{"id":456,"date":"2020-07-10T11:44:21","date_gmt":"2020-07-10T15:44:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/woodworkingmachinery\/?post_type=chapter&p=456"},"modified":"2026-01-06T00:07:28","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T05:07:28","slug":"parts-of-the-band-saw","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/woodworkingmachinery\/chapter\/parts-of-the-band-saw\/","title":{"raw":"Parts of the Band Saw","rendered":"Parts of the Band Saw"},"content":{"raw":"[caption id=\"attachment_655\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1024\"]\"labeled Parts of the band saw[\/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_656\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1024\"]\"labeled Upper rear part of the bandsaw[\/caption]\r\n

Drive wheel<\/h3>\r\nThe lower wheel is connected to the motor with a belt and pulley to power the band saw. Both the drive and upper wheels are slightly crowned, which keeps the blade running true and helps to keep it from running off the wheel. The wheels have a hard rubber tire that covers the\u00a0 surface that the blade contacts. The tire provides some cushion between the metal surfaces and prevents damage to both. When the blade breaks during operation, shut the machine off as quickly as possible to prevent the blade from damaging the tires.\r\n

Upper wheel<\/h3>\r\nThe upper wheel is an idler wheel, meaning it is not powered but spins when the tensioned blade is being driven by the lower wheel. The upper wheel can be raised and lowered as well as tilted. These adjustments allow for changing and tensioning the blade as well as tracking.\r\n

Column or arm<\/h3>\r\nEvery part of the bandsaw above the table is attached to the column. It provides rigidity to the machine between the two wheels. The blade travels up the front of the column which had a guard to cover it.\r\n

Table, blade slot<\/h3>\r\nThe table is made of cast iron, and should be flat and true. Many band saws have a mitre slot machined into the table for use with a mitre gauge, the slot can also be used to secure various jigs and hold downs such as featherboards. In order to change the blade, the table must have a slot to allow it to be positioned in the centre. A removable round pin is used to keep the halves of the table in alignment. It should be kept in position unless the blade is being changed.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_608\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"768\"]\"Bandsaw Bandsaw blade slot with fixing pin[\/caption]\r\n

Squaring and tilt adjustment<\/h3>\r\nThe table is attached to a [pb_glossary id=\"607\"]trunnion[\/pb_glossary] assembly that is secured to the band saw cabinet or casting.\u00a0 The mechanism is located directly underneath the table, and is usually secured with a 'T' handle. The table may be tilted for cutting bevels and angles, the same adjustment is used to square the table with the blade. The table-tilt mechanism allows you to tilt the table from 0 \u2013 45\u00b0. and has a positive stop at 90\u00b0. Because the blades are flexible and every blade will sit in a slightly different position on the tire, the table should be checked for square every time the blade is changed.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_606\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1024\"]\"Bandsaw Bandsaw table tilt mechanism[\/caption]\r\n

Motor and drive belts<\/h3>\r\nDepending on the saw, the motor may be exposed or housed in the saw cabinet. The dive belts should always be guarded for safety. Some machines (especially larger ones) may have more than one belt to prevent slippage and transfer more power to the wheel. Larger saws and motors may also have a soft start, meaning they take a few seconds ramping up to full speed. This reduces strain on the motor and the connected machine parts. Always allow any electric motor with a soft start to come up to full speed before applying any load.\r\n

Tension control<\/h3>\r\nThe upper wheel is designed to move vertically in order to apply tension the blade.\u00a0 Tension is exerted via a strong spring, the adjustment is usually controlled via a handwheel located directly above or below the upper wheel. In order to change the blade, the top wheel is lowered, removing the tension on the blade to the degree that the blade is slack on the wheels. Most bandsaws have a scale that indicates the tension, however they are usually not accurate. Most indicate a tension that is above the actual tension being exerted on the blade. See set up and maintenance<\/a> for proper tensioning of band saw blades.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_609\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"768\"]\"Bandsaw Bandsaw tension control. Note the spring visible through the slot in the square housing.[\/caption]\r\n

