3 Signs of Bandsaw Blade Decay

Bandsaw blades are subject to intense operations on a daily basis. Even with frequent and careful maintenance, they will still eventually wear out after prolonged use. Indeed, while there are tried and true ways to extend bandsaw blade life, there will come a time when you will need to replace old blades with newer products to ensure the continued consistency of your cutting productivity and quality.

In today’s blog, we go over some of the most common signs of bandsaw blade decay:

First, it is important to understand that certain applications will have a heavier toll on your bandsaw blades. Blades that are used to cut thicker materials, such as the structural steel used in construction applications, will inevitably be exposed to a higher risk of damage. With that said, specific blades are manufactured to take on these kinds of tasks, and if you use the right kind of blade, you should not have to worry. For instance, bimetal and carbide blades are typically preferred for heavy duty operations as they are tougher.

1. Consistently Unclean Cuts

In the world of bandsaws, an unclean cut is any cut that is not straight, has many chips, produces excessive debris. If a blade has deteriorated beyond a certain point, your cuts will be consistently unclean, signalling that it is time for you to replace them. Blades that produce cuts like this cannot be repaired or maintained as the teeth have begun to strip. Sometimes, you may get unclean cuts even while your blade has not been in use long and appears to be in good shape. If that is the case, hold off on replacing your blade and instead inspect your operations and blade setup to see if there is a different problem causing unclean cutting. 

2. Unusual Noises

Bandsaw squeaking is one of the surest signs of irreparable wear and tear. If you are attentive, you may notice the first instance of these noises. Do not wait too long; get your bandsaw inspected as soon as possible as this could simply be due to a superficial problem such as a lack of lubrication. It is only when this noise becomes constant that your bandsaw blade has no more hope for repair. Many times, operators wait too long, thinking the problem will resolve itself.

3. Blade cracking

Unlike the first two signs, this sign is not merely an indicator that repairs are needed—if you notice cracks on your bandsaw blade, the safest course of action is to get the blade immediately replaced instead of continuing to use it. A blade with cracks can be dangerous especially when operating under highly stressful conditions.

No matter the symptoms, the bottom line is that blade replacement will inevitably have to take place at some point, and businesses will need to know where to source reliable blades from. At Industrial Bandsaw Industries, we partner with some of the most renowned manufacturers in the industry. Call us today to learn more about our products.