Any tips with this 4x6 machine? Ive used bandsaws before but never really set up and used them. Like selecting the blade for the material to cut or speeds. Also is there any mods to this saw to make it better? Is it ok to use cutting fluids or coolants?
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New HF bandsaw. Tips?
- Thread starter Brento
- Start date
I used a 4x6 bandsaw for 20 years. The best upgrade you can do is buy quality blades. Most alignment problems I had went away when I used Starrett bimetal blades.
That little machine cut many, many, many pieces of steel. I sold it to upgrade to a 7x12 which is a great machine. My old 4x6 was still running strong and I sold it for almost what I had paid!
That little machine cut many, many, many pieces of steel. I sold it to upgrade to a 7x12 which is a great machine. My old 4x6 was still running strong and I sold it for almost what I had paid!
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2018
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I got the Starrett Bi-metal (Intense?) blades from Amazon...fast/free if you're a prime member. There are some great videos to align the blades on Y.T...worth the time. I can take sliver cuts and it's damn near perfect square.
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- Apr 30, 2015
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Congrats on your new saw. May you share many happy cuts together. I wouldn't kiss the bride unless you want oily lips 
I like Morse and Starrett blades from Zoro. Not bi-metal, but my usage is moderate. I use a 14 tooth the most, but I have 18 and 24 also.
Aluminum I cut dry, for steel I like to drip a little oil on the cut. Set the tension spring for a light downforce, only a few pounds. Too much downforce may cause the blade to wander or possibly break. Blade tension snug but not excessive. Should make a musical note when plucked.
Make sure there is oil in the gearbox. I have heard horror stories about folks finding old crankcase drippings or nothing at all in there.
-Mark
I like Morse and Starrett blades from Zoro. Not bi-metal, but my usage is moderate. I use a 14 tooth the most, but I have 18 and 24 also.
Aluminum I cut dry, for steel I like to drip a little oil on the cut. Set the tension spring for a light downforce, only a few pounds. Too much downforce may cause the blade to wander or possibly break. Blade tension snug but not excessive. Should make a musical note when plucked.
Make sure there is oil in the gearbox. I have heard horror stories about folks finding old crankcase drippings or nothing at all in there.
-Mark
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I buy blades from Machineryhouse here in New Zealand but I guess that’s not much help to you there in the US.
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- Apr 30, 2015
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- 12,187
Blade should be the standard size: 64-1/2"
Raw blade is purchased by folks who make their own blades, but the 4x6 saw blades should be readily available pre-made
HF carries the SuperCut blade which is decent
Raw blade is purchased by folks who make their own blades, but the 4x6 saw blades should be readily available pre-made
HF carries the SuperCut blade which is decent
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- Joined
- Jun 26, 2018
- Messages
- 1,733
Not the exact blade I use, but you can poke about from here. ..
64.5" Intenss
64.5" Intenss