I just learned an interesting lesson about bandsaws and what can happen
when the blade binds.

I obtained about 20 feet of 10"x10" pine beams from a rennovation site
(100 years old beams with very tight growth rings). I had the beam cut
into 4 foot sections and then proceeded to resaw them into more
manageable planks 2-3" thick. Anyway, as I was cutting through the
second one, the blade bound up. I waited a few seconds, turned off
the saw; readjusted the beam; turned on the saw, etc., I repeated this
process about four times and only then decided that I needed to drive
some wedges into the kerf to open the kerf up. So I did this, turned
on the saw; waited a second; when the blade remained frozen I turned
off the saw, wedged the kerf more; and repeated. After about the fifth
try wedging the kerf open, my saw was free and I managed to cut the
rest of the beam. Unfortunately, the tracking on the saw was now
terrible and the blade didn't cut well at all.

It turns out that while the blade didn't move, the 2HP motor and belt
did, and the wheels spun free under the blade. I probably would have
heard something except for the fact that I had hearing protection on at
the time. It also turns out the melting point of urethane tires is
somewhat lower than the the heat you can generate from rubbing urethane
against steel at several thousand RPMs. My tires melted. Lesson
learned. I don't recall this lesson in "The Bandsaw Book," but perhaps
it was too obvious to print.

At least Rockler has free shipping for the month of March so I was able
to get a new set of tires ordered and shipped for about $25.

out of curiosity, did you try holding down the beam and hand rotating =
the blade backwards?

--=20
SwampBug
- - - - - - - - - - - -


"Lars S." wrote in message =
news:2005032110035316807%lars@gsblasuchicagoedu...
I just learned an interesting lesson about bandsaws and what can happen=20
when the blade binds.

I obtained about 20 feet of 10"x10" pine beams from a rennovation site=20
(100 years old beams with very tight growth rings). I had the beam cut=20
into 4 foot sections and then proceeded to resaw them into more=20
manageable planks 2-3" thick. Anyway, as I was cutting through the=20
second one, the blade bound up. I waited a few seconds, turned off=20
the saw; readjusted the beam; turned on the saw, etc., I repeated this=20
process about four times and only then decided that I needed to drive=20
some wedges into the kerf to open the kerf up. So I did this, turned=20
on the saw; waited a second; when the blade remained frozen I turned=20
off the saw, wedged the kerf more; and repeated. After about the fifth=20
try wedging the kerf open, my saw was free and I managed to cut the=20
rest of the beam. Unfortunately, the tracking on the saw was now=20
terrible and the blade didn't cut well at all.

It turns out that while the blade didn't move, the 2HP motor and belt=20
did, and the wheels spun free under the blade. I probably would have=20
heard something except for the fact that I had hearing protection on at=20
the time. It also turns out the melting point of urethane tires is=20
somewhat lower than the the heat you can generate from rubbing urethane=20
against steel at several thousand RPMs. My tires melted. Lesson=20
learned. I don't recall this lesson in "The Bandsaw Book," but perhaps=20
it was too obvious to print.

At least Rockler has free shipping for the month of March so I was able=20
to get a new set of tires ordered and shipped for about $25.

On Mon, 21 Mar 2005 11:28:53 -0600, "SwampBug"
wrote:

out of curiosity, did you try holding down the beam and hand rotating the blade backwards?


I'd be interested in knowing this too (my experiences is turning the
wheel backwards helped very little). Using wedges (and patience) will
help. With a resaw operation, a binding blade is classic especially
with a large chunk of wood.

On 2005-03-21 11:28:53 -0600, "SwampBug" said:

out of curiosity, did you try holding down the beam and hand rotating
the blade backwards?

I did the first time with no luck -- this is a massive 10" pine beam
and the blade was firmly pinched like a 10" wooden bench vise. If I
had kept opening the cover to try spinning the wheel backwards, of
course, I would have noticed the tires melting. In the future, it will
always be part of my routine when the blade binds.

L

I have never personally encountered the problem or my "thing to try" but =
it was the first thing that come to mind.

