I have been geting no more than a few hours use from the blades. I cut
mostly bowl blanks and usually from green wood. I have tried furniture band,
swedish silicon and other blades from R&D Bandsaws - usually Viking I
believe. I like 3/8 because I can turn smaller radii if I need to. I have
also tried a local supplier who does a good job on the welds but I don't
know where he gets his bands. Also tried blades from Starrat from a supplier
in Halifax. I suspect my problem is too low tension and not setting the
guides directly above the work. Sometimes I leave them a bit high and that
will add to blade compression. The ceramic guides are supposed to be even
better than cool blocks. Thanks for the advice.
"Peter Hyde" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"Errol Caldwell" wrote:

I have had continuing problems with blade breakage in my Laguna 16HD. I
have
tried 3 different sources of blades, thinking that I was purchasing
blades
with poor welds. I have also tried different types of blades usually 3/8
3
or 4 tpi. I keep the tension as low as I can and also loosen the tension
after use. When the blades break it is always at the weld and they let go
with enough force that they get mangled inside the saw and are useless
for
re-welding. I can often tell the blades are going to break from the
increasing tick tick tick the blades make as the weld strikes the ceramic
guides. I believe the guides are set properly as well. I use a piece of
paper to adjust the distance from the blade and keep the back guide about
1/16th distance from the blade. What could be the problem? Most of what I
am
cutting is bowl and other woodturning blanks. Would too fast a speed be a
problem? The blade seems to track consistently so I don't think the
wheels
are out of alignment. I am at a loss.

Errol,
looks like you have some good advice from others but i would like to add
some thoughts.
Blades do break! How much usage are you getting from a blade?
3 different sources of blades doesn't tell us if it was 3 different
manufacturers.
I am not familiar with your saw so have to ask is the motor Laguna
supplied or was it bought separately. If not a Laguna motor is it the
right speed (RPM).
Before you install a new blade run your fingers over the weld and check
for any roughness or bumps. Remove with a Dremel or a slip stone before
installing.
Try changing the ceramic guides with cool blocks.
Make sure the guides are set behind the tooth gullet when the blade is
at maximum deflection.
Use Pam as a lubricant when the blade is in the wood.
Lastly get Mark Duginske's book.

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