Thank you for posting this video. I have struggled with my bandsaw for some time. I emailed Alex (from here in Australia) and he offered to call me to talk me through the problems I have been having. That's an international call, that he's not making a penny on! What a great bloke! He looked at the photos of my bandsaw and identified the issue and even put me onto a guy in Perth (Western Australia) that can help me out. People like Alex are what makes woodworking such a great communal hobby, no matter where you are.
Alex Snodgrass is the ONLY bloke that shows you how to set up the band saw and THEN proves his set up. That shows me, that this bloke is the genuine article.
Alex is a great teacher and he has the best bandsaw videos. This is more in depth and done on a more common saw than some of his other videos on RUclips. Thanks Chuck for posting this great instructional video.
Another fantastic tune up by Alex, the 'Master of the Bandsaw' who has helped so many people, including myself. I added a Carter Stabilizer to my Record BS400 and use the 1/8" blade on a regular basis, which cuts perfectly for my Bandsaw Boxes.
Thank you so much for this video. I have an old delta bandsaw like the one shown, which has never really worked since I bought it. Thanks to Alex’s excellent instruction, I was able to upgrade and tune my bandsaw, and made my very first bandsaw box. Now all I need is lots and lots of practice!
Drift?! That's funny. I've been in Rockler several times when bandsaws were being demoed and they demoed how to offset the fence for drift. I have NEVER had drift. Thanks to Alex.
Just got my quick release and guides from Carter yesterday. Ready to install them along with a riser block on my 1962 wood/metal Delta-Milwaukee. This video will be a great help.
Alex Snodgrass Is "MR Bandsaw" in America. I do believe that there is NO one in the US; that is more "expertise" than Alex. He KNOWS what he is talking about and he KNOWS how to teach it. May Jesus continue to bless his gifts when it comes to Bandsaws. I look forward EVERY spring to see Alex in March; when he dazzles us in the Atlanta woodworking show.
@@acanthuscarver I just found this out and I am really sad about this. I have many friends at the show and I will really miss them. Do you know "why" there is no show this year?
Pat Dee, Not really sure why. I only know that Atlanta is tentatively on the schedule for 2021. The tentative part is, the Shows are merely waiting on the final contract from the venue - which will be new for 2021.
@@acanthuscarver It would not surprise me to learn that "Peachtree Woodworking" not being there any more; was the driving force that they cancelled the show. I could of course be wrong. Sadder, I doubt the show will be there again. I hope I am wrong.
Pat Dee, I can tell you, with certainty, Peachtree retiring from doing shows has/had nothing whatsoever to do with the show not being in Atlanta in 2020. I am not going to comment on the actual reason the show did not happen because I do not know all the details. Suffice it to say, the show, vendors and educators wanted to be there, and would have if we could have.
SO happy I found Alex Snodgrass _before_ I ever set up a bandsaw (his other show-seminar video). Just acquired one and feel confident what I've learned from Alex will make me a happier sawyer.
Thanks, I've watched Alex's other video on set up also. Very nicely explained. I bought a 14" Delta new in the '70s. Used it to make wooden toys. It came with a 1/2hp motor that failed within 6 months. Put a 3/4hp on. The diecast pulley failed soon after. Then the belt failed then the stamped steel pulley failed. Switch failed. Had the motor mounting plate reinforced. Most of the time we were cutting 8/4 maple with a 3/16 blade. I now have a 17" Minimax (Samco) which is much more ridged. Have a Baker horizontal for resawing, 1 1/4" blade, 20hp, tilting, hydraulic, feed. Works great. Cuts as fast as you can feed it. What I find interesting about the Baker is that the blade runs directly on the steel wheels. No tires, never slips.
I have THAT model saw! My Dad had it from the 1990's. I didn't even know what half the parts were for....lol. It has been great for resawing smaller pieces of wood, and was getting ready to learn how to change the blade to cut a larger board when I ran into this! I also just figured out how to get my Dad's saw blades to be smaller for hanging! Thank you!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Great video with fantastic content, very useful. I learned more in these 38 minutes than I have in quite some time, and now there's hope for my old band saw!
