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5 Posts
Greetings
I have recently bought a 10" craftsman bandsaw. I purchased it for hobby use, cutting MDF board, thin plastic sheets and some wood planks for war gaming.
I have used a band saw a number of times in shop class when I was in high school, I am some what familiar with the machine but it has been some time.
I've read the instruction booklet and watched a number of videos and blogs regarding setup and other tips.
I am having some issues with getting straight lines. For the most part it cuts straight, but there seems to be some hiccups as I cut. As I cut though material there is a slight jump in the cut going off course. (see image).
it will cut straight then curve out away from the fence then work it's way back in, even with consistent feeding of material into the saw.
Example image (done quickly with Photoshop)
I've read about table drift.
I set up the little bearings on top and bottom the same (total of 6) each one was set up as close to as the blade without touching it.
table is level.
I am not sure if I have the correct amount of tension on the blade. Don'e know if I need more or less?
Issues I think may be causing it
The blade that craftsman gave is cheap junk or damaged in shipping.
too much or not enough tension.
bearing may be too close to the blade? (not too sure about this one). Should the blade's back end be hitting the bearings as I push material through, or the side bearings?
Lastly, There seems to be an odd issue with my blade when checking with my square.
As I check the blade if it is perpendicular to the table top, it is perfect and true on the left side (the side of the fence). It is not true for the other side, it seems to be off just a wee bit.
any tips?
I have recently bought a 10" craftsman bandsaw. I purchased it for hobby use, cutting MDF board, thin plastic sheets and some wood planks for war gaming.
I have used a band saw a number of times in shop class when I was in high school, I am some what familiar with the machine but it has been some time.
I've read the instruction booklet and watched a number of videos and blogs regarding setup and other tips.
I am having some issues with getting straight lines. For the most part it cuts straight, but there seems to be some hiccups as I cut. As I cut though material there is a slight jump in the cut going off course. (see image).
it will cut straight then curve out away from the fence then work it's way back in, even with consistent feeding of material into the saw.
Example image (done quickly with Photoshop)

I've read about table drift.
I set up the little bearings on top and bottom the same (total of 6) each one was set up as close to as the blade without touching it.
table is level.
I am not sure if I have the correct amount of tension on the blade. Don'e know if I need more or less?
Issues I think may be causing it
The blade that craftsman gave is cheap junk or damaged in shipping.
too much or not enough tension.
bearing may be too close to the blade? (not too sure about this one). Should the blade's back end be hitting the bearings as I push material through, or the side bearings?
Lastly, There seems to be an odd issue with my blade when checking with my square.
As I check the blade if it is perpendicular to the table top, it is perfect and true on the left side (the side of the fence). It is not true for the other side, it seems to be off just a wee bit.
any tips?