Sharpening bandsaw blades is a widely known and acceptable practice in both metal and wood cutting industries. It is applied, however, and almost exclusively, to the woodworking set.
A primary problem encountered in the woodworking shop is dull saw blades.
Objects encountered while cutting wood include nails, bullets, and other similar materials, all of which will help to dull a saw blade. These extractions from green wood cause damage on the edges of sharp teeth. Dull blade teeth aren’t useful and shouldn’t be utilized.
Buying a new saw blade is an option, and so is sharpening the dull blade.
There are two ways to sharpen bandsaw blades: mechanically or manually.
Mechanical (machine) sharpeners can be expensive, but if production cutting is the norm and numerous blades are in operation, then investing in a sharpener is a smart option.
For small shops and at home, manual blade sharpening is probably more preferable.
When sharpening bandsaw blade teeth, there are four factors to consider: the outside edge of the tip, the underside of the tip to the point where it joins the gullet, both sides of the tip, and the gullet.
The tip parts are important since it involves saw blade teeth that play an important role in cutting.
The gullet is as important. The throat within the tooth curve, the gullet holds the chips produced during cutting and is responsible for prevention of overheating. Airflow within the blade’s gullet keeps the blade cool.
Safety precautions include wearing gloves to protect hands and fingers — even a dull saw blade will prove sharp enough to cut flesh and bone.
Protective eye wear is advised since the bits being removed during the sharpening process can harm the eyes.
A dust or face mask will help to avoid breathing in the metal dust particles and other contaminants.
Make sure the bandsaw is turned off and unplugged prior to any maintenance procedure.