Did this with my Delta-Milwaukee from the 40's a while back. Nice to see I didn't miss anything. Note to anyone that has a genuine antique like mine: You don't need to change out parts to get rid of drift, it just takes a little more work to get the original guides set right.
Even if your saw isn't an antique, you can set it up to use the original guides and get no drift, but those Carter guides are definitely worth time, effort and money.
@@acanthuscarver They are. I've used them before. Less fiddling, easier to clean and the simpler design makes it easy to notice if they need to be adjusted before you go and cut a 4 ft long piece that suddenly needs to be repurposed for your art deco series.
Alex, my Porter Cable 14” bandsaw came with the Carter quick release installed. After a couple of years of use I noticed that the Carter Quick Release did not work correctly in that it would not engage in the upper most position. When I replaced the tension SPRING with a new one from Carter the Carter quick release began functioning correctly including the uppermost position. So apparently I did need to replace the old tension spring. Just wanted to share this wot( you and your viewers.
@@acanthuscarver you gonna split out a hand cut dovetail for him too? I'm joking.. Ron put me up to it. Seriously I loved your show, but it's fun picking on you. That tablesaw was badass only wished I had the money to buy one, only thing it didnt have was a lathe built into it also.
Saw both of these guys at the Baltimore woodworking show , they were great. Can’t wait to put my new Carter guides on my bandsaw. Thanks and hopefully see you both next year. Rich
This is very informative and helpful but why in the world does he use an adjustable crescent style wrench instead of open end wrenches and/or socket wrenches?
I have this from my private source in the Vatican : Mr Snodgrass is permanently on call for tuning ( oops: 'fettling' is the word! My apology ) Saint Joseph's own bandsaw(s) in that sublime workshop up there in the sky... Alex, you are the Man !
I have an old 14 inch Jet (painted grey, not the newer off white) that I got from someone on Craigslist for $50. I did all the Carter upgrades to it and I promise you, that there isn't a brand new band saw on the market that operates, out of the box, as well as my old Jet.
Fantastic presentation. I've got an old bandsaw from my father that I've used off and off for years. I like the table saw for most of my work However, I do need the bandsaw from time to time. I"m having trouble adjusting my guides to move up and down to match the size of the wood to be cut. Any suggestions on that? I'm thinking it's an older Craftsman. I'll have to go to the mountain house to find out.
If I center the gullets as you describe with a 1" blade, does the blade protruding over the backside of the wheel matter? Thanks for the set up info, my user manual is seriously devoid of good information.
I have only been using a band saw for a few years but I happen to watch a Snodgrass tutorial video before setting my bandsaw up for the very first time so I was able to get it set up perfectly from the beginning. I recently helped a friend work on a project and he didn't want to use his band saw which was the best tool to use for the cutouts. I asked him why he didn't want to use it and said it was because it was a crappy band saw. I looked at it and noticed that all the guides were off and everything was just set up poorIy . I showed him how to set it up the right way and now it works perfectly and he also thinks I'm a genius lol. It was my first time really seeing a before and after performance but this guy knows what he's doing.
Curious. I have watched Alex in several videos now and think he is great. I have to wonder though, he takes the 3/8" block and sets the fence with the teeth in the slot on the block. Would this not cut under 3/8"?
Hi Alex great videos to watch, my question you say one should never adjust the wheels on a bandsaw except for tension is that what you advise thanks in advance.
That's exactly what Alex suggests. He's referring to the common theory that the wheels need to be adjusted so they are in plane with one another - which is erroneous. Adjusting them to be in plane with one another causes many problems. If you follow Alex's method of setting up the blade and only adjusting the tension, you'll get amazing performance out of your bandsaw regardless of manufacture.
