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BAND SAW BLADES
A band saw blade is a delicate piece of steel that is subjected to tremendous strain. You can obtain long use from a
band saw blade if you use it properly. Be sure you use blades of the proper thickness, width and temper for the various
types of material and cuts.
Always use the widest blade possible. Use narrow blades only for sawing small, abrupt curves and for fine, delicate
work. This will save blades and will produce better cuts. For cutting wood and similar materials, Delta offers blades in
widths of 5/8", 3/4", 1", and 1
1
/4" for 136” length blades.
Any one of a number of conditions may cause a band saw blade to break. Blade breakage is, in some cases,
unavoidable, being the natural result of the peculiar stresses to which blades are subjected. Blades will break often
due to avoidable causes, such as the lack of care to the blade or the blade not being properly adjusted to the band
saw. The most common causes of blade breakage are:
(1)
faulty alignments and adjustments of the guides.
(2)
forcing or twisting a wide blade around a curve of short radius.
(3)
feeding the work piece too fast into the blade.
(4)
dullness of the teeth, or absence of sufficient set.
(5)
improperly tensioned blade.
(6)
top guide set too high above the work piece being cut.
(7)
using a blade with a lumpy or improperly finished braze or weld.
(8)
continuous running of the saw blade when not cutting.
Use blades that are 136" in length on this machine.
Always use a sharp blade. Keep it free of gum and pitch. Clean frequently with a stiff fiber brush.
Narrow blades are best suited for cutting small circles or curves while the wider blades are best suited for straight
cutting such as ripping.
A new blade, in most cases, will perform better and last longer than a re-sharpened blade.
Insure that the blade guides are adjusted properly.
Do not force or twist the blade around a curve or a very short radius.
Feed the workpiece through the blade at a consistent rate, allow the blade to do the cutting – do not feed the work
piece too fast.
Do not apply excessive tension to the blade. The tension is only necessary to drive the blade without slipping on the
wheels. Narrow blades require less tension than wider blades.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Trouble:
SAW WILL NOT START.
Probable Cause
Remedy
1. Saw not plugged in.
1. Plug in saw.
2. Fuse blown or circuit breaker tripped.
2. Replace fuse or reset circuit breaker.
3. Cord damaged.
3. Have cord replaced.
Trouble:
BREAKER KICKS OUT FREQUENTLY.
Probable Cause
Remedy
1. Extension cord too light or too long.
1. Replace with adequate size cord.
2. Feeding stock too fast.
2. Feed stock more slowly.
3. Blade in poor condition (dull, warped, gummed).
3. Clean or replace blade.
4. Low voltage supply.
4. Contact an electrician.
For assistance with your machine, visit our website at
www.deltamachinery.com
for a list of service centers or call
the DELTA Machinery help line at 1-800-223-7278 (In Canada call 1-800-463-3582). Some common problems are
addressed below: