Bandsaw faeries!!

[neilyweely]

I have just been and re-sawed some oak I have had tucked away. Had to get about 7" depth of cut. I was really worried about this as the startrite was really struggling with this depth a few weeks ago.

Today was a totally different story! Beautiful clean cuts. I used the jig rather than the fence, as the blade (the old blade) had a massive amount of drift to take into account and was a pita. The cuts are even, straight and do not need a lot of planing to clean 'em up too much. :duno:

So the question is, I haven't done anything different, the wood is from the same lump, so why? Cold weather? I mean there really was a noticeable difference here. :?

Any ideas? I don't want it to go back to the way it was if I can avoid this.

I just don't know what has happened to change it.

Neil

 

[neilyweely]

Just to clarify, the last time I used the saw I was cutting 6" oak, with the new blade, and using the jig. Just like tonight.

No variations.

Neil

 

[andypo]

Now i'm no expert but someone once explained to me about razor blades and how he had used the same razor blade for a few years. Something to do with metal stress..... Now id imagine that when you first used your blade you wore it in. (cant think of better words). like i said i'm no expert, AND I CANT BEGIN TO EXPLAIN IT, but since he explained it to me a mach 3 razor blade lasts me about a year now.I shave every other day. Hopefully someone will be along who knows what the hell i'm talking about lol

 

[Chippyjoe]

Andypo where abouts in Norwich did you buy those blades,must get some :lol:

 

[Ironballs]

Would be interested to hear that Andy but I'm going to get some very funny looks if I start taking my Mach 3 to a waterstone in the bathroom

 

[9fingers]

I used to get 5 ordinary blades to last over a year. now I generally get 3-4 months out of a mach 3. I buy them cheap on flea bay.
Not saying I a tight git but I do resent paying out for shaving kit.

Bob

 

[OPJ]

Neil, what Andy says about "running in" could be correct...

Where did you buy these blades from? I'd be surprised if they're from Dragon Saws as Ian has always told me their blades don't need running in like this.

 

[neilyweely]

The blade I had put on was actually already 'run in'. It was a starrett blade, think it was a 1/2 inch. I got aload of them with the saw when I bought it. Some brand new (starrett - in the box) some not new, but still useable.

TBH I don't think it was the blade being run in. Some time ago I changed the guides over to a solid hardwood zero clearance block. I have oiled this block a few times, and am thinking maybe it has worn in. Point is it was such a dramatic change!! I have been out there cutting 3mm thick by 7 inch tall pieces of elm and oak!! And have cut a load of elm to 6" x 1" planks (approx 1m long) ready to use on the wardrobe. It has been a real pleasure to use, so much so that I am now NOT going to upgrade. (Had been looking at a SIP 14" just to get depth of cut, but think that the SIP may have trouble with 7 inch oak) and either way if I am getting a great cut up to it's max at 7 1/2 inch I am happy.

I have also been using the fence (home-made) too, which I could never get on with before, with good results.

Should I be concerned about the elm moving about a lot bearing in mind it has been well and truly dried out, and is now pretty much straight and true? Or should I leave it a week or two before thicknessing?

Thanks folks. Oh, I use sensor. 2 blades, and good enough. Mostly I don't shave. Thought you'd like to know :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[devonwoody]

How about you have at last learnt how to use the bandsaw.

Alright only joking, perhaps the blade or belt was slipping previously.
A bearing has freed off?
The electric motor is in a good mood.
Some timbers do have soft spots.

 

[andypo]

Damn why do i write on forums when i've just got back from the pub.....

Morning everyone. Just about to have a shave

 

[neilyweely]

Devonwoody, you know what, that thought had crossed my mind!!
Trouble is I am not really doing anything different. The blade that is on now has significantly less drift on it than the on before, but as said before, the blade has been on for a few weeks now.

The blade on the saW is a shiny silver colour, whereas all the others are a dull grey or black colour. What might this mean?

AndyPo, must have been a helluva sesh to get a post like that at 8.18pm!!

Have noticed bandsaws on ebay are going UP in price!! Eh?

Cheers all,

Neil

(stuck in 'cos the mrs turned the socket off and the phone didn't charge!! nother 1/2 hr and I'm on my way!)

 

[OPJ]

Neil, you're using a Startrite bandsaw, aren't you? Why on Earth would you consider selling it to make way for an SIP?! :shock: Don't get me wrong; I have a 12" SIP saw and I think they're good value for money, although I wouldn't trust their saws (thinking of the Chinese motors) to last long if you're cutting 6" to 8" deep on a regular basis... Stick with Startrite and you won't go wrong.

I've noticed the same thing about eBay auctions. With all the "doom and gloom" in the economy, I think sellers are becoming more aware of what their machines are really worth.

"Shiny steel" would be something to do with the steel... I think "meat and fish" blades are like this - can you tell if this one is thinner than the rest?

 

[neilyweely]

Olly
You are right about the Startrite/sip thing, trouble is that the Startrite I have will only manage 7 1/2 inches under the guides, and up till recently wouldn't do this. Now I have changed the guide blocks for the zero clearance and the 'faeries' have done their bit it seems to be doing a lot better. In fact I managed the full 7 1/2 inches thru some oak (heavy english oak) today, with a lovely cut. So I think I will stick for a while.
TBH my tool fetish is so bad that I would probly buy another BS and keep the startrite too!! I just can't bear to see anything go!

On Ebay it's not just what sellers are marking them up to, its what people are actually bidding. I saw a Perform CCVB BS sell for 420 odd quid last week, 2nd hand 3 or 4 years old and rusty on the table. This model is a copy of the axminster model, 1500watt with 220mm depth of cut. The perform model was about £300 retail and the axminster £330. Whats all that about? No warranty etc..plus x amount of rust and scratches included, for an extra hundred quid!!??

Anyway, am off to the WS to use BS. The way today has gone so far I am wondering if I can get a nice clean cut thru both wrists!! (sorry, I have had a truly terrible day. And now I have old mother hubbard. Tomorrow I may have a GBH charge too, if I get my hands on the perp!!)

Thanks guys

Neil

Ps you may be right about the shiny blade, but I got it with the saw, which I got from a woodworker.

 

[DaveL]

I do resent paying out for shaving kit.

Grow a beard, I did. :roll: :wink:

 

[9fingers]

I do resent paying out for shaving kit.

Grow a beard, I did. :roll: :wink:

I've mentioned it to management on a few occasions with pretty negative responses such as 'grow one of those and you can stay away from me'. If and when that becomes an acceptable option :wink: my razor can go in the bin.

Bob

 

[DaveL]

I do resent paying out for shaving kit.

Grow a beard, I did. :roll: :wink:

I've mentioned it to management on a few occasions with pretty negative responses such as 'grow one of those and you can stay away from me'. If and when that becomes an acceptable option :wink: my razor can go in the bin.

Bob

Ah you have done it the wrong way round, I had the beard before I met the LOML.