Alex, I have a Rockwell/Delta 28-2C0 which everyone tells me it is the same at the 28-200. Which Carter tires do I use? 14"? I have never changed tires on a bandsaw
I have a question about the tension knob. For example if i change from a 1/4 blade to a 3/4 blade do i need to adjust the tension knob if i have the carter quick release? EDIT: Never mind i asked the question before watching the whole video. I see at 27:54 he adjusted the tension rod for a different size blade.
I have owned a Jet 14-inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw since 2011. I bought it new and it has never cut correctly. I tried everything and gave up on it a couple of years ago. I just found this video. I watched the setup a few times and and went thru it on my band saw. First I had to get a lot of it tightened up. It was loose everywhere. After this setup it cuts perfect!! I couldn't believe it. It resawed a 1x6 perfect. I love it. I had already replaced the tires with Carter tires several years ago. Other than that it is stock. So now that I have it working can someone comment what the Carter guide upgrade kit do for me? Thanks
Honestly not much more than cool blocks that have been set up properly. There are video comparisons out there if you don’t believe me. I recommend the FAST system though, and the quick release tensioner is calling my name.. but $160... not yet
The thing I like the best about the Carter guides is the ease with which I can switch from the bearing guides to the Stabilizer. Definitely makes the saw more versatile being able to switch from resaw-mode to scroll-cutting almost instantaneously. And if you haven't used the Stabilizer for making scroll cuts on the bandsaw, it will blow your mind. With an 1/8" blade, it's close to (but not quite) a zero turn. Complete game changer. And like JM, I'm all about the FAST.
hi alex i have a axminster trade band saw. model at2552b only 3months old. and for the life of me i can not make it cut straight. i have tried using the guide but still the same. i have watched your videos of how to set it up and i always use a new blade. i would be just happy to to cut a straight line. your advice would be great. thanks tony.
Hi, I was just given my dad's bandsaw along with about 10 different blades. It's an old Craftsman 12" belt drive band saw. I am just learning wood-working and this bandsaw has been very exciting for me. I watched your tune up videos and made some adjustments but my question is, the belts are old and a little on the rusty side. Does thus hurt anything? Should I try to clean them? Thanks for all your great videos
Amazing, I have a 30-40-year-old Jet band saw and it's almost identical to the Delta. I've performed the same update that Alex performed, except for the updated tensioner. Everything is fine except now the top of the upper wheel needs to be angled in such a way that it almost rubs against the back of the frame. It needs to be like that to get the deepest part of the blade’s gullet in the center of the tire. Everything works fine but I still have the feeling there's something wrong. Any suggestions? I tried asking Carter Industries but hey had no answer.
My Delta is very much the same, and always has been. I think it's simply the way those saws were designed. And nearly every manufacturer ended up copying the Delta/Rockwell design, which is why your 30+ YO Jet looks so similar.
@@acanthuscarver Hey Chuck, I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my letter. I talked to Alex at a hobby show in Portland Oregon several years ago and forgot to ask him about the upper wheel problem. I've been kicking myself ever since. I'm sure glad to know that my band saw is not the only one with that problem. I bought the saw many years ago for $50. It had been out in the weather for years and was covered with rust. After a gallon of Navel Jelly, $150 worth of parts and a ton of elbow grease and paint it looks and works like new. It will probably outlast me. Thanks again, J
When using the FAST gauge to make sure that the blade and fence are parallel, isn't the front of the blade wider than the rear (because of the tooth set)? If so, then the FAST won't represent the blade accurately. It would seem that you want the fence parallel with the part of the blade without teeth. Did I miss something?
The FAST has a groove into which the teeth of the blade fall when in use. The fence is set parallel to the FAST which is in line with the body of the blade.
I have a problem with my upper wheel being behind the lower wheel and when I cut anything bigger than a piece of plywood the lower end of the cut fades out making an almost S shaped cut. the tension is set and I've tried three different blades. Anyone have any ideas how to fix this or what the problem may be?
Question for those in the know. When putting a 3/4" blade on the same Powermatic how is it possible to center gullets on top wheel when thrust bearings wont adjust back far enough?
