6 x 4 bandsaw blade clamp on tool, to check vertical

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6 x 4 bandsaw blade clamp on tool, to check vertical

This topic has 14 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 31 October 2024 at 13:52 by Martin Kyte.

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21 July 2024 at 17:16 #742559
Andrew Tinsley
Participant
@andrewtinsley63637
Somewhere, I remember reading about a simple tool to clamp on the blade of the bandsaw . One could then check the blade for being vertical, by using an engineers square.

At the moment I am using cut and adjust and it can take some time to get the blade cutting vertically I need to cut some box section steel tube and it is vital I get the ends cut square.

Thanks,

Andrew.
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21 July 2024 at 18:17 #742569
Brian Wood
Participant
@brianwood45127
Hello Andrew,

I cheat and use a toolmakers clamp in association with a small set square!

Regards Brian
21 July 2024 at 19:07 #742581
larry phelan 1
Participant
@larryphelan1
Can the blade be adjusted ?, I never noticed !
22 July 2024 at 10:57 #742714
Howard Lewis
Participant
@howardlewis46836
Even if the blade is vertical, applying too much down force will cause the cut todeviate vertical, and produce a curved cut.

One of the things that improved the performance of my bandsaw was making and using a Jacques Maurel Blade Tension Meter. It also seemed to lengthen blade life.

Howard
22 July 2024 at 14:05 #742770
Clive Foster
Participant
@clivefoster55965
On 21 July 2024 at 19:07 larry phelan 1 Said:

Can the blade be adjusted ?, I never noticed !

No direct adjustment but the small, close coupled, wheels put an undesirable save twist on the blade as it passes through the guides going into and out of the cutting region.

Generally there is enough movement on the guide bearings to shift the blade sideways over a small range whist still keeping appropriate clearance for the blade between the bearings. You have to find the best position to take out the twisting forces applied to the moving blade. Mine needs a visible offset from what seems to be the straight through alignment.

Helps to have good blade. Getting some Starrett stock to use with the 14″ throat Startright upright varispeed saw I bought over ten years back and using some to make blades for my 6 x 4 definitely improved performance relative to the bought on price ones I was using.

It’s noticeable that the larger 9 x 7 variants of the affordable import bandsaws don’t significantly suffer from the blade and cut issues common with the smaller ones. Larger wheels and more space for the twist give the blade a much easier life. I’ve often wondered if putting an appropriate cone angle on the wheels to reduce the exit twist might help things.

Clive
22 July 2024 at 16:54 #742821
Andrew Tinsley
Participant
@andrewtinsley63637
Looks as if my memory is playing tricks, I was certain that there was a short article on a simple clamp on device to check verticality.

Maybe I need to reinvent one!

Andrew.
22 July 2024 at 17:36 #742829
larry phelan 1
Participant
@larryphelan1
Perhaps I have just been lucky in that I have never had this problem, but a good bi- metal blade really does make a difference.

I think the rate at which the blade descends might have a lot to do with it. Try slowing it down a bit.
22 July 2024 at 18:03 #742834
Les Jones 1
Participant
@lesjones1
This is a tool that I made for setting the blade vertical. I think I used 4 or 5mm screws.
I find it easy to use. I only think I used it once for setting the blade guides. It has stayed in adjustment for years.

Les.
22 July 2024 at 19:13 #742850
Andrew Tinsley
Participant
@andrewtinsley63637
Thanks for the sketch Les, it is similar to the sketch I have just made! Should have it made with 15 minutes in the shop!

Larry, I always use bimetallic blades on my 6×4. I always use minimum downforce when cutting otherwise the blade can wander. My 6×4 is a Taiwanese Rong Fu. This has adjustments for the blade verticality. Some Chinese versions don’t have this. Looks as though yours may be one of them.

Thanks everyone,

Andrew,
22 July 2024 at 19:45 #742855
dodmole
Participant
@dodmole
Simple non-measuring method :- piece of square bar on table, cut in for around half blade depth, stop machine and slide bar round to back of blade and see if cut slides on to the back of blade cleanly, if it does – – – job done or adjustment is required.
22 July 2024 at 21:11 #742874
Andrew Tinsley
Participant
@andrewtinsley63637
Looked through my collection of MEW back numbers and can’t find the Jaques Maurel article, although I remember reading it. Can anyone tell me the MEW issue that has it?

Just knocked up my version of Les’ sketch. Should have done this a long time ago. It makes blade adjustment so easy.

Andrew.

should have done this a log time ago as it makes adjustment so easy!
23 July 2024 at 09:16 #742957
larry phelan 1
Participant
@larryphelan1
Hi Andrew,

No, my saw is just a cheap ex China ex Chester model, with no frills. Taiwanese stuff does seem to be a bit better than the usual offerings, but all in all, I cannot really fault my one. I must do a check with it just to be sure.
23 July 2024 at 18:43 #743119
Howard Lewis
Participant
@howardlewis46836
Jacques Maurel aricle was in E I M, although fairly recently there was an article on an almost identical device. Seemed to be a copy of the Jacques Maurel gadget.

Howard
31 October 2024 at 13:31 #762192
Plasma
Participant
@plasma
I picked this up on Ebay some time ago.

Pretty accurate as long as your saw table is level.
31 October 2024 at 13:52 #762198
Martin Kyte
Participant
@martinkyte99762
<p style=”text-align: left;”>Axminster tool do a Bandsaw Buddy. Essentially an aluminium strip with a couple of magnets that provides an extended reference parallel to the blade. Generally intended for setting vertical bandsaws and fences it could be used on a horizontal machine with a bit of ingenuity. Of course the idea could also be copied to make your own item.</p>
regards Martin
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