Another bandsaw question

[super99]

I have an older Sears bandsaw/sander that uses 1/4 inch wide blades. Sometimes I cut large pieces of wood and am wondering if I could use a wider blade, 3/8 or 1/2 inch? The marker for tightening the blade register up to a 1/2 inch blade, the drive wheels are about a inch wide.

 

[Loosehandle]

I have an older Sears bandsaw/sander that uses 1/4 inch wide blades. Sometimes I cut large pieces of wood and am wondering if I could use a wider blade, 3/8 or 1/2 inch? The marker for tightening the blade register up to a 1/2 inch blade, the drive wheels are about a inch wide.

Yes probably, the guides will need adjustment

 

[drsportster]

On my Craftsman saw you can fit up to 1 inch wide

 

[moresmoke]

Most wood working band saws are designed to run multiple blade widths. The wider the blade, the more stable it is. The narrower, the tighter radius curves you can cut.

 

[chvet73]

Should be no problem. 1/4” is fairly narrow. I have always used a 3/8” wide as my standard for everything

 

[Square Eye]

I use 3/16” for products such as bandsaw boxes up to the max my Craftsman saw will take - 1/2”, for work like resawing.

Of course, each blade change requires resetting the guide blocks and thrust bearings. You may also need to adjust the upper wheel for proper tracking. The slot in the stub on which that wheel runs adjusts the tilt for tracking. Turn it gently until the saw teeth run in the center of the wheel. I suspect there is probably a YouTube that could guide you through the process.

Another thing, the numbers on the bandsaw used to dial in your blade tension are just a general guide. Blade lengths are nominal, kinda like 2x4’s. You will want to fine tune it by ear, a bit like tuning a guitar.

 

[showcrop]

When I was a kid we had a Craftsman. I can still see the scar on my thumb. 1/4 inch would be for very sharp turns. Ours was probably 1/2 inch, maybe 5/8.