My ACM BS 540 seem to have perfectly flat wheels, no crown. I wonder how to tune in the saw tooth deep part then. Should I just set the blade centered on the wheel then?
@@acanthuscarver I wonder if it would be a good idea to turn a little groove into the thick hard tires. Just enough to let the teeth get a little room to settle into. If feels weird to tighten up with that load that the bandsaw says and then strain over the teeth. Also i got those rolling disc guides. Its like 30mm discs that can turn. They feel kinda sloppy. Maybe they are worn out. Would you prefere the roller bearing type? Some people here in sweden claims that you should line up the blade so that the teeth just hang over the front of the wheel. That seems like a really bad idea. That would give scewing loads on the wheel bearings and make it easy to accidentaly thread of the blade while backing out of a cut right? The groove should make more sense in that case. Like 10mm back from the front of the wheel. And like 2mm deep.
I think you're referring to the alignment pin in the side of a bandsaw. Because the table is split to allow the removal and installation of the blade, you need something to ensure the table top remains in plane.
Has Alex made a tutorial on setting up a 9" bandsaw? I have a Delta BS100 and have a Carter stabilizer, urethane tires and cannot get the blade to stay on the wheels for more than 2 or 3 revolutions, and most of the time only one. So needless to say, I cannot even get to his suggestions of setting up the guides. Thanks.
I don't believe Alex has a video out yet on that particular model. He has just started his own YT channel - Bandsaw Life. I know he plans on doing lots of videos showing how to set up different model saws. Check it out. ruclips.net/channel/UC2VkHpI4Gm2Q_U8bm_ilUKw
amazing video!! a lot of information. Thank you. I have a problem with my bandsaw, when I run it the belt that goes on the lower pulley comes off. I already adjusted it and nothing. This new one, I would appreciate your help.
The easiest way is to reach out to him through Facebook. facebook.com/howard.snodgrass Let me know if you have trouble making contact and I'll see if there's a better way.
i have got the rikon 10-305 and it is a good saw,,,,but the sliding blade guide on the front of saw is a nightmare,,,,i hate it,,,it would so so much easier to have a door that would open up to install a new blade,,for that reason,,im looking to purchase a saw that does have it
I think the majority of the small bandsaws (10") leave a bit to be desired. Inca used to make some decent smallish machines, but I'm not even sure if you can get them in the US anymore. If you've got the room, Hammer (Felder) just introduced a 14" steel-frame bandsaw for around a grand that's pretty nice.
@@acanthuscarver Who's money? I know you dont have it, unless you get Feilder to give you one of there awesome sliding table saws I seen at the woodworking show. I'm pulling your leg chill out. No seriously Alex needed to show a how to on a delta becuse that was a common saw and a lot of knock offs are a copy of it. I'm wondering if a riser block for a delta will work on my saw that's like the delta.
Alex was gracious enough to offer to update my old Delta bandsaw. He wasn't particularly looking for a specific make or model of saw, it happened to be what I had in the shop. When I bought the saw there weren't very many other options/manufacturers available that were significantly different from the original. No grand plan, Alex wanted to come visit, I had a Delta saw and a bunch of Carter stuff that I hadn't gotten to put on the machine, a video was made. And I would imagine the riser will probably work just fine. I needed to replace the yolk on my Delta and it wasn't available, so I replaced it with the Powermatic. Works just fine.
On the Carter Products website, you can easily find any make and model of bandsaw upgrade kit. The kit for this specific saw, with the riser block, can be found www.carterproducts.com/band-saw-products/band-saw-conversion-kits/delta-14-riser-kit
Did you need to change blade length with the quick release installed? I'm guessing not as I've seen nothing to indicate it is needed, but the used saw I picked up has a QR and I'm trying to figure out if I should get the original blade length (98") or a longer one like is written on the cabinet over the original information (105").