--=20
SwampBug
- - - - - - - - - - - -


"Lars S." wrote in message =
news:2005032112121350073%lars@gsblasuchicagoedu...
On 2005-03-21 11:28:53 -0600, "SwampBug" said:

out of curiosity, did you try holding down the beam and hand rotating =

the blade backwards?

I did the first time with no luck -- this is a massive 10" pine beam=20
and the blade was firmly pinched like a 10" wooden bench vise. If I=20
had kept opening the cover to try spinning the wheel backwards, of=20
course, I would have noticed the tires melting. In the future, it will=20
always be part of my routine when the blade binds.

L

Thank you for sharing the story. Many of us have resawed wood and
there are plenty tricks and tips that are helpful (I wish I knew them
all). My saw blade binded up once, then I read Duginski's book and
did a complete bandsaw tuneup. I probably can use new tires after 14
year and now a new shop-made tension release crank.

On Mon, 21 Mar 2005 10:03:53 -0600, Lars S.
wrote:

I just learned an interesting lesson about bandsaws and what can happen
when the blade binds.

I obtained about 20 feet of 10"x10" pine beams from a rennovation site
(100 years old beams with very tight growth rings). I had the beam cut
into 4 foot sections and then proceeded to resaw them into more
manageable planks 2-3" thick. Anyway, as I was cutting through the
second one, the blade bound up. I waited a few seconds, turned off
the saw; readjusted the beam; turned on the saw, etc., I repeated this
process about four times and only then decided that I needed to drive
some wedges into the kerf to open the kerf up. So I did this, turned
on the saw; waited a second; when the blade remained frozen I turned
off the saw, wedged the kerf more; and repeated. After about the fifth
try wedging the kerf open, my saw was free and I managed to cut the
rest of the beam. Unfortunately, the tracking on the saw was now
terrible and the blade didn't cut well at all.

It turns out that while the blade didn't move, the 2HP motor and belt
did, and the wheels spun free under the blade. I probably would have
heard something except for the fact that I had hearing protection on at
the time. It also turns out the melting point of urethane tires is
somewhat lower than the the heat you can generate from rubbing urethane
against steel at several thousand RPMs. My tires melted. Lesson
learned. I don't recall this lesson in "The Bandsaw Book," but perhaps
it was too obvious to print.

At least Rockler has free shipping for the month of March so I was able
to get a new set of tires ordered and shipped for about $25.

Never ran into this, but thanks for the
heads up Lars!

Most always with hearing protection in the shop.

Lou

In article 2005032110035316807%lars@gsblasuchicagoedu, Lars S.
wrote:

I just learned an interesting lesson about bandsaws and what can happen
when the blade binds.

I obtained about 20 feet of 10"x10" pine beams from a rennovation site
(100 years old beams with very tight growth rings). I had the beam cut
into 4 foot sections and then proceeded to resaw them into more
manageable planks 2-3" thick. Anyway, as I was cutting through the
second one, the blade bound up. I waited a few seconds, turned off
the saw; readjusted the beam; turned on the saw, etc., I repeated this
process about four times and only then decided that I needed to drive
some wedges into the kerf to open the kerf up. So I did this, turned
on the saw; waited a second; when the blade remained frozen I turned
off the saw, wedged the kerf more; and repeated. After about the fifth
try wedging the kerf open, my saw was free and I managed to cut the
rest of the beam. Unfortunately, the tracking on the saw was now
terrible and the blade didn't cut well at all.

It turns out that while the blade didn't move, the 2HP motor and belt
did, and the wheels spun free under the blade. I probably would have
heard something except for the fact that I had hearing protection on at
the time. It also turns out the melting point of urethane tires is
somewhat lower than the the heat you can generate from rubbing urethane
against steel at several thousand RPMs. My tires melted. Lesson
learned. I don't recall this lesson in "The Bandsaw Book," but perhaps
it was too obvious to print.

At least Rockler has free shipping for the month of March so I was able
to get a new set of tires ordered and shipped for about $25.

I'll just join the others in thanking you for the posting. I'd be interesting
in finding out the blade style, tpi and pitch and such.
GerryG

On Mon, 21 Mar 2005 10:03:53 -0600, Lars S. wrote:

I just learned an interesting lesson about bandsaws and what can happen
when the blade binds.

