Problem with BS

[cork58]

I have a Craftsman professional wood working band saw. My problem is when working to the left of the blade the cut is smooth and cuts very well. When cutting on the right side of the blade the blade wanders righ to left while cutting. This is only a problem when cuttind curves. This leaves a very rought cut. I know I could turn the piece over but that would mean I would have a double sided pattern and offset cuts. I have adjusted the bearings to within 1/16 of the blade and the guide is right on top of the work. Has anyone had this happen to them and corrected the problem?

[Martin]

I had similar problem one time. Found the wheel side of the blade had no set. It was a cheap blade.

[LCHIEN]

yeah first thing to do is get a quality blade, not the one that came with it then do the saw tuneups that everyone needs to do.

Then tell us if it still cuts badly.

[Uncle Cracker]

Since you are looking at getting a quality blade, might as well get a smaller one (1/4" or so) for easier curve cutting. You said the problem only happens on curves, right?

[mpc]

You did adjust the blade guides below the table too, right?

If your guides are bearings, make sure they spin easily. Fine sawdust gets into them pretty easily, especially the lower ones... jamming them. That'll cause blade problems.

If the guides are not adjusted front-to-back properly they can also steer the blade. The guides should be behind the gullets on the blade - and behind any "set" to the blade teeth.

Also, when cutting curves, the back corners of the blade limit how tight you can make the curves. Any chance your pattern is more restrictive on right turns than left? I use a blade stone (small stone for grinding blade welds flat glued to a wood handle) to round over the back of the blade; it helps keep the back edge from snagging in tight turns.

mpc

[cork58]

Thanks

Yea it is the blade that came with it! I did check and it looks cheap, 1/4" but may not have a double cut. I did do the top and bottom adjustments to no avail but it got better. The radis is the same for both sides. I lean toward the blade itself. Now for the big question. Who makes the best blades? I try to get the best tool for the value. Not the most expensive but not the cheapest either. I will spend the money for the best that I need.

Thanks, Cork

[Uncle Cracker]

For the money, you can't beat Iturra Designs in Jacksonville, FL. They use the same blade stock as all the best makes, and do all the welding themselves. Many of us on here swear by them. They do not have a website, but you can call them toll-free at 1-866-883-8064. Ask them to send you a catalog. Theirs is like a bandsaw encyclopedia.

[drumpriest]

Also check out timberwolf blades. I use them for everything but resaw, and I have been doing so on that exact saw. They work great.

[cork58]

Bs

Thanks guys, you have been very helpful as always. It is the blade for sure. I looked very closely and it looks like I have allot of build up on the right side of the blade, may not have enought set on that side. I'll get the good blade ordered today!

Thanks, Corks