Earl Conlon Spriggs, There was no change in blade length after we added the quick release. I can't see where that would ever be the case, but the folks at Carter products will know if your saw is the exception.
You didn't mention how to set the miter slot square with the blade -- if it's not square to the blade you'll have problems.when using a miter guide won't you?
Just picked up a 1940's era Delta that somebody had spray painted... everything. Guides, thrust bearings, all the threaded adjustments... got it cheap, in the process of restoring and upgrading it. The Carter riser block bearings guides are on my list!
"We've got our blade off, we'll just fold that up"... proceeds to perform some kung-fu move in lightning speed resulting in a perfectly folded bandsaw blade that he just sets aside. Meanwhile I look like I've been in a fight with a family of bobcats and my blade's still in one big loop!!
So Chuck, how's your bandsaw working for you now, what you didnt want the other blade guides too so you could do bandsaw boxes. Hey now you can cut dovetails on the bandsaw, and hes thinking about it. Gears turning in his head...
The bandsaw's performance is much better. It was always a challenge to get it to saw parallel with the fence, and it was difficult to set the old guides. I had a Powermatic saw once upon a time that was fitted with the Carter guides and quick release - loved it. When I knew for sure Alex was coming for a visit, it was a no-brainer to get him to do the Delta makeover. I plan to do the same thing to my Laguna 1412...but I'm pretty sure I won't need Alex in the house to get it done. I have a jig that I made with me at the shows this year that makes cutting dovetails on the bandsaw super quick and easy. It's more fun to demonstrate chopping them out by hand.
Thank you for posting this video. I have struggled with my bandsaw for some time. I emailed Alex (from here in Australia) and he offered to call me to talk me through the problems I have been having. That's an international call, that he's not making a penny on! What a great bloke! He looked at the photos of my bandsaw and identified the issue and even put me onto a guy in Perth (Western Australia) that can help me out. People like Alex are what makes woodworking such a great communal hobby, no matter where you are.
What is his contact info?
You can get in direct contact with Alex through his website. bandsawlife.com/
@@acanthuscarver Thanx
absolute ledge
This man is a national treasure. Completely changed my use of the bandsaw.
Never thought I'd just love a man named Alex Snodgrass SO MUCH! Awesome
I love him!
Alex Snodgrass is the ONLY bloke that shows you how to set up the band saw and THEN proves his set up. That shows me, that this bloke is the genuine article.
Alex is a great teacher and he has the best bandsaw videos. This is more in depth and done on a more common saw than some of his other videos on RUclips. Thanks Chuck for posting this great instructional video.
Another fantastic tune up by Alex, the 'Master of the Bandsaw' who has helped so many people, including myself. I added a Carter Stabilizer to my Record BS400 and use the 1/8" blade on a regular basis, which cuts perfectly for my Bandsaw Boxes.
Thank you so much for this video. I have an old delta bandsaw like the one shown, which has never really worked since I bought it. Thanks to Alex’s excellent instruction, I was able to upgrade and tune my bandsaw, and made my very first bandsaw box. Now all I need is lots and lots of practice!
I installed Carter guides on my saw, and it cuts better than new!!! What a difference amd a pleasure to use. Wow!
38 minute video for a 30 minute rehab I'm just busting thanks for the content
Drift?! That's funny. I've been in Rockler several times when bandsaws were being demoed and they demoed how to offset the fence for drift. I have NEVER had drift. Thanks to Alex.
Just got my quick release and guides from Carter yesterday. Ready to install them along with a riser block on my 1962 wood/metal Delta-Milwaukee. This video will be a great help.
Alex Snodgrass Is "MR Bandsaw" in America. I do believe that there is NO one in the US; that is more "expertise" than Alex. He KNOWS what he is talking about and he KNOWS how to teach it. May Jesus continue to bless his gifts when it comes to Bandsaws. I look forward EVERY spring to see Alex in March; when he dazzles us in the Atlanta woodworking show.
Pat Dee, Unfortunately, there is no Atlanta show this year. But fear not, we shall return (probably in 2021 unless something goes horribly wrong).
