How To's - Set up and fine tune your bandsaw

[@harveylester6679]

Clear and precise especially for a new Bandsaw owner. Thanks a million.

[@axminster]

Thank you for your kind feedback

[@VistavisionMike]

This is one of the better bandsaw tutorials I have watched on KZbin and I have watched a lot of them!

[@petersmith8900]

Your tutorial on the bandsaw has helped me immensely , thankyou very much , truly a fantastic insite👍

[@axminster]

Very welcome. Glad to hear you have found our video useful. Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@anthonypaynter828]

What a brilliant video. It explains why I have not been making as good a job as I had hoped using a bandsaw. Thanks for the info. So well presented

[@stanleyrleacock1664]

This is really an excellent tutorial! Got my first bandsaw this Christmas past and it is the first time ever using one. I'm 88 and a half years old and use it for cutting parts for my airplane modeling. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@thejoykey7439]

A beautifully executed tutorial. Very helpful for a seventy year old about to do his first blade change and setup. Very much appreciated. Thanks.

[@rjhinnj]

Love it when I hear some older folks diving into woodworking as beginners… never ever too late!! Go for it!!

[@landoncarter6452]

Thank you. I have watched a number of videos talking about how to set up a bandsaw, and you are the ONLY one to talk about how the guide post may not be parallel to the blade in both planes that the guides ride in! I wish you had addressed that further, but at least you mentioned it and suggested setting the guides half way up the cutting height range.

[@tommytitmouse]

Brilliant this type of tuition is a must for inexperienced users of bandsaws (like myself)

[@sfeddie1]

This is a very good video. Very comprehensive. There are a few things that are covered that some other bandsaw setup videos I’ve seen didn’t. You know, if I close my eyes I’d swear Craig sounds exactly like Sir Anthony (Tony) Robinson the British actor and television documentary host.

[@usedtunnelingequipment8421]

Thank You-Thank You, The Mystery has been solved for me ! Fighting this 14" of mine for years . . . .now working like a Swiss Watch.

[@rjhinnj]

Excellent video on bandsaw set up. Very thorough! Covered every important aspect. I would add, however, a small tip; when aligning the bandsaw blade to the wheel, center the blade gullet (the deepest recess of the tooth edge) to the centerline of the wheel. The blade will look a bit off center as a whole. This brings the cutting edge closer to the center line of the wheel (not on it). This prevents the blade from wobble and fish tailing, keeping the cutting edge from wandering and always engaging the bearing wheels.

[@axminster]

Thanks for sharing your tips and glad to hear you found our video useful. Thanks for watching 😀

[@andrewbeck5547]

excellent video. No woffle, key points clearly shown and explained in an exemplary fashion.

[@andrewbeck5547]

no problem with the music by the way

[@johnbrisendine2161]

Thanks for publishing this video. I'm glad there are people like you that like to share information.

[@soundmanmartin]

wow...this is the best set up guide i have ever seen....axminster strikes again...im ordering a bandsaw buddy ..thanks you

[@wayneholmes1800]

Great detailed video. Can't wait to try it and see if my saw works better

[@LivingTheLifeRetired]

Great video. I just bought a used (cheap) bandsaw yesterday and this was super helpful with lots of great tips.

[@axminster]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the feedback

[@colinaindow674]

Yes I agree great tutorial - I've had my bandsaw for 12 months and never thought it was that good until I followed this video step by step pausing it as I went and now it works a treat thank you for sharing this

[@Kugelporsche1961]

The best video I have seen at youtube!👍 I think its easy to adjust with a professional bandsaw. My (cheap) bandsaw is very difficult to adjust because of the stupid screws/mechanism 🙈 But I will try it again and again✌️💪🏼 Thanks for showing your tips! Greetings from Germany

[@axminster]

Thanks for watching!

[@bobflower3426]

That is a really good instructional video. I am still trying to buy my first bandsaw to make whirlygigs and this video will help me set up properly. Many thanks.

[@pointerg6181]

I have watched several videos about fine tuning a band saw and I must say that I got a lot out of your video. I feel dumb that I never thought about turning the wheel while bringing the guide bearings toward the blade. What a obvious solution now that I see it. Now I am anxious to get to the shop and see if I can get my saw running better than it ever has. Thank you so much for your time making this video. Just so you know, I am a little hard of hearing and I heard every word you said. Of course, I use head phones to listen. So the music, which I too didn't even notice, was not distracting to me.