I obtained about 20 feet of 10"x10" pine beams from a rennovation site
(100 years old beams with very tight growth rings). I had the beam cut
into 4 foot sections and then proceeded to resaw them into more
manageable planks 2-3" thick. Anyway, as I was cutting through the
second one, the blade bound up. I waited a few seconds, turned off
the saw; readjusted the beam; turned on the saw, etc., I repeated this
process about four times and only then decided that I needed to drive
some wedges into the kerf to open the kerf up. So I did this, turned
on the saw; waited a second; when the blade remained frozen I turned
off the saw, wedged the kerf more; and repeated. After about the fifth
try wedging the kerf open, my saw was free and I managed to cut the
rest of the beam. Unfortunately, the tracking on the saw was now
terrible and the blade didn't cut well at all.

It turns out that while the blade didn't move, the 2HP motor and belt
did, and the wheels spun free under the blade. I probably would have
heard something except for the fact that I had hearing protection on at
the time. It also turns out the melting point of urethane tires is
somewhat lower than the the heat you can generate from rubbing urethane
against steel at several thousand RPMs. My tires melted. Lesson
learned. I don't recall this lesson in "The Bandsaw Book," but perhaps
it was too obvious to print.

At least Rockler has free shipping for the month of March so I was able
to get a new set of tires ordered and shipped for about $25.

Makes much less difference than the position of the heart in the beams in
question, and the moisture content of the center versus the outside. Both
can cause the kerf to close, _regardless_ the blade. Also very important to
have a flat surface down so the piece won't roll and bind.

The real lesson is to keep a few of those shingles or shims available as
wedges and use them. Also watch what's happening with the cut while doing
such pieces.

"GerryG" wrote in message
...
I'll just join the others in thanking you for the posting. I'd be
interesting
in finding out the blade style, tpi and pitch and such.
GerryG

On Mon, 21 Mar 2005 10:03:53 -0600, Lars S.
wrote:

I just learned an interesting lesson about bandsaws and what can happen
when the blade binds.

I obtained about 20 feet of 10"x10" pine beams from a rennovation site
(100 years old beams with very tight growth rings). I had the beam cut
into 4 foot sections and then proceeded to resaw them into more
manageable planks 2-3" thick. Anyway, as I was cutting through the
second one, the blade bound up. I waited a few seconds, turned off
the saw; readjusted the beam; turned on the saw, etc., I repeated this
process about four times and only then decided that I needed to drive
some wedges into the kerf to open the kerf up. So I did this, turned
on the saw; waited a second; when the blade remained frozen I turned
off the saw, wedged the kerf more; and repeated. After about the fifth
try wedging the kerf open, my saw was free and I managed to cut the
rest of the beam. Unfortunately, the tracking on the saw was now
terrible and the blade didn't cut well at all.

In my case, I was using a 1/2" wood slicer (I forget the teeth layout,
but I think it's 3tpi). The problem, as only now I can fully
appreciate, is that I was sawing down the middle of the heart and
(possibly) the beams had taken on some rain on the outside. The blade
completely locked up like a 10" bench vise. It took two metal chisels
to get the kerf open enough to tap in the wooden wedges.

Now I have a dozen wedges of various sizes and a few thick metal
chisels at my disposal. When I get my new urethane tires, I'll give
resawing another try.

Lars

On 2005-03-22 10:14:48 -0600, "George" george@least said:

Makes much less difference than the position of the heart in the beams in
question, and the moisture content of the center versus the outside. Both
can cause the kerf to close, _regardless_ the blade. Also very important to
have a flat surface down so the piece won't roll and bind.

The real lesson is to keep a few of those shingles or shims available as
wedges and use them. Also watch what's happening with the cut while doing
such pieces.

"GerryG" wrote in message
...
I'll just join the others in thanking you for the posting. I'd be
interesting
in finding out the blade style, tpi and pitch and such.
GerryG

On Mon, 21 Mar 2005 10:03:53 -0600, Lars S.
wrote:

I just learned an interesting lesson about bandsaws and what can happen
when the blade binds.