@@acanthuscarver I just found this out and I am really sad about this. I have many friends at the show and I will really miss them. Do you know "why" there is no show this year?
Pat Dee,
Not really sure why. I only know that Atlanta is tentatively on the schedule for 2021. The tentative part is, the Shows are merely waiting on the final contract from the venue - which will be new for 2021.
@@acanthuscarver It would not surprise me to learn that "Peachtree Woodworking" not being there any more; was the driving force that they cancelled the show. I could of course be wrong. Sadder, I doubt the show will be there again. I hope I am wrong.
Pat Dee,
I can tell you, with certainty, Peachtree retiring from doing shows has/had nothing whatsoever to do with the show not being in Atlanta in 2020. I am not going to comment on the actual reason the show did not happen because I do not know all the details. Suffice it to say, the show, vendors and educators wanted to be there, and would have if we could have.
SO happy I found Alex Snodgrass _before_ I ever set up a bandsaw (his other show-seminar video). Just acquired one and feel confident what I've learned from Alex will make me a happier sawyer.
Thanks, I've watched Alex's other video on set up also. Very nicely explained. I bought a 14" Delta new in the '70s. Used it to make wooden toys. It came with a 1/2hp motor that failed within 6 months. Put a 3/4hp on. The diecast pulley failed soon after. Then the belt failed then the stamped steel pulley failed. Switch failed. Had the motor mounting plate reinforced. Most of the time we were cutting 8/4 maple with a 3/16 blade. I now have a 17" Minimax (Samco) which is much more ridged. Have a Baker horizontal for resawing, 1 1/4" blade, 20hp, tilting, hydraulic, feed. Works great. Cuts as fast as you can feed it. What I find interesting about the Baker is that the blade runs directly on the steel wheels. No tires, never slips.
I have the same saw made in 53 in Tupelo.
Inherited it from my grandpa. Absolutely love it!
I have THAT model saw! My Dad had it from the 1990's. I didn't even know what half the parts were for....lol. It has been great for resawing smaller pieces of wood, and was getting ready to learn how to change the blade to cut a larger board when I ran into this! I also just figured out how to get my Dad's saw blades to be smaller for hanging! Thank you!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Great video with fantastic content, very useful. I learned more in these 38 minutes than I have in quite some time, and now there's hope for my old band saw!
A very well spent 30 minutes. My 80s-era Delta is in for some TLC. Thanks, Alex and Chuck!
Did this with my Delta-Milwaukee from the 40's a while back. Nice to see I didn't miss anything.
Note to anyone that has a genuine antique like mine: You don't need to change out parts to get rid of drift, it just takes a little more work to get the original guides set right.
Even if your saw isn't an antique, you can set it up to use the original guides and get no drift, but those Carter guides are definitely worth time, effort and money.
@@acanthuscarver They are. I've used them before. Less fiddling, easier to clean and the simpler design makes it easy to notice if they need to be adjusted before you go and cut a 4 ft long piece that suddenly needs to be repurposed for your art deco series.
Loved the video since this is exactly the bandsaw I have and now feel confident to do some rehab on it.
Alex is Tony Stark of Bandsaw.... saw all his videos... same enthusiasm
You have The right Guy. The world Leading Bandsaw expect.
Great knowledge, Alex. Wish you lived in my neighborhood 😋
This is a classic case of Alex going on a bender!
Alex, my Porter Cable 14” bandsaw came with the Carter quick release installed. After a couple of years of use I noticed that the Carter Quick Release did not work correctly in that it would not engage in the upper most position. When I replaced the tension SPRING with a new one from Carter the Carter quick release began functioning correctly including the uppermost position. So apparently I did need to replace the old tension spring. Just wanted to share this wot( you and your viewers.
VERY GOOD VIDEO WELL EXPLAINED THANK YOU VERY MUCH
Alex knows his Band Saws !
had the pleasure of meeting both of you at the NJ Secaucus woodworking show. It was so cool to meet you both as I admire you much
Thanks Steven. It was a pleasure meeting you, and I hope you can make it to the show in 2020.
