Grizzly G4186Z instruction manual Bandsaw Blades

Bandsaw Blades

A bandsaw blade is a delicate piece of steel that is subjected to tremendous strain. Be sure you use quality blades of the proper width for the var- ious types of cutting operations. The Grizzly G4186Z 18" Bandsaw accepts 130" blades.

Always use the widest blade possible for the workpiece you are cutting. Use narrow blades only for sawing small, abrupt curves and for fine, delicate work. Bandsaw blades can be purchased welded, set, and sharpened ready-for-use from most saw shops. We also supply bandsaw blades in widths of 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", and 3/4" and 1" for this saw. Please refer to our current catalog for prices and ordering information.

Always select and use good-quality saw blades and choose the right blade for the job. Poor qual- ity blades and improper use are often the cause of premature blade failure.

Many conditions can lead to breakage. Blade breakage is, in some cases, unavoidable, since it is the natural result of the peculiar stresses that bandsaw blades are subjected to. Blade break- age is also due to avoidable causes. Avoidable 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: (1) faulty alignment and adjust- ment of the guides; (2) forcing or twisting a wide blade around a curve or short radius; (3) feeding too fast; (4) tooth dullness or absence of sufficient set; (5) excessive tension; (6) upper blade guide assembly set too high above the workpiece; (7) using a blade with a lumpy or improperly finished weld; and (8), continuously running the bandsaw when not in use.

There are several key factors to consider in choosing a blade:

Tooth Pitch - The number of teeth per inch (TPI) on the blade, also known as tooth pitch. Select a pitch which will assure that at least three teeth, but not more than twelve, are contacting the workpiece while cutting. This helps to distribute the cutting forces and avoids tooth breakage.

Gullet

Tooth

0û

Rake Angle

+û

Gullet Line

Figure 26. Side and front views of a standard

bandsaw blade.

Tooth Form - There are four common forms of teeth on the blade:

Regular - Also called standard, teeth are evenly spaced and the rake angle is 0û (See Figure 26). Provides a smooth cut and is great for cutting curves.

Hook - Large gullets and teeth with a posi- tive rake angle, very aggressive cutting. Good for resawing and ripping thick stock.

Skip - Similar to hook with a 0û rake angle, also good for resawing and ripping thick stock.

Tooth Set - Set is the degree to which the

G4186Z 18" Bandsaw -25-