Hey everyone! I recently got an Axminster AW1950B bandsaw back in November 2023, and it's been running great for me. However, I've faced some issues – I've already broken four blades (one just happened) and damaged two throat plates. The throat plates broke mainly due to a mix of user error (the pieces were too small) and the poor quality of the plastic. Not to mention, the depth adjuster is completely clogged with sawdust and is unusable now. I've spent nearly £100 replacing parts and blades, and I've only used the saw for about 24 hours. Is it normal for blades to break this often, or am I possibly setting it up wrong?
3 Answers
I totally understand your frustration! First off, keeping everything cleaned and maintained on your bandsaw is key. If anything gets clogged, like the depth adjuster, that could lead to greater issues down the line. Also, try to use higher-quality blades—sometimes they’re just poorly made or misaligned, which can lead to rapid breakage. And don’t forget to align the wheels and guides properly; that can seriously change the game.
Hey there! It sounds like your blade tension might be set too high; that could definitely lead to breaking blades. You might want to check out some videos from Alex Snodgrass – the guy really knows his stuff when it comes to bandsaws! Also, if you’re using cheap blades, you might want to switch to something like Timberwolf; they've worked really well for me when I've had issues before.
It’s important to use the right blade for what you're cutting. If the blades you're using are too thin, they can break much faster. You might find value in the "Band Saw Handbook" for some solid guidance. Oh, and definitely consider looking into the Iturra Design Catalog; it has loads of good tips for tuning up your bandsaw.
Thanks for the tip! I’ll give Timberwolf a shot. And yeah, definitely checking out Snodgrass' videos!