No matter if it’s just for some basic metal works for a huge entire woodworking project, even something as simple as plastic cutting, the need for a proper bandsaw is always there for several different causes. To make sure the project finds the right fit and precision for material cutting, people often trust a woodworking benchtop bandsaw tool that serves superbly.
While using the tool, some common confusions may appear every now and then. And those can also be easily sorted by a little bit of research. For example, not knowing what to do with blade measurement, something you need for your bandsaw. As the old ones have quite worn out at this point. Or perhaps you are just a new bandsaw owner who wants to be careful with the blade purchase so need to do some measurements but without complexity.
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How to Measure a Bandsaw Blade Using Two Methods
Well, don’t worry, because I am here to tell you exactly how to measure a bandsaw blade, using two different ways for different types of band saws. You can choose which one seems easy and move ahead with it. In terms of Vertical/Horizontal band saw the process will be the same. So, Keep On Reading…
How to Measure the Blade Without Using Any Formula?
You don’t have to put much effort if there’s an old bandsaw blade available to help with the measurements. Because in that case, the process is pretty straightforward and easy. Here’s what you’ll need to do.
1. Make Some Marks for Measuring Easily.
Precision in your measurements is necessary. So, you’ll need to use a marker for making references that will help in getting the final length of blade. You also need to use some tape.
Simply place a piece of tape right onto floor or surface where you’ll place the blade later on. It just needs to be flat and even, without any bump to disturb the final measurements. Your worktable will be the best spot.
Now using the marker or pencil whatever you have, randomly make a mark on blade. This is your starting point. Place this marked point right on top of the tape measure that is on your flat surface. Make sure both blade’s mark and tape measure are at the same point.
2. Roll the Blade in Straight Line Next.
Now you will start rolling the blade, but very gradually and also in a straight line. Here keeping the blade in a straight line is very important or else final length would be incorrect. You want to roll your blade until first mark hits the floor. This basically means the blade has completed one rotation, which is its entire length.
Make your second mark on the spot-on surface where first mark hits after completing this whole one round. Simply place another piece of tape measure to refer.
While moving the blade, use your foot as this helps in making a neat rotation. Don’t forget to wear proper shoes as well as full-length pants to keep your lower half safe from any injury due to the blade.
3. Calculating The Final Length.
Once you put aside the blade, you’ll be left with two tape pieces on the surface. And the distance between these two references is basically the length you are working for. You can find the distance using a tape measure. And there you have the bandsaw blade length!
How to Measure the Blade Using a Specific Formula?
As someone new to bandsaw, it’s not unusual of you to have zero clues about the fact that there’s a whole formula to measure its blade. Basically, this segment is going to be about, measuring the blade using that formula, which by the way is very easy to implement.
1. Take Note of The Distance.
To start with it, you’ll need to arrange the pulleys or wheels of bandsaw very carefully. Your hands should be in a working position while placing. A bit of trick is necessary at this point, you need to have a look at the drive’s center hub.
Now from that very position, you need to start taking measurements using a regular measuring tape. It should go to the free-spinning wheels. The distance is all that we need here, nothing more than that. Also, to keep things simple, try taking the distance measurements in inches specifically.
2. Do Some Radius Measurement.
You now have the length measurement, next comes radius. Simply grab the tape measurement for performing this one as well. Pay attention to the wheels, check those with caution. You’ll be focusing on the wheels’ radius measurement basically. And this will apply to all of the wheels on bandsaw.
Right on the center, you want to start with measuring tape. Then go all the wall to exterior of wheel and stop. Try to take the radius measurement in inches as well.
3. Using The Formula.
Now you have the measurements for distance as well as radius, time to implement those into formula for getting final result. The bandsaw blade length determining formula is something like this,
(1st wheel radius x 3.1416) + (2nd wheel radius x 3.1416) + (2 x distance)
You can put down all the inches measurements and calculate things for yourself using this formula given above. And there you have the blade’s measurement finally!
Keep These Measurement Basics In Mind
- Before buying the band saw, Must read the best benchtop bandsaw review to ensure which one to buy.
- Usually, the width of a bandsaw blade will range from 1/8 to ½ inches. To get a more acute curve, you need a thinner blade. And for larger radial cuts, the thick ones will do.
- If you work with thin woods for straight cuts, a thin width of the blade would be preferable. These are also great at leaving no rough surface after use. While for managing thick planks, the width needs to be thick as well.
- There should be blade length charts provided by manufacturers. And this holds the information of how you should take the blade measurements.
- There will be notes on the minimum and maximum width choices. And you will decide this width depending on what job you’re performing with it.
- There should also be detail on a maximum bend that the blade’s width can provide. And this is either on metal or a wooden workpiece. You must refer to such a chart to ensure the proper blade measurements before making a purchase.
- watch the video to learn more
Final Words
Basically that was all about How to Measure a Bandsaw Blade by using a basic as well as another formula-based method. Also, user manual should have the blade measurement mentioned on it. But probably, you have lost or cannot access it at the moment, as you’re looking for the whole measurement process. Hopefully, now you can go ahead and get the thing done. See you on some other fun topic soon!