Improving the Horizontal Position Accuracy of a 4 x 6 Horizontal/Vertical Bandsaw

[rgsparber]

In case you haven’t figured it out yet, the 4 x 6 Horizontal/Vertical Bandsaw is a partially finished kit. Yes, it lops off bits of metal, but do you like the off-square cuts? If the saw’s accuracy meets your needs, don’t waste your time reading this article. But if you would like your cuts to be closer to square, I might be able to help you.

If you are interested, please see

https://rick.sparber.org/HorizontalBandsawAlignment.pdf


Your comments are welcome. All of us are smarter than any one of us.


Thanks,

Rick

[DIYer]

Thanks rgsparber! We've added your Horizontal Bandsaw Accuracy Modifications to our Bandsaws category,
as well as to your builder page: rgsparber's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Horizontal Bandsaw Accuracy Modifications by rgsparber

tags: bandsaw, modification

[Toolmaker51]

snipped:

In case you haven’t figured it out yet, the 4 x 6 Horizontal/Vertical Bandsaw is a partially finished kit. Yes, it lops off bits of metal, but do you like the off-square cuts? If the saw’s accuracy meets your needs, don’t waste your time reading this article. But if you would like your cuts to be closer to square, I might be able to help you.

Your comments are welcome. All of us are smarter than any one of us.

Thanks,

Rick

Rick, the detail and order of remedies in your presentation equal the means of determining errors. I'd say anyone with the need for dependable cuts follow his process. Lengthy yes, proper instruction isn't just "do this, do that", but poses reasoning behind what is to be accomplished. Paying attention deposits information that can be re-utilized or re-imagined elsewhere.

[basil3w]

Another winner - Thanks Rick!

[Paul Alciatore]

Great article Rick. I am going to save it for present and future reference.

One thing that I had noticed on my saw, which I believe is the same Grizzly model as yours, is that the biggest thing that effects accuracy is the saw blade. At first I tried using the blade furnished with the saw and a couple new ones that I purchased at the same time. They all were low quality blades, not the bi-metal ones that cost about two or four times as much. I quickly got tired of broken blades and tried some of the better quality (and more expensive) ones. It was night and day. Not only did the constant blade breakage dwindle down to less than 10% of the previous rate, but I found that the blades stayed sharp far longer and the sideways deflection that you discuss around page 28 also went away. My present blade is years old and still cuts straight.

I did have some problems with one of your alignment procedures and posted them on another thread. They may or may not matter much. I am going to find the time to do all or most of what you recommend here. All in all, it is a great piece. Thanks!

[Okapi]

Thanks Rick for your work, I've bought exactly the same last year and began to restore it in good working condition, modifying it for metric dimensions on the bearings supports for the blade for example, and making more ridgid support for the bearings, then very interested to read what you've made.
Have a nice day.
Pierre