[@johnleins5593]

Excellent Craig. You taught me how to do it and I get A1 results from my Band saw. John Leinz.

[@markelsley2700]

Really helpful got mine working again as had trouble with blade coming off thank you 👍🏻

[@johnathansmyth9507]

I have watched several bandsaw tutorials (most of which offer the same advice), but I learned a few new things from your video, esp. cleaning the wheels.....obvious when pointed out, but not so much until then....! Great clear, and easy-to-understand video packed with information.

[@paulspencer7401]

Excellent Video, explains everything you need to know. Just bought one of these, struggled putting the blade on because it wasn't very clear whether the blade tensioner was up or down. Now I know.

[@ellisstewart8905]

Excellent content, & presentation style! Thank you very much!,

[@busterwest1644]

I thought I knew about bandsaws.... but this is a masterclass. I learned a lot so my sincere thanks for making this video and sharing your experience.

[@edge1518]

That is the very best tutorial I've ever seen many thanks I've got a different bandsaw but this has helped so much many thanks sir.

[@robertlumsden942]

really enjoyed this. i am new to the bandsaw for very helpful.

[@markharris5771]

I must admit for the first couple of minutes the music was too loud, but once it was lowered I forgot or was there. My bandsaw is only a little Titan which is all I need, but I've recently bought a couple of new blades and I definitely want these set up right especially my thicker 3/8ths. Once passed the louder music an absolutely brilliant video. For every bit as good as Mr Snograss's who many think is the guru of band saws.

[@terryblackman6217]

Many thanks for i think the best and most informative video yet on setting up a bandsaw.

[@markjarman7819]

Great bandsaw set up video. Best on you tube.

[@Nicodemus1971]

Wow what an excellent tutorial.

[@stephensmith6999]

Thank you. Really helpful video that was very well presented. Will enable me to set up my new machine accurately. Makes the set up easy to understand and simple.

[@philiphartley3342]

V clear and precise video. One question.. On my little hobby saw I get horrible drift. More than one video says to swing the fence to the drift angle; but you show the fence exactly parallel to the blade . I fear that this approach would twist and snap the blade. Am I missing something?

[@humbertogarcia7317]

Funny, I was so attentive to the instructions that I did not even notice the music! Master class, thanks.

[@smorgasbord42]

At 6:15 or so there's a mention of a flat bandsaw wheel. I have the larger version of these Italian-made bandsaws (the 540), and my wheels are not crowned. I believe that means running with the teeth just off the front of the wheel/tire instead of in the middle, but if the wheels are perfectly co-planar that's difficult to achieve. Any tips for adjusting tracking on a flat-tired bandsaw?

[@axminster]

Hi there, as long as the bandsaw wheels have a tyre, rubber or even leather on older machines, then the blade can run central on the wheel. If there is no tyre, and just a metal wheel, then the teeth of the blade will need to overhang the front edge of the wheel, as metal making contact with the metal teeth of the blade will take the edge off one side of the blade. The tracking still works the same to adjust the position that the blade runs on the wheel. I hope this helps.

[@raulruelas9443]

Thank you for making this video!!

[@axminster]

You're so welcome! Glad to hear you enjoyed it.

[@jonreyes7271]

Great video but I'm curious on the adjustment of the blade guide assembly... I have this bandsaw and my guide assembly causes the blade to rub against one bearing when the assembly is in its highest position and the opposite bearing at the bottom. There is at least 2mm of variation. Can I adjust that?

[@carllamb6711]

Very helpful thank you 👍👍👍👍

[@jamesmacthread5986]

Excellent Craig. Just one question, I have the bandsaw that you are setting up in the start of the video. My question is why does my bandsaw wobble when running, it feels like a car with out of balanced wheels.

[@axminster]

Good morning James Thank you very much for your enquiry ​Could you please forward me a video of the bandsaw on so we can see what is going on please? Kind regards, Tony HarrisSpecialist Sales Advisor Axminster ToolsPhone: 03332 406 406Web:www.axminstertools.com [www.axminstertools.com/] [www.axminster.co.uk/]​

[@tricia1234gm]

Great Video, thank you. I've just bought one from Axminster so this video is Brilliant. Just have to say that the Music was very distracting. I suffer from severe tinnitus, both the hissing noise and sounds like a generator running at the same time, so unfortunately I'm trying to listen to you talking and have 3 other noises battling to drown you out. I know some people don't mind music, but please bear in mind tinnitus sufferers and if possible could you please turn the music off or down when you are actually talking in any future videos. Thank you. 😃

[@paulmccloskey8510]

great vid mate, much help to me,cheers

[@axminster]

No problem 👍 Glad you found it useful!

