Stupid Bandsaw Question

[kpcrash]

I have a recent bandsaw acquisition - basic Ryobi 9" that was gifted to me. I know from the previous owner that it might have been used once to cut some shelf brackets he was trying to make.

I purchased a new 3/8" blade for in hopes of maybe using it for more intricate work (like horns in 1" wood). Got the belt on, tightened up quite well and on track.

I have also clamped it down to the table as I don't know that I have space to permanently bolt it down yet (plus the other one might get jealous)

When I'm cutting with it - I was getting a rather jagged cut on a 14 TPI blade - meaning, it's obvious it was done on a bandsaw - a circular saw with a framing blade gives a better edge. And it was rather squeaky going through curves.

I tried adjusting the blade tension a little more and of course now, when attempting anything other than a straight cut, there is quite a squeal coming from the blade in the wood.

Is it possible I need to loosen it? Use a thinner blade? thoughts?

[MiKro]

I have a recent bandsaw acquisition - basic Ryobi 9" that was gifted to me. I know from the previous owner that it might have been used once to cut some shelf brackets he was trying to make.

I purchased a new 3/8" blade for in hopes of maybe using it for more intricate work (like horns in 1" wood). Got the belt on, tightened up quite well and on track.

I have also clamped it down to the table as I don't know that I have space to permanently bolt it down yet (plus the other one might get jealous)

When I'm cutting with it - I was getting a rather jagged cut on a 14 TPI blade - meaning, it's obvious it was done on a bandsaw - a circular saw with a framing blade gives a better edge. And it was rather squeaky going through curves.

I tried adjusting the blade tension a little more and of course now, when attempting anything other than a straight cut, there is quite a squeal coming from the blade in the wood.

Is it possible I need to loosen it? Use a thinner blade? thoughts?

3/8" seems a little wide for me. I use 1/4" on my 14" BS ans will still get some chatter and squeal in very tight radius. I will usually make relief cuts going into the curve to help relieve that issue. Hope that makes since?

MK

[Dave_B]

I've always understood the rough cut to be fairly normal. At least it makes me feel better about my cuts.

[kpcrash]

Thanks Mike and Dave. I might mess with it a little more - last think I was is the dreaded 'snap!'

[avengers63]

Every single cut I've ever made with either of my bandsaws have been on the rough side. It just seems to be the nature of the beast. If you slow down your feed rate you'll get a smoother cut, but still nothing like you'll get with a table saw.

[ihocky2]

I would think 3/8" wide on that small of a saw might be a little wide. You don't have as much horse power to get you through the turns. I have a 14" and I use 1/4" for all of my none straight cuts.

[kpcrash]

I guess I was worried the 1/4" would snap in thicker material, but I'll get that a try.

[wisdom727]

I have the same Ryobi 9" BS, and also tried changing to a 3/8" blade. Same blade squealing and poor results as you've had. I changed to a 1/4" blade with far fewer TPI. It clears chips better and doesn't wander as much -- but is still a POS. I now have a much better 14" General BS with an assortment of blades, and use the Ryobi only for thin material.

[ihocky2]

Unless you're feeding too hard, I see no reason that a 1/4" would fail. I would actually expect the 3/8" to fail first because of the small readius of the wheels. The 3/8" requires more tension which is being pulled over a tighter curve causing is to weaken faster.

[cherokee6]

As stated, the 1/4" is a good all-around blade. You could easily go for a 3/16" or even 1/8", as you have small wheels and the smaller blades will run more smoothly. Play with the 9" for now, but save up the bucks for a 14" or better with 1.5hp minimum (if you plan to resaw) and have the space for it.