Blade Breakage, Blade Care Break-In | Grizzly G8146Z, G8145Z, G8144Z

Blade Breakage

Many conditions may cause a bandsaw blade to break. Blade breakage is unavoidable, in some cases, since it is the natural result of the peculiar stresses that bandsaw blades must endure. Blade breakage is also due to avoidable circumstances. Avoidable blade breakage is most often the result of poor care or judgement on the part of the operator when mounting or adjusting the blade or support guides.

The most common causes of blade breakage are:

•Faulty alignment or adjustment of the blade guides.

•Forcing or twisting a wide blade around a short radius.

•Feeding the workpiece too fast.

•Dull or damaged teeth.

•Over-tensioned blade.

•Top blade guide assembly set too high above the workpiece. Adjust the top blade guide assembly so that there is approximately 1⁄8"–1⁄4" between the bottom of the assembly and the workpiece.

•Using a blade with a lumpy or improperly fin- ished braze or weld.

•Continuously running the bandsaw when not in use.

•Leaving the blade tensioned when not in use.

•Using the wrong pitch (TPI) for the workpiece thickness. The general rule of thumb is to have not less than two teeth in contact with the workpiece at all times during cutting.

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Blade Care &

Break-In

Blade Care

A bandsaw blade is a delicate piece of steel that is subjected to tremendous strain. You can obtain longer use from a bandsaw blade if you give it fair treatment and always use the appropriate feed rate for your operation.

Be sure to select blades with the proper width, set, type, and pitch for each application. The wrong blades will produces unnecessary heat and shortens the life of the blade.

A clean blade will perform much better than a dirty blade. Dirty or gummed up blades pass through the cutting material with much more resistance than clean blades. This extra resistance also causes unnecessary heat.

Blade Break-In

The sharp teeth tips and edges of a new blade are extremely sharp, and cutting at too fast of a feed rate fractures of the beveled edges of the teeth and causes premature blade wear.

To properly break-in a new blade:

1.Choose the correct speed for the blade and material of the operation.

2.Reduce the feed pressure by half for the first 50–100 in2 of material cut.

3.To avoid twisting the blade when cutting, adjust the feed pressure when the total width of the blade is in the cut.

4.Use the Chip Inspection Chart on Page 27 to check the blade efficiency.

G8144Z/G8145Z/G8146Z

Vertical Metal Cutting Bandsaw

G8144Z, G8146Z, G8145Z specifications

Grizzly G8145Z, G8146Z, and G8144Z are a trio of high-performance wood lathe machines designed for serious woodworkers and artisans. Each model in this series provides distinct features and capabilities that cater to various turning needs, from hobbyist projects to professional craftsmanship.

The Grizzly G8145Z is particularly known for its robust construction and versatility. It features a powerful 2 HP motor that delivers ample torque for handling both hard and softwoods with ease. The lathe's variable speed control allows users to adjust speeds from 600 to 2400 RPM, providing flexibility for a wide range of turning applications. The 14-inch swing over bed and a 40-inch between centers make it suitable for turning larger pieces, with precise control afforded by its heavy-duty cast iron bed.

The G8146Z model ups the ante with enhanced features geared toward professional woodturners. It boasts a larger 16-inch swing and a 48-inch distance between centers, accommodating more extensive workpieces. The innovative digital readout provides accurate spindle speed and position information, which enhances user precision and convenience. Additionally, the G8146Z comes with an advanced electronic speed control system that maintains consistent speeds under load, ensuring smooth operation no matter the project.

Complementing this impressive lineup is the G8144Z, a lathe designed with both user-friendliness and versatility in mind. With a 1 HP motor, it is perfectly suited for beginners and intermediate woodworkers alike. The G8144Z features a 12-inch swing and a 36-inch bed length, making it an excellent choice for smaller projects while still capable of handling a variety of turning tasks. Its easy-to-use tailstock and tool rest adjustments make setup and operation straightforward, allowing users to focus on their creativity rather than on mechanisms.

All three models come with several safety features, including a quick release tailstock and a spindle lock, ensuring secure operation. Moreover, they are equipped with robust dust ports that help maintain a clean workspace. Each lathe also supports various accessories, such as different types of tool rests and faceplates, giving woodworkers the options they need for specialized turning.

In conclusion, the Grizzly G8145Z, G8146Z, and G8144Z wood lathes stand out in their class due to their powerful motors, adjustable speeds, and user-friendly designs. Whether you’re a novice looking to develop your skills or a seasoned pro producing intricate designs, these lathes provide excellent performance and reliability for all your woodturning projects.