[@mikebadilla9187]

Thank you Lots to learn.

[@axminster]

Glad you found it useful

[@stevefromlondon9175]

Thank you for this video now it makes sense my 1st job tommorow Thank you Regards Steve

[@alheeley]

8:54: till we find the centre of the wheel - is this the middle of the blade in the centre of the wheel or the end of the teeth in the centre? (or the gullet)?

[@axminster]

Hello, We recommend that the back of the blade runs central to the tyer.

[@alheeley]

@@axminster ok thanks, I watched a couple of Snodgrass videos where they recommend the gullet lies on wheel centre line, your setting would push the teeth further forwards to the front edge of the wheel?

[@ericdavis4404]

Great video followed all the instructions for the used bandsaw I bought and found that at some point it must have fallen or got hit and the frame twisted ever so slightly. I had to pull out the big dog vises and tweak my used bandsaw back into alignment. Just in case this happens to someone else.

[@GWAYGWAY1]

I found that my bottom guide bearings and the thrust bearing were seized and the tyres were knackered, so I sent off and bought two polyurethane tyres and replacements bearing to do a proper job. The old bearing s had shields so I pulled them 😂off and the grease had gone, new ones were fitted and all the noise had gone, I also took a grindstone and removed the rear edge to make it a slight radius to help,turns with curved cuts.😊

[@rjhinnj]

That sounds like a really good idea… probably helps keep the blade moving smoothly through the cut. a small removal of metal from the blade probably won’t affect blade strength or longevity. Thanks for the tip!

[@Puffball-ll1ly]

Excellent presentation but would be good to see where the blade is on top wheel

[@malcolmhodgson7540]

Great tutorial. I have just found my bandsaw has the following problems……. Debris on the wheels, wrong blade for the job, wrong tension, wrong tracking, rear rollers too tight, side rollers too loose, table not square, fence not vertical, fence not parallel and the teeth have been blunted by the rollers. So everything wrong! No wonder it wanders when I cut anything. Been disappointed in my Axminster bandsaw for quite some time, turns out I haven’t been giving it a chance to shine as it should! A bad workman blames his tools! Oh well, at least I can improve the bandsaw this afternoon!

[@bravotony65]

I think I am expert now-- Thanks bro

[@JamesSmith-dt3yf]

The band saw buddy shows the alignment is out. However I don’t have enough adjustment in the fence (yours had a lot) Will I have to adjust the plate ? I’ve got the Ax Pro 2552B

[@axminster]

Hi there, sorry to hear you are having issues. The fence should run parallel along the table, so if the bandsaw buddy and fence isn't lining up, you will have to adjust the blade again. It may be slightly twisted, in which case you may need a new blade, or just simply re-align the blade and see if that works. If you are still having issues then please contact us www.axminstertools.com/contact

[@JamesSmith-dt3yf]

Hi. I don’t think it’s the blade as the mitre slot is out with the fence. But in line with the blade

[@theoldboysshed2017]

Thank you so much, this video was well prepared and well presented I now feel happy to set up my new machine 👍👍

[@PipCritten]

Great help, many thanks.

[@nickyork8901]

Great video, thanks a lot Craig, this was really helpful and clear. I noted that your advice is to have the blade body on the crown centre, to avoid affecting the set of the teeth. In a different YT video, Alex Snodgrass advises to have the deepest part of the gullet on the crown centre, to ensure the maximum tension on the front of the blade where the cut is made. Each to his own. By the way, is there a way to adjust the table to ensure it is perpendicular to the back of the blade as well?

[@TomsWooddities]

Great video, thanks! Going to take the lessons learnt and apply to my Craft bandsaw - would be great if you could do a setup video on those too! :)

[@madforit9661]

My son bought me an Aldi ferrex bandsaw, I cant cut a straight line on a 2x2 running with the grain, it tends to run off as if there is too much slack and movement in the blade. But I cant tighten the blade anymore. Can you advise what i am doing wrong. Cheers

[@monikasandman5320]

What an amazing tutorial and great teaching skills. I've learnt a lot today. Thank you:-)

[@theyorkshirelad.]