I obtained about 20 feet of 10"x10" pine beams from a rennovation site
(100 years old beams with very tight growth rings). I had the beam cut
into 4 foot sections and then proceeded to resaw them into more
manageable planks 2-3" thick. Anyway, as I was cutting through the
second one, the blade bound up. I waited a few seconds, turned off
the saw; readjusted the beam; turned on the saw, etc., I repeated this
process about four times and only then decided that I needed to drive
some wedges into the kerf to open the kerf up. So I did this, turned
on the saw; waited a second; when the blade remained frozen I turned
off the saw, wedged the kerf more; and repeated. After about the fifth
try wedging the kerf open, my saw was free and I managed to cut the
rest of the beam. Unfortunately, the tracking on the saw was now
terrible and the blade didn't cut well at all.

On Tue, 22 Mar 2005 15:08:44 -0600, Lars S. wrote:

In my case, I was using a 1/2" wood slicer (I forget the teeth layout,
but I think it's 3tpi). The problem, as only now I can fully
appreciate, is that I was sawing down the middle of the heart and
(possibly) the beams had taken on some rain on the outside. The blade
completely locked up like a 10" bench vise. It took two metal chisels
to get the kerf open enough to tap in the wooden wedges.

Now I have a dozen wedges of various sizes and a few thick metal
chisels at my disposal. When I get my new urethane tires, I'll give
resawing another try.

Lars

snip

Lars..

Just 2 cents from a newbie, but for resawing 10x10" hardwood, (which could be a
gloat in itself, so you suck ), I'd want the biggest blade that your saw can
use... usually a 3/4" 3TPI..

I buy my blades at a local saw shop that welds them up when you come in, and I
tell them what I want the blade for... for resawing, they made a couple of 3/4"
with 3 tpi and (I probably have this wrong) something about little of no tooth
set and no raker teeth??

They seem to be very good blades and were about $15 each..



mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

I was thinking of using 3/4", but somewhere I read that such wide
blades would wear out quickly on a 14" bandsaw because the turning
radius is too tight. That is why I settled for 1/2".

Have you had good exerpiences with your 3/4" blades on a 14" saw? Or
is your saw a bit larger?

Lars


On 2005-03-23 11:33:03 -0600, mac davis said:

On Tue, 22 Mar 2005 15:08:44 -0600, Lars S. wrote:

In my case, I was using a 1/2" wood slicer (I forget the teeth layout,
but I think it's 3tpi). The problem, as only now I can fully
appreciate, is that I was sawing down the middle of the heart and
(possibly) the beams had taken on some rain on the outside. The blade
completely locked up like a 10" bench vise. It took two metal chisels
to get the kerf open enough to tap in the wooden wedges.

Now I have a dozen wedges of various sizes and a few thick metal
chisels at my disposal. When I get my new urethane tires, I'll give
resawing another try.

Lars

snip

Lars..

Just 2 cents from a newbie, but for resawing 10x10" hardwood, (which could be a
gloat in itself, so you suck ), I'd want the biggest blade that your saw can
use... usually a 3/4" 3TPI..

I buy my blades at a local saw shop that welds them up when you come in, and I
tell them what I want the blade for... for resawing, they made a couple of 3/4"
with 3 tpi and (I probably have this wrong) something about little of no tooth
set and no raker teeth??

They seem to be very good blades and were about $15 each..



mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

On Mon, 21 Mar 2005 10:03:53 -0600, Lars S. wrote:

I just learned an interesting lesson about bandsaws and what can happen
when the blade binds.

I obtained about 20 feet of 10"x10" pine beams from a rennovation site
(100 years old beams with very tight growth rings). I had the beam cut
into 4 foot sections and then proceeded to resaw them into more
manageable planks 2-3" thick. Anyway, as I was cutting through the
second one, the blade bound up. I waited a few seconds, turned off
the saw; readjusted the beam; turned on the saw, etc., I repeated this
process about four times and only then decided that I needed to drive
some wedges into the kerf to open the kerf up. So I did this, turned
on the saw; waited a second; when the blade remained frozen I turned
off the saw, wedged the kerf more; and repeated. After about the fifth
try wedging the kerf open, my saw was free and I managed to cut the
rest of the beam. Unfortunately, the tracking on the saw was now
terrible and the blade didn't cut well at all.