Hi Chuck!!!! I also enjoyed your show as well ... real talent and knowhow is where it counts
@@acanthuscarver you gonna split out a hand cut dovetail for him too? I'm joking.. Ron put me up to it.
Seriously I loved your show, but it's fun picking on you. That tablesaw was badass only wished I had the money to buy one, only thing it didnt have was a lathe built into it also.
such a helpful dude and the content makes perfect sense ,, a true teacher
Love the Bandsaw Life and the Snodgrass Method!!!! Great Video!!!
Bringing the wood show home, thanks 😀
Brilliant as always Alex
That was one heck of a lesson.
Thank you
Tuning up my JBS 14 inch JET... and I need to get a quick release for the blade! I never knew it was that simple! Thanks!
It makes blade changes sooooooooo quick and easy.
Outstanding tutorial and presentation - thanks!
Great video interesting but had smile the spanner you used
Thanks for sharing this information. It has been very helpful.
Somebody please buy him a socket set
Unlike y'all I have a new band saw. I followed Alex's teachings. My saw has no drift. Thank you very much!
Great video. Really helpful information.
You are a master !!! fully understand my Delta 14"..I feel so empowered .
Cool Dude! TFS 'thanks for sharing' GB :)
Saw both of these guys at the Baltimore woodworking show , they were great. Can’t wait to put my new Carter guides on my bandsaw. Thanks and hopefully see you both next year.
Rich
This is very informative and helpful but why in the world does he use an adjustable crescent style wrench instead of open end wrenches and/or socket wrenches?
I have this from my private source in the Vatican : Mr Snodgrass is permanently on call for tuning ( oops: 'fettling' is the word! My apology ) Saint Joseph's own bandsaw(s) in that sublime workshop up there in the sky... Alex, you are the Man !
Would be a fun video to see what he could do with the cheap tabletop bandsaws
Sweet! I have a 90's Delta that wanders all over. I definitely will upgrade - thanks
I have an old 14 inch Jet (painted grey, not the newer off white) that I got from someone on Craigslist for $50. I did all the Carter upgrades to it and I promise you, that there isn't a brand new band saw on the market that operates, out of the box, as well as my old Jet.
I fixed my drift. Got new wheel bearings, they were very wobbly.
Fantastic presentation. I've got an old bandsaw from my father that I've used off and off for years. I like the table saw for most of my work However, I do need the bandsaw from time to time.
I"m having trouble adjusting my guides to move up and down to match the size of the wood to be cut. Any suggestions on that?
I'm thinking it's an older Craftsman. I'll have to go to the mountain house to find out.
Awesome video Great work !
Love this Guy!!
If I center the gullets as you describe with a 1" blade, does the blade protruding over the backside of the wheel matter? Thanks for the set up info, my user manual is seriously devoid of good information.
Great video, thanks for sharing!! very informative.
This video is amazing, thank you very much for posting🤘🙌🤘
I have had my delta for years, I never knew until I watched this video that my guards aren't stock!
You are in a shop! Why isn’t there any combo wrenches or sockets?
Nice pace and great info,fantastic presentation.
There were, but Alex prefers an adjustable wrench.
@@acanthuscarver Thank you.
Guess I will be ordering a quick release for my Ridgid.
I have only been using a band saw for a few years but I happen to watch a Snodgrass tutorial video before setting my bandsaw up for the very first time so I was able to get it set up perfectly from the beginning. I recently helped a friend work on a project and he didn't want to use his band saw which was the best tool to use for the cutouts. I asked him why he didn't want to use it and said it was because it was a crappy band saw. I looked at it and noticed that all the guides were off and everything was just set up poorIy . I showed him how to set it up the right way and now it works perfectly and he also thinks I'm a genius lol. It was my first time really seeing a before and after performance but this guy knows what he's doing.
