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would work for a particular curve, place a dime (roughly 5/8") over the pattern. The 3/16"
blade can cut a curve bigger than the dime, but not smaller. You can use everyday items such
as coins or a pencil to determine which blade to use. A quarter is the size of the tightest cut
that can be made with a 1/4" blade. A dime is the size of the tightest curve that can be cut
with a 3/16" blade. A pencil eraser is the size of the tightest turn that you can make with a 1/8"
blade. After a while you won't even need an object to size the possible curve of a blade
because you will have become familiar with this process. There are options to matching the
blade to the smallest curve pattern. If there is only one very tight cut, it may be best to use a
turning hole, a relief cut, successive passes or to change the blade. If you have a lot of cutting
to do, you can use a wider blade for the bigger curves and then switch to a narrower blade for
the tighter curves. Changing the blades can often save cutting and finish time. The chart
above is only a rough guide and is
not to scale,
but from the information you can construct
your own guide.
How to coil a bandsaw blade.
Without a doubt it is more difficult to explain how to coil a bandsaw blade than it is to actually
do it. Nevertheless, below are easy-to-follow instructions on folding a blade.
Method One.
While wearing a jacket or long-sleeved shirt and gloves, hold the blade in front of you in one
large loop, with the teeth facing towards you. Place your foot on the blade, holding it on the
ground. Grasp the blade with both hands, with your thumbs to the outside, at approximately
the 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock positions (Step 1). Slowly twist the top of the blade away from
your body (Step 2). Bring your hands together to form two loops while folding down (Step 3).
Continue rotating the blade until you form three loops.
Note.
It is recommended that the blade be placed on material that will not damage the blade
teeth (wood or cardboard). Your foot is there to give stability and not to clamp the blade, so
do not exert excessive force, or the teeth/band may be damaged. The photographs are
shown without gloves to enable the hand/thumb position to be shown.
Gloves must be worn,
as the blade could cause injury.
