Long band life

[bandmiller2]

I run 1 1/2" bands on 19" tight belted wheels, I get long service and usually a dozen sharpening's before the band dives. When the band is ground down to 1 1/4" the problems start. Someone suggested the problem is my 1 1/2 guide rollers and a 1 1/4 band, thank you, I think that's the problem. Checked it and Shure enough the roller is extending one third of the way into the gullet. I have also noticed the inside teeth always seem to need more set. I'm a cheap old yankee but maybe I should be happy with a dozen grindings,  snap a solute, and retire the band to the scrap pile. Sometimes we are blind to the simplest problems. Frank C.

[mountainlake]

 
 Maybe set your sharpener to make a shallower gullet, I did that as I've found a shallow gullet saws straighter. Steve

[bandmiller2]

Thanks Steve I already have a shallow cam, will have to try that. Suppose I could buy a set of 1 1/4 guides and save my narrow bands until I get enough to run 1 1/4  for a wile. But even I may not be that cheap. Frank C.

[Ox]

I'd say a dozen sharpenings is doing darn good, at least from my house.  I usually get somewhere between 6 and 10 or so.  The idea of getting 1 1/4" roller guides is a different train of thought and might be worth it if you get enough blades saved up.

[mountainlake]

Thanks Steve I already have a shallow cam, will have to try that. Suppose I could buy a set of 1 1/4 guides and save my narrow bands until I get enough to run 1 1/4  for a wile. But even I may not be that cheap. Frank C.

 If you did that you'd be almost as cheap as me.  Steve

[Ox]

 

[bandmiller2]

I really can't imagine why a good flat 1 1/2" band could not be run on a 1 1/4 roller guide.  Have any of you fellas  ran 1 1/2" bands on the 1 1/4" guides with good results.??

[Ox]

No reason not too that I can see.  Only downfall I can see is you're past the hardened tip on the teeth but after half a dozen sharpenings that's true anyway, so let er rip!

[mountainlake]

 
 I've had a few blades sharpened so many times the tooth tip was in the weld. Quite a ways past the hardened tip.  Steve

[Stevem]

Just found this from Timber Wolf!
Lots of good info on blades
http://timberwolfbandmillblades.com/BandMillCatalog.pdf

[bandmiller2]

Stevem, that is good info I have been using Timberwolf bands since I built my mill, used their charts for designing the mill. Band mill operators must stay alert as when theirs a problem theirs a reason for it that needs correcting. Many band millers are afraid to  make adjustments for fear of messing things up. Usually not a problem with folks that have built their own mill. Frank C.

[Ox]

That's a good point.  I know I ain't afraid to adjust anything because I put it there in the first place!  I just don't like doing things twice so I hope I never have to do an alignment again.  lol

As to others afraid of messing things up:  Geez - read the manual and follow the steps.  It can only improve.  You can't screw up a rotten egg, right?