It turns out that while the blade didn't move, the 2HP motor and belt
did, and the wheels spun free under the blade. I probably would have
heard something except for the fact that I had hearing protection on at
the time. It also turns out the melting point of urethane tires is
somewhat lower than the the heat you can generate from rubbing urethane
against steel at several thousand RPMs. My tires melted. Lesson
learned. I don't recall this lesson in "The Bandsaw Book," but perhaps
it was too obvious to print.

At least Rockler has free shipping for the month of March so I was able
to get a new set of tires ordered and shipped for about $25.

I'm new to bandsaws, so I took a tip from my lathe experience and have fairly
low tension on the belt... my theory being that I'd rather have the belt slip
than the blade, (blade slipping on the tires), or the blade kinking and screwing
up the tires and/or guides (BTDT)



mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

This sounds like a good idea. I'll check the belt tension when I
replace the tires and possibly reduce it a bit. Now that I think about
it, I suppose that it is possible I put too much tension on the belt in
the first place. Time to blow the saw dust off the manual and take a
look.

Lars


On 2005-03-23 11:25:48 -0600, mac davis said:

On Mon, 21 Mar 2005 10:03:53 -0600, Lars S. wrote:

I just learned an interesting lesson about bandsaws and what can happen
when the blade binds.

I obtained about 20 feet of 10"x10" pine beams from a rennovation site
(100 years old beams with very tight growth rings). I had the beam cut
into 4 foot sections and then proceeded to resaw them into more
manageable planks 2-3" thick. Anyway, as I was cutting through the
second one, the blade bound up. I waited a few seconds, turned off
the saw; readjusted the beam; turned on the saw, etc., I repeated this
process about four times and only then decided that I needed to drive
some wedges into the kerf to open the kerf up. So I did this, turned
on the saw; waited a second; when the blade remained frozen I turned
off the saw, wedged the kerf more; and repeated. After about the fifth
try wedging the kerf open, my saw was free and I managed to cut the
rest of the beam. Unfortunately, the tracking on the saw was now
terrible and the blade didn't cut well at all.

It turns out that while the blade didn't move, the 2HP motor and belt
did, and the wheels spun free under the blade. I probably would have
heard something except for the fact that I had hearing protection on at
the time. It also turns out the melting point of urethane tires is
somewhat lower than the the heat you can generate from rubbing urethane
against steel at several thousand RPMs. My tires melted. Lesson
learned. I don't recall this lesson in "The Bandsaw Book," but perhaps
it was too obvious to print.

At least Rockler has free shipping for the month of March so I was able
to get a new set of tires ordered and shipped for about $25.

I'm new to bandsaws, so I took a tip from my lathe experience and have fairly
low tension on the belt... my theory being that I'd rather have the belt slip
than the blade, (blade slipping on the tires), or the blade kinking and
screwing
up the tires and/or guides (BTDT)



mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

Looking at this problem from a different view Lars.
It is important to be aware that ALL drive belts, whether bandsaw or vee
belts are designed to transmit drive, ideally with minimum or no slip! Where
there is slip there is friction and heat which leads to inevitable failure.
Just like the weakest link in a chain, whether it is the vee belt, aluminium
pulley or bandsaw tire. Even a car clutch which is designed to slip while it
gradually takes up the drive/ load, it too will wear out prematurely, if it
is slipped excessively. If your bandsaw blade slipped on the tyres, then it
either had too much load and excessive power to stall the motor, or there
was insufficient drive to the blade which allowed it to slip in the first
place.
Whilst I am in agreement to reduce all areas of industrial harm such as
dust, loud noises etc. One does need to be able to hear machinery running,
in order to hear any changes that can indicate a problem is occurring. It is
potentially dangerous to insulate ourselves totally from the tools we use,
not only for the machines sake, but also for our own safety.
Cheers from 'Down Under'

********************************
,-._|\ Peter Stacey
/ Oz \ Melbourne Australia
\_,--.x/
v



"Lars S." wrote in message
news:2005032311384375249%lars@gsblasuchicagoedu...
This sounds like a good idea. I'll check the belt tension when I
replace the tires and possibly reduce it a bit. Now that I think about
it, I suppose that it is possible I put too much tension on the belt in
the first place. Time to blow the saw dust off the manual and take a
look.

