Blades Break Too Frequently - AF50

Problem

Blades break more often than expected when cutting materials.

Cause

The feed rathe may be too high, you may be using the wrong blade, or you may need to make adjustments to the blade or workpiece.

You May Need To…	Probability	How-To Steps	Need More?
Clean the bandsaw.	High	Examine the bandsaw for chip build-up between the blade and its wheels. If necessary, clean it of chips.	For information, see ' Machine Maintenance”.
Adjust the feed rate.	High	Verify that the feed rate isn’t too high: lower the feed rate, and then do a test cut. Examine the behavior of the machine as it cuts.	For information, see “ Change the Feed Rate”.
Raise the vertical quick-adjustment nut.	High	During automatic operation, verify that the blade can’t collide with the material while it initially lowers: raise the vertical quick-adjustment nut. The blade can break or stall when it drops from the raised position and then collides with the part before the feed rate is controlled.	For information, see “ Use Automatic Mode”.
Examine the blade, material, and size of cut.	High	Verify that the blade’s TPI isn’t too fine or too course for the size and type of material being cut. If not, you may need to choose a new blade. Verify that the blade isn’t dulling too quickly.	For information, see “ Choose a Blade” and “ Blades Dull Too Quickly”.
Adjust the blade’s tension.	Medium	Verify that the blade isn’t too tight or too loose between the wheels. If necessary, use the tensioner on the top of the saw head to adjust the blade’s tension.	For information, see “ Change a Blade”.
Move the blade above the workpiece.	Medium	During manual operation, verify that the blade isn't on the workpiece when the operation begins: you must move the blade above the workpiece before you begin cutting.	For information, see “ Use Manual Mode”.
Examine the workpiece setup.	Low	Manual Operation Verify that the workpiece isn’t too loose: use the handwheel to tighten the clamp on the front vise. If necessary, use a jig to hold the workpiece. Automatic Operation Examine the vise clamps: verify that there is 1/8 in. or less of a gap between the clamps and the material. Then, verify that the vise jaw clamping pressure isn’t set too low for the material.	For information, see “ Use Automatic Mode” or “ Use Manual Mode”.
Verify that the blade doesn’t rub on the wheel flange.	Low	Verify that the blade isn’t incorrectly tracking so that it runs directly against the wheel flange during operations. Follow the procedure to adjust the blade tracking.	For information, see “ Mechanical Adjustments”.
Align the guide bearings.	Low	Verify that the bearings are correctly aligned. If they’re not, adjust them.	For information, see “ Mechanical Adjustments”.
Use a high-quality blade.	Low	Verify that you’re using a high-quality blade. If you’re not, you may need to a choose a new blade.	For information, see “ Choose a Blade”.
Follow the blade break-in procedure.	Low	To maximize blade life, you must follow the procedure to break in the blade.	For information, see “ Break in the Blade”.
Adjust the clamping pressure.	Low	During automatic operation, verify that the clamp pressure regulator isn’t set too low: increase the pressure, and then do a test cut. Examine the behavior of the machine as it cuts.	For information, see “ Change the Clamping Pressure”.