Ive followed your vid with my axminster band saw yet i have blade in centre at top but bottoms not how do i get that correct

[@axminster]

Hi there, the blade should sit approximately in the middle of the wheel, but it doesn't have to be spot on. If the blade is way off on the bottom wheel, this usually is an indication that you may have too much tension on the blade. Release some of the tension then re-track. Also just check the condition of both wheels, look for grooves, debris and damage - this also can have an affect how the blade sits on the wheel. I hope this helps :)

[@patrochford5980]

Hi, I have this very saw the SBW3501B and an excellent saw it is. However there is one niggle, a harmonic vibration in the table which lasts for around one minute every three or four minutes. This does not stop the saw from making accurate cuts just a nuisance from a user point of view. Any thoughts on how to cure it?

[@tribestribes2555]

And why this bloddy music all around, at least in the begining. I,m only interested in the bandsaw setting and Your talk, not the music. Btw, this video was the most educating of all videos on this subjekt. I,v got it all by now, so great thanks for a lovely video.

[@luisestevesirvent2990]

¡Muy instructivo, gracias por publicar!

[@swedint1]

why do they break those blades? I payed already more for the blades than for the saw itself...The video is superb! Thanks a lot

[@theyorkshirelad.]

is the teeth supposed too be centre on wheel or the full blade

[@richardsandson]

Absolutely I have killed my blade with the bearings! Not bad for day 1! New blade in post 😂

[@gamingcollection270]

What happens when a sawblade is more forward on the wheel then centered or backwards?

[@johnmitchell1614]

So I'll need to get hold of a Bandsaw Buddie. Wonder if Axminster sell them?

[@SimonSebright]

My machine (Kity 613) recommends that the blade is tracked so the teeth are 2/3 off, 1/3 on the wheel to avoid wearing the tyres. This makes it very tricky with narrower blades as not much movement is necessary to throw it off. Ideas anyone?

[@annecronin5076]

hi there i have done everything you say on the video but the blade shudders when going round. any help please. thanks tony

[@annecronin5076]

hi there i have sorted it now.

[@markryb666]

Can someone please tell me if the bottom wheel is meant to be completely parallel or on a angle as there is no information about adjusting this and if I put a level against the bottom wheel it is way off being at a right angle

[@GAmisterfixit]

Thank you!!!!

[@denizcakmakoglu436]

Teşekkürler. Güzel bir anlatım.👍👏👏👏

[@harryformbickerbickerbeast7850]

Drop the music completely

[@JonasHVanderley]

Very well done thank you

[@markhall3323]

Thanks for the video very helpful

[@paulspencer7401]

I followed this video and completely reset my bandsaw a 2552. Using a 3/8" blade, but it drifts even on small pieces of Wood. The bandsaw is set up accurately, could the blade be the problem?

[@axminster]

Hi there, check if the top blade is centred in the middle of the track on the upper and bottom wheel, and make sure they're tightened up properly. If they aren't tight enough, the blade can move off the centre of the track and cause it to drift. Therefore, we suggest aligning the blade before using it each time and secure it, and make sure both the top and bottom wheel look identical. Hopefully this helps :)

[@paulspencer7401]

Changed the blade this morning, now perfect. I checked all the settings yesterday so everything was set correctly. Happy bunny again, Many thanks for responding.

[@axminster]

You're welcome, glad to hear you found a solution and all is working well!

[@paulnye1899]

where can I get the buddy fence tool?

[@axminster]

Good afternoon, Thank you for your recent enquiry. Please see the link to our bandsaw buddy below- www.axminstertools.com/ujk-technology-bandsaw-buddy-101807 [www.axminstertools.com/ujk-technology-bandsaw-buddy-101807] Kind regards Grace Foster Specialist Sales AdvisorAxminster ToolsPhone:03332 406 406 Tweet to @axminsterB2B [twitter.com/intent/tweet?screen_name=axminsterB2B] Web: [www.axminster.co.uk/]www.axminstertools.com [www.axminstertools.com] Axminster Tools Phone: Web: www.axminster [www.axminster.co.uk/]tools.com [//tools.com][www.axminstertools.com/static/frontend/Axminster/uk/en_GB/Magento_Email/logo_email.png][emailsignature.trustpilot.com/signature/en-GB/2/46e699340000640005015d96/text.png][emailsignature.trustpilot.com/signature/en-GB/2/46e699340000640005015d96/stars.png][emailsignature.trustpilot.com/brand/s/2/logo.png]

[@johnd942]

Good presentation; I learned. But, I'm not 100% clear with the positioning of the blade. A bit better video/picture of that would be good. Anyway, cheers and thank you!