Tracking control<\/h3>\r\nThe upper wheel can be canted forward and backward to keep the blade running in the centre of the wheels. It is necessary to check the tracking every time the blade is changed, and adjust if necessary.\r\n

Blade Guide Mechanism<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_657\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1024\"]\"labeled Upper band saw guide assembly[\/caption]\r\n

Guide Post<\/h4>\r\nThe guide post is a height adjustable assembly that guards the blade above the table, and is the mounting location for the upper guide assembly. The guide post is adjustable for different thicknesses of material by raising and lowering it. It should be adjusted so the guides clear the material being cut by about 6 mm or 1\/4\u2033. If the guide post is not adjusted and set much higher above the workpiece, the guides are not able to support the blade as well and the cut may not be as accurate. The guide post also has a guard that covers the blade and should always be positioned properly for safe operation.\r\n

Blade guards<\/h4>\r\nThe band saw is guarded at all points except the area between the table and the guides. Ensure the guide post which includes a guard is adjusted to the correct height above the workpiece. The wheel guards are hinged to allow access to the interior of the machine for maintenance and changing the blade.\r\n

Blade guides<\/h4>\r\nBand saws have two sets of guides, one above and one below the table. Each set consists of three individual guides: one that supports and limits travel at the back of the blade, and one on either side.\r\n\r\nAs material is fed into the blade, the force exerted acts to push the blade backwards and off the wheels. The rear support is known as the thrust bearing or blade support bearing. It is most often a ball bearing mounted just off-centre to the blade. The thrust bearing is adjustable front to back to account for different blade thicknesses. When the saw is running but not under load, the blade should not make the bearing spin. As soon as the cut engages, the blade should cause the bearing should spin. This extends the life of the bearing as it is only turning when wood is being cut.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_610\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"768\"]\"Lower Lower bandsaw blade guide assembly[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThere are several different types of side guides. The most common are bearings and guide blocks. Both support the side of the blade, and should be adjusted to provide minimal clearance. A sheet of paper is about the clearance required. The guides should be set back far enough that the teeth clear the guides. A third type of guide uses small ceramic blocks that can be set with the blade just-touching them. They are low friction, resulting in cooler running blades. They are extremely long-lasting in comparison to standard ball bearings.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_603\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\"]\"Upper Upper bandsaw guides, bearing type[\/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_604\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\"]\"Upper Upper band saw guides, block type[\/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_605\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\"]\"Upper Upper bandsaw guides, ceramic type[\/caption]","rendered":"
\"labeled
Parts of the band saw<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"labeled
Upper rear part of the bandsaw<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Drive wheel<\/h3>\n

The lower wheel is connected to the motor with a belt and pulley to power the band saw. Both the drive and upper wheels are slightly crowned, which keeps the blade running true and helps to keep it from running off the wheel. The wheels have a hard rubber tire that covers the\u00a0 surface that the blade contacts. The tire provides some cushion between the metal surfaces and prevents damage to both. When the blade breaks during operation, shut the machine off as quickly as possible to prevent the blade from damaging the tires.<\/p>\n

Upper wheel<\/h3>\n

The upper wheel is an idler wheel, meaning it is not powered but spins when the tensioned blade is being driven by the lower wheel. The upper wheel can be raised and lowered as well as tilted. These adjustments allow for changing and tensioning the blade as well as tracking.<\/p>\n

Column or arm<\/h3>\n

Every part of the bandsaw above the table is attached to the column. It provides rigidity to the machine between the two wheels. The blade travels up the front of the column which had a guard to cover it.<\/p>\n

Table, blade slot<\/h3>\n

The table is made of cast iron, and should be flat and true. Many band saws have a mitre slot machined into the table for use with a mitre gauge, the slot can also be used to secure various jigs and hold downs such as featherboards. In order to change the blade, the table must have a slot to allow it to be positioned in the centre. A removable round pin is used to keep the halves of the table in alignment. It should be kept in position unless the blade is being changed.<\/p>\n

\"Bandsaw
Bandsaw blade slot with fixing pin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Squaring and tilt adjustment<\/h3>\n

