I purchased a new band saw about four months ago. How can I minimize wobble on the blade? It seems that, no matter how tight I crank it, or how much I let out, I still get periods of wobble during cuts which leads to ridged lines. – Mike Zanette
Tim Inman: I’m not sure exactly what your problem is, so I’m guessing. My first instinct is to replace that blade and try a different one. If the blade welds are not done correctly, the edge of the blade may be distorted so that it does not travel in one plane. Try laying the blade flat on its back on a concrete floor or other flat surface. It should be in contact with the floor all the way around. If you can see anyplace where the back edge is lifted up (probably right around the weld!) then Bingo! We know the trouble. Actually, it might be a good idea to test your new blade for “flatness” before you put it in, too.
Another place to look is at the tires that go over the wheels. They may not be “round.” If your saw sat in a warehouse with the blade on, and tensioned, there may well be a flat or compressed side of the rubber tire. This would cause “wobble,” too. Check the wheels themselves. Are they “round?” The wheels must be concentric, and true, or the blade will get a jumpy ride every time the wheel goes around.
Finally, if your saw is only four months old, I would go back to the vendor and have a serious talk with them. Either this problem has a simple fix, or you have a defective machine. I know all the tool vendors I deal with, and have dealt with in the past, do not want unhappy customers when they can cure the problem. If you bought a $50 saw, don’t expect them to offer you a $500 cure, though. Let us know when you find the problem – and what your solution was.
