Band Saw: Why is my band saw cutting slowly?
Using a dull blade or the incorrect type of blade can cause the band saw to cut through work pieces slowly. The blade will also move slowly through the work piece if the blade is installed incorrectly. A weak drive motor can also cause the band saw to cut slowly.
First, check the installation of the band saw blade. The blade teeth should be facing downward-reinstall the blade properly if the blade teeth face upward. If you have the blade installed correctly but you have to push hard on the work piece when cutting and blade twists during cutting, then the blade is likely dull. Replace the blade when it's dull.
Use the right type of blade for the work piece material that you're cutting. For example, use a 6 TPI (teeth per inch) saw blade when cutting pine wood and other soft material instead of a 14 TPI blade because a blade with fewer teeth will cut through soft material faster than a blade with more teeth.
A weak drive motor slows down when the blade cuts through a work piece so replace the drive motor if it won't maintain the right speed while cutting.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR BAND SAW PROBLEM
Replace the band saw blade
The band saw blade becomes dull with use. Cutting hard wood or metal hastens blade dulling. The band saw blade is dull when you must apply significantly more than normal force to push the piece you're cutting through the blade. Replace the band saw blade when it's dull or damaged.
Band saw blade
How to replace a band saw blade
If your band saw takes a long time to cut, the blade could be dull. This DIY repair guide and video show how to replace a band saw blade in 30 minutes or less.
Replace the band saw drive motor
The band saw motor rotates the lower wheel to spin the band saw blade. A weak motor may stop spinning when you start cutting. Replace the motor if it's weak or doesn't spin when activated.
Band saw drive motor
Symptoms for band saws
Choose a symptom to see related band saw repairs.
Main causes: damaged rubber tire, worn wheel bearings, loose blade tension, dull saw blade...
Main causes: dull blade, improper feeding, loose blade tension, not using a work piece guide...
Main causes: dull blade, using the wrong type of blade, feeding work piece to quickly, loose blade tension...
Main causes: broken saw blade, bad drive belt, damaged rubber tire...
Main causes: angle indicator needs adjustment, dull blade...
Main causes: dull blade, using the wrong type of blade, weak drive motor...
Main causes: lack of electrical power, broken power cord, bad on/off switch, faulty drive motor...
Repair guides for band saws
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your band saw.
How to replace a band saw on-off switch
If the switch won't turn the band saw on or off, it could be defective. Replace the switch, using these steps....
How to replace a band saw blade
If the saw blade is dull or damaged and isn't cutting cleanly, replace the blade following these steps....
How to replace a band saw drive belt
If the motor runs but the blade doesn't move, it could be that the drive belt is broken. Here's how to replace it....
Articles and videos for band saws
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your band saw.
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