Unquestionably Confused wrote:
Never Enough Money wrote:
Ok, ok, ok, lighten up. I'll coil the stupid things. I just got my
bandsaw and coiling seems difficult, and it seems like I'd
constantly
be damaging the teeth.

No, I understand that. It's really pretty easy to do.

I'll try to recall the exact directions for coiling the blades that I

read years ago in a magazine article or maybe a book.

First - Stop at Walgreen's or some tobacco store and buy one package
(a
lifetime supply) of pipe cleaners. Handy in the shop anyway but they

are great to keep the blades coiled in storage - easy on, easy off
and
reuseable.

Second - Hold the blade out in front of you, uncoiled, with the teeth

pointing away from you. You should be grasping it around the middle
of
the loop.

Third - Twist both hands in opposite directions at the same time.
This
will cause the blade to coil itself. The coils should be even but if

not, just loosen your grip and they will be. Tie off with two pipe
cleaners and lay them in a drawer or hang them on a hook.

If my directions are a bit off, just keep trying variations on it in
the
way you twist the blade, hold it. It works like a charm. One of
those
things that once you do it, it becomes second nature and you won't
even
give it a thought.

Another way (and because I take Coumadin--blood thinner--I prefer to
wear gloves when working with blades of any kind): teeth facing out,
grip the top with the palm facing up. Place a foot on the lower part of
the coil and gently press against the floor. Twist the hand holding the
blade and push down gently. I use my left hand and twist to my right.
Tie off. I use shorts off #14 wire to tie it off, but pipe cleaners
also work well.

Toss on the floor to open, but use caution. I once tossed one and it
hung on my thumbnail as it left my hand. That's the primary reason I
now wear gloves.