[@Abo83Ali]

I have trouble with cracking the blades .. A single blade does not last more than half an hour .. Please offer solutions, please

[@axminster]

Good afternoon Please call us on 0800 371822 to enable us to help you further with this. Kind regards Jade Customer Service

[@juanpindonga405]

Thanks a lot, I was near to throw thru the window mi bandsaw untill I saw this video.

[@mickbrown9021]

Very good set up procedure, thank you. But, the music ! Why ! What teacher in any classroom would have distracting music playing while they were delivering a talk - lecture. :-(

[@Tensquaremetreworkshop]

Please dump the music- or at least turn it down.

[@anthonynewsome2389]

did not check co- planar bottom wheel?

[@Safarat.travel]

Great video - but why the music?

[@axminster]

Thanks for the feedback

[@stephenpasternak1564]

Thank you!

[@cefnnewsham184]

Great tutorial however the background music level was distracting.

[@carrollanderson7358]

Great video ,very informative. But why does everyone have to play this distractingly music.

[@markhinds1361]

Hi. Top wheel is reversed.

[@JT_India]

Thanks.

[@humbertogarcia7317]

Awesome!

[@paulspencer7401]

When you are getting on in years, playing music during the dialogue is so distracting, it makes it difficult to hear what people are saying, bad idea.

[@harryformbickerbickerbeast7850]

Well done Paul, I turned the video off. Damned music. If I want music then I turn on the radio, providing there is no talking over the music. Works both ways. Harry

[@fernanmas1779]

three eyes at 14´35 `` )thanks for sharing your knowledge)

[@donaldhart730]

Can’t say I’ve looked through many comments but just want to say I found the backing music far too loud and very intrusive to what’s being said. I will perceiver as comments say it’s a good one but if you ever make more videos please think about music volume

[@horsetowater]

Turn off that 1990's Alan Partidge music mix for goodlardsake otherwise great video

[@timworkman7687]

Hi guys tried to listen but background music is too loud

[@Hawthorn-nz]

I came here for the music - but found it almost impossible to concentrate due to some sort of woodwork video on the screen! Also, the music became very quite after the first couple of minutes and I could hear a mans voice in the background. Very disappointing.

[@harryformbickerbickerbeast7850]

great sarcasm well done Chris.

[@befmx31]

Wow, so many complaints about the music. Really guys? The music was so subtle I just can't see how it could be a distraction. I also really don't see the need to have the music to begin with but again, it was VERY subtle. My only knock is, I really wish he would have gone into a little more detail about the tracking. I really wanted to see if he said the the same thing about placing the gullets of the teeth on the crown of the wheel like Alex Snodgrass. All in all, I thought this was a well presented video.

[@tomwinstead4691]

Well, for me, it's because that's the way my brain works, as a musician. It's extremely off-putting. I don't even listen to music casually, in the background while I'm working in my shop--it commands my attention. All music does. Other than that, an excellent instructional!

[@shadabdadkhan9238]

👍

[@mrk1075]

30 years of experience and you forgot to first to tell us to unplug the machine. : )

[@MrHighflyingclive]

I'm about to buy my first bandsaw and have pretty much decided that it will be an Axminster machine - so I was very interested to watch this video. But - it was so hard to concentrate on what the presenter was saying because of the intrusive, annoying and totally unnecessary music. Really, guys - if I want to listen to music like this, I'll stand in a lift. It does nothing to enhance your presentation - on the contrary, it detracts from it. The really, really irritating thing is that I' know that I'll have to watch it again when my new bandsaw arrives, because there is so much useful information here. I'm looking forward to the new bandsaw, but I am definitely not looking forward to having that damn music spoiling my concentration again!

[@manyfeather2knives423]

These bandsaw videos always feature $5,000 dollar band saws. How about featuring a bandsaw us weekend wood workers use.

[@axminster]

Check out our Axminster Workshop range, perfect for the weekend woodworker you describe kzbin.info/aero/PLNxSzJFIA0FBspRoq71YbZWggsSQ-aVye

[@johnhayes8229]

Why the music absolutely rubish