Band saw care and maintenance

[Chris Abaya Cues]

I just picked up a 6 month old Laguna 1412 bandsaw locally via craigslist. I was eyeing the 14BX model but this one was too good to pass up.

This is my first "big" bandsaw and I would like to get some experienced folks ideas about how to keep it in tip-top shape. Anything I should know that would be different from a small 9 inch bandsaw? I normally release the tension on the blade when not in use and I use saw blade lubricant everytime I am done using the saw. Also, vacuum as much dust from the saw. Any other tips?

Also, it came with two new 1/2 laguna proforce blades. Do i need the 3/4 blade for resawing? the thickest I would resaw would probably 8 inches. Any recommendations on which blade is good and affordable. The laguna resaw blade $150 is not an option for me right now. I am considering Highland woodworking wood slicer blade. are these any good?

Thanks.

 

[str8eight]

Does it already have guide bearings?

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[Chris Abaya Cues]

Does it already have guide bearings?

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It has the laguna ceramic guides.

 

[str8eight]

Not site if you can get bearing guides for that model but if you can it makes a world of difference when resawing. Also Timber wolf bandsaw blades are great.

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[Chris Abaya Cues]

I have read about timber wolf blades. I will look it up. Thanks.

 

[Kim Bye]

Start with a visual inspection, look at belts and blades, look at the wheels and guides, make sure nothing is cracked or bent. Rinse off old oil and grease and re lube everything.
If you want to be more thorough, check the run out on the wheels. Bandsaws are pretty basic in design.

 

[Guerra Cues]

Not site if you can get bearing guides for that model but if you can it makes a world of difference when resawing. Also Timber wolf bandsaw blades are great.

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I have to politely disagree with you on this one, overpriced and they don't cut very well compared to a WoodSlicer. When I got the WoodSlicer blades I was cutting ebony like butter, both blades are not even from the same planet. If you don't believe me try one and you will see what I am talking about.
http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/woodslicer12resawbandsawblades705to137.aspx

 

[str8eight]

I have to politely disagree with you on this one, overpriced and they don't cut very well compared to a WoodSlicer. When I got the WoodSlicer blades I was cutting ebony like butter, both blades are not even from the same planet. If you don't believe me try one and you will see what I am talking about.
http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/woodslicer12resawbandsawblades705to137.aspx

Haven't heard of them but I just ordered a couple. How long do they last you?

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[James Sarenich]

Band Saw Clinic with Alex Snodgrass

Someone posted this a few years ago. I saved the link. Hopefully this will help.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGbZqWac0jU

 

[Dave38]

The biggest thing, IMO, when buying blades is knowing which blade type to buy. One should, IMO, call and ask questions before buying. I called Suffolk Machine, described what I wanted to cut, how thick etc. and they recommended the blade for that application. I was cutting phenolic 1.5" thick. It cut like a dream, and it is also the same blade recommended for 1.5 - 2" thick hardwoods too. I just cut up a beam from an old building and it cut right thru 3 old style square nails and kept on cutting. Timberwolf are good blades and would recommend them.
Dave

 

[Dave38]

Here is some good info for tensioning
http://timberwolfblades.com/blade-tension.php

 

[pescadoman]

It's a good idea to post a sign next to power switch reminding you to retension blade....seriously.

 

[Chris Abaya Cues]

How can I clean the table bed

There are some scratches on the table bed. What can I do to remove it. What product do you guys use to seal the bed? I have Bostik Blade Cote - can this be used?

Here are some pics:

 

[Mc2]

Carter videos are great to determine the setup of your bandsaw. I added bearings, tensioner, and fence to my 14". All great improvements. I also have had all if those blades. The the resaw king from Laguna is king. They are worth the price.

Jim.

 

[qbilder]

That saw looks brand new.

 

[JC]

It's a good idea to post a sign next to power switch reminding you to retension blade....seriously.

Good Idea

Just like the sign I have at my finishing lathe that says "SIGN CUE":smile:

JC

 

[Chris Abaya Cues]

Thanks for the tips and blade recommendations. I managed to clean up the table using mineral spirits and WD-40. I am going with Minwax paste wax to seal the bed following the recommendation from the Laguna installation video I saw.

Someone posted this a few years ago. I saved the link. Hopefully this will help.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGbZqWac0jU

Great video! One thing that the guy said on the video was to put the deepest part of the gullet on the center of the wheel. However, the Laguna installation video suggested that the blade needs to be centered on the wheel.

It's a good idea to post a sign next to power switch reminding you to retension blade....seriously.

I agree 100%. Once I start using the machine I will have signs everywhere!

That saw looks brand new.

It is 7 months old. I was already set on the 14BX model and had already convinced the wife to buy it for me for Christmas but this guy had to ruin my plans and post this one on craigslist. I sure do wish this one had the brakes. It's kind of scary to me how long it takes for the blade to go full stop after you turn it off - I need to really pay attention to this machine.