The table is attached to a trunnion<\/a> assembly that is secured to the band saw cabinet or casting.\u00a0 The mechanism is located directly underneath the table, and is usually secured with a ‘T’ handle. The table may be tilted for cutting bevels and angles, the same adjustment is used to square the table with the blade. The table-tilt mechanism allows you to tilt the table from 0 \u2013 45\u00b0. and has a positive stop at 90\u00b0. Because the blades are flexible and every blade will sit in a slightly different position on the tire, the table should be checked for square every time the blade is changed.<\/p>\n

\"Bandsaw
Bandsaw table tilt mechanism<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Motor and drive belts<\/h3>\n

Depending on the saw, the motor may be exposed or housed in the saw cabinet. The dive belts should always be guarded for safety. Some machines (especially larger ones) may have more than one belt to prevent slippage and transfer more power to the wheel. Larger saws and motors may also have a soft start, meaning they take a few seconds ramping up to full speed. This reduces strain on the motor and the connected machine parts. Always allow any electric motor with a soft start to come up to full speed before applying any load.<\/p>\n

Tension control<\/h3>\n

The upper wheel is designed to move vertically in order to apply tension the blade.\u00a0 Tension is exerted via a strong spring, the adjustment is usually controlled via a handwheel located directly above or below the upper wheel. In order to change the blade, the top wheel is lowered, removing the tension on the blade to the degree that the blade is slack on the wheels. Most bandsaws have a scale that indicates the tension, however they are usually not accurate. Most indicate a tension that is above the actual tension being exerted on the blade. See set up and maintenance<\/a> for proper tensioning of band saw blades.<\/p>\n

\"Bandsaw
Bandsaw tension control. Note the spring visible through the slot in the square housing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tracking control<\/h3>\n

The upper wheel can be canted forward and backward to keep the blade running in the centre of the wheels. It is necessary to check the tracking every time the blade is changed, and adjust if necessary.<\/p>\n

Blade Guide Mechanism<\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"labeled
Upper band saw guide assembly<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Guide Post<\/h4>\n

The guide post is a height adjustable assembly that guards the blade above the table, and is the mounting location for the upper guide assembly. The guide post is adjustable for different thicknesses of material by raising and lowering it. It should be adjusted so the guides clear the material being cut by about 6 mm or 1\/4\u2033. If the guide post is not adjusted and set much higher above the workpiece, the guides are not able to support the blade as well and the cut may not be as accurate. The guide post also has a guard that covers the blade and should always be positioned properly for safe operation.<\/p>\n

Blade guards<\/h4>\n

The band saw is guarded at all points except the area between the table and the guides. Ensure the guide post which includes a guard is adjusted to the correct height above the workpiece. The wheel guards are hinged to allow access to the interior of the machine for maintenance and changing the blade.<\/p>\n

Blade guides<\/h4>\n

Band saws have two sets of guides, one above and one below the table. Each set consists of three individual guides: one that supports and limits travel at the back of the blade, and one on either side.<\/p>\n

As material is fed into the blade, the force exerted acts to push the blade backwards and off the wheels. The rear support is known as the thrust bearing or blade support bearing. It is most often a ball bearing mounted just off-centre to the blade. The thrust bearing is adjustable front to back to account for different blade thicknesses. When the saw is running but not under load, the blade should not make the bearing spin. As soon as the cut engages, the blade should cause the bearing should spin. This extends the life of the bearing as it is only turning when wood is being cut.<\/p>\n

\"Lower
Lower bandsaw blade guide assembly<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There are several different types of side guides. The most common are bearings and guide blocks. Both support the side of the blade, and should be adjusted to provide minimal clearance. A sheet of paper is about the clearance required. The guides should be set back far enough that the teeth clear the guides. A third type of guide uses small ceramic blocks that can be set with the blade just-touching them. They are low friction, resulting in cooler running blades. They are extremely long-lasting in comparison to standard ball bearings.<\/p>\n

\"Upper
Upper bandsaw guides, bearing type<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Upper
Upper band saw guides, block type<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Upper
Upper bandsaw guides, ceramic type<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
definition<\/span>