andy’s video. It explains it n depth. Dry measuring on the other side of your wheels. I’m guessing something like the brush designed to removed sawdust or something else like a guide is touching your blade on that side. Either way watch Andy’s video. The update will have a better step by step guide on trouble shooting and use. Cheers

[@DGH550]

Update … I put the phone on the other side of the blade, i.e., between the blade and the support beam. Made sure the phone was square (or perpendicular?) to the blade. My first test was “Too Loose”. Amazing, a different answer! Kept tightening and the indicator moved closer to the center. Gave one last tightening and it was a little “Too Tight”. Loosened it up just a bit and I was right on. YEAH!

[@engineerMike2999]

You are da man! Thanks for the no BS info 😊

[@woodmum]

Hi!! I don't use the bandsaw very often, so I take the tension off when I'm done. But after a few times I can't saw straight anymore. Do I have to repeat all the steps every time??

[@markrosselet3491]

How about Starrett blades?

[@ericerf6837]

Just bought the app yesterday. It was $6 but I’m still ok with that.

[@swiggums]

A very well timed video! Have a second hand bandsaw I need to tune up. I can't seem to find the tensioning app on your shop though, could you link it somewhere?

[@katzmosestools]

Sorry, you guys beat me haha. In the pinned comment now