Lars


On 2005-03-23 11:25:48 -0600, mac davis
said:

On Mon, 21 Mar 2005 10:03:53 -0600, Lars S.
wrote:

I just learned an interesting lesson about bandsaws and what can happen
when the blade binds.

I obtained about 20 feet of 10"x10" pine beams from a rennovation site
(100 years old beams with very tight growth rings). I had the beam cut
into 4 foot sections and then proceeded to resaw them into more
manageable planks 2-3" thick. Anyway, as I was cutting through the
second one, the blade bound up. I waited a few seconds, turned off
the saw; readjusted the beam; turned on the saw, etc., I repeated this
process about four times and only then decided that I needed to drive
some wedges into the kerf to open the kerf up. So I did this, turned
on the saw; waited a second; when the blade remained frozen I turned
off the saw, wedged the kerf more; and repeated. After about the fifth
try wedging the kerf open, my saw was free and I managed to cut the
rest of the beam. Unfortunately, the tracking on the saw was now
terrible and the blade didn't cut well at all.

It turns out that while the blade didn't move, the 2HP motor and belt
did, and the wheels spun free under the blade. I probably would have
heard something except for the fact that I had hearing protection on at
the time. It also turns out the melting point of urethane tires is
somewhat lower than the the heat you can generate from rubbing urethane
against steel at several thousand RPMs. My tires melted. Lesson
learned. I don't recall this lesson in "The Bandsaw Book," but perhaps
it was too obvious to print.

At least Rockler has free shipping for the month of March so I was able
to get a new set of tires ordered and shipped for about $25.

I'm new to bandsaws, so I took a tip from my lathe experience and have
fairly
low tension on the belt... my theory being that I'd rather have the belt
slip
than the blade, (blade slipping on the tires), or the blade kinking and
screwing
up the tires and/or guides (BTDT)



mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

On Fri, 25 Mar 2005 11:30:22 +1100, "L. Peter Stacey"
wrote:

Looking at this problem from a different view Lars.
It is important to be aware that ALL drive belts, whether bandsaw or vee
belts are designed to transmit drive, ideally with minimum or no slip! Where
there is slip there is friction and heat which leads to inevitable failure.
Just like the weakest link in a chain, whether it is the vee belt, aluminium
pulley or bandsaw tire. Even a car clutch which is designed to slip while it
gradually takes up the drive/ load, it too will wear out prematurely, if it
is slipped excessively. If your bandsaw blade slipped on the tyres, then it
either had too much load and excessive power to stall the motor, or there
was insufficient drive to the blade which allowed it to slip in the first
place.
Whilst I am in agreement to reduce all areas of industrial harm such as
dust, loud noises etc. One does need to be able to hear machinery running,
in order to hear any changes that can indicate a problem is occurring. It is
potentially dangerous to insulate ourselves totally from the tools we use,
not only for the machines sake, but also for our own safety.
Cheers from 'Down Under'

********************************
,-._|\ Peter Stacey
/ Oz \ Melbourne Australia
\_,--.x/
v

Peter.. I almost learned that "sound lesson" last night...

The band saw is close to the DC and with all the noise of the DC, I almost stuck
my hand into the blade, thinking it was off..
Luckily, My fear factor has made me develop a habit of patting the switch to
make sure that it's off..
It's one of those things like looking at your watch.. I didn't even realize that
I do it, until I touched it and found it on..



mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

"mac davis" wrote in message
...
Peter.. I almost learned that "sound lesson" last night...

The band saw is close to the DC and with all the noise of the DC, I almost
stuck
my hand into the blade, thinking it was off..
Luckily, My fear factor has made me develop a habit of patting the switch
to
make sure that it's off..
It's one of those things like looking at your watch.. I didn't even
realize that
I do it, until I touched it and found it on..


Don't rely on the switch. My most embarrassing injury cane to the knuckle
of the ring finger on my right hand. Almost vertical cut, which fortunately
missed the tendon.

As the doc was sewing it up, he asked how. I said "band saw," then noticed
his puzzled expression as he tried to figure out how I could have done it.
Easy to do if you turn the machine off and begin to brush away the dust as
it freewheels silently to a stop...