1/8th inch blade on a Record BS350S bandsaw?

[chaoticbob]

I want to cut some profiles which involve maybe 5-6mm radius turns. According to the manual for my Record 350S, the minimum blade width for the machine is 1/4 inch / 6mm. Looking at the Tuffsaws site, I probably need a 3mm blade to make such tight curves. I can see that I might have to bodge something up for the blade guides, and I can do that. Is there any other reason for not running such a skinny blade on this saw?. Tracking perhaps?
Rob.

 

[sunnybob]

Bearings are the problem, Its very difficult to reliably run a blade 3 mm wide because the bearing wheels squash the teeth closed. you can get round that by taking a long time over the tracking and making the blade really tight and only using the rear bearing, but then the blade will most likely cut through the rubber tyre.

If you want to cut a lot then Carter guides might be the answer, but they are almost the price of another bandsaw.

Posssible, but not easy to make consistant and repeatable cuts.

 

[loftyhermes]

I think Steve Maskery sticks mdf to his guides when using a narrow blade on his bandsaw. he may be along later.

 

[Steve Maskery]

I think Steve Maskery sticks mdf to his guides when using a narrow blade on his bandsaw. he may be along later.

You rang, m'lud?

You should have no difficulty using a 1/8" blade. I have some that are 1/16". Yes you do have to be spot on with the tracking, but that is not difficult if you do the right things in the right order.

I can't remember what the blade guides are like on the Record, but if they are flat bearings, one each side, then you can stick a thin disk of MDF (like picture backing board) onto them with DS tape and set them up to touch (but not clamp) the blade. The teeth are covered by the guides (which is obviously not how you would up steel guides). Then, when the saw starts up, the teeth cut into the MDF, but only so far, and the whole blade remains fully supported.

If you have bearings where the edge of the bearing support the blade, they are usually adjustable like a cam, because the mounting hole is off centre. In that case simply turn some wooden (or Tufnol) replacements and set them up in the same way.

As regards tension, remember that narrow blades have less steel and therefore require lower tension than a wide one. Just like an elastic band, it's easier to stretch a narrow one than a wide one, all other things being equal.

HTH
S

 

[Alexam]

Tuffsaw do excellent 1/8" blades, I have been using them for ages and they are very rekliable. In fact I usually have the 1/8" on the BS400, but itruns with the Carter Stabilizer and unless you are planning to need lots of tight radi cuts, then it may not be worth it. The Stabilizers are ar $79 or thereabouts and you can double that with taxes and shipping, so not cheap.

Steve Maskery method will work on the Record Guides and once the blade has cut its path, it should stay there.

If you are ever in my area and want to see the Carter Stabilizer in action, contact me and you can have a look.
Malcolm