Thanks for this video. Answered a lot of little questions I had.
You are using the adjustable wrench backwards. When used properly, the jaws do not spread under tension.
Curious. I have watched Alex in several videos now and think he is great. I have to wonder though, he takes the 3/8" block and sets the fence with the teeth in the slot on the block. Would this not cut under 3/8"?
Hi Alex great videos to watch, my question you say one should never adjust the wheels on a bandsaw except for tension is that what you advise thanks in advance.
That's exactly what Alex suggests. He's referring to the common theory that the wheels need to be adjusted so they are in plane with one another - which is erroneous. Adjusting them to be in plane with one another causes many problems. If you follow Alex's method of setting up the blade and only adjusting the tension, you'll get amazing performance out of your bandsaw regardless of manufacture.
@@acanthuscarver great I'll do exactly that Thanks again 👍
Man, what a wealth of information. Thank you sir! How do you know when to change the tires?
Alex, I have a Rockwell/Delta 28-2C0 which everyone tells me it is the same at the 28-200. Which Carter tires do I use? 14"? I have never changed tires on a bandsaw
I have a question about the tension knob. For example if i change from a 1/4 blade to a 3/4 blade do i need to adjust the tension knob if i have the carter quick release?
EDIT: Never mind i asked the question before watching the whole video. I see at 27:54 he adjusted the tension rod for a different size blade.
Detalhes que fazem a diferença, perfeito. Maestro com harmonia
Aplausos
I have owned a Jet 14-inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw since 2011. I bought it new and it has never cut correctly. I tried everything and gave up on it a couple of years ago. I just found this video. I watched the setup a few times and and went thru it on my band saw. First I had to get a lot of it tightened up. It was loose everywhere. After this setup it cuts perfect!! I couldn't believe it. It resawed a 1x6 perfect. I love it. I had already replaced the tires with Carter tires several years ago. Other than that it is stock.
So now that I have it working can someone comment what the Carter guide upgrade kit do for me?
Thanks
Honestly not much more than cool blocks that have been set up properly. There are video comparisons out there if you don’t believe me.
I recommend the FAST system though, and the quick release tensioner is calling my name.. but $160... not yet
The thing I like the best about the Carter guides is the ease with which I can switch from the bearing guides to the Stabilizer. Definitely makes the saw more versatile being able to switch from resaw-mode to scroll-cutting almost instantaneously.
And if you haven't used the Stabilizer for making scroll cuts on the bandsaw, it will blow your mind. With an 1/8" blade, it's close to (but not quite) a zero turn. Complete game changer.
And like JM, I'm all about the FAST.
I would pay his price to have him do this to my saw
hi alex i have a axminster trade band saw. model at2552b only 3months old. and for the life of me i can not make it cut straight. i have tried using the guide but still the same. i have watched your videos of how to set it up and i always use a new blade. i would be just happy to to cut a straight line. your advice would be great. thanks tony.
Hi, I was just given my dad's bandsaw along with about 10 different blades. It's an old Craftsman 12" belt drive band saw. I am just learning wood-working and this bandsaw has been very exciting for me. I watched your tune up videos and made some adjustments but my question is, the belts are old and a little on the rusty side. Does thus hurt anything? Should I try to clean them? Thanks for all your great videos
hi alex, any suggestions on guides for my 100 y.o. 26inch Silver Mfg Co. (Crescent) ? Or if your in Southern Oregon we could do a video
thanks !
Amazing, I have a 30-40-year-old Jet band saw and it's almost identical to the Delta. I've performed the same update that Alex performed, except for the updated tensioner. Everything is fine except now the top of the upper wheel needs to be angled in such a way that it almost rubs against the back of the frame. It needs to be like that to get the deepest part of the blade’s gullet in the center of the tire. Everything works fine but I still have the feeling there's something wrong. Any suggestions? I tried asking Carter Industries but hey had no answer.
My Delta is very much the same, and always has been. I think it's simply the way those saws were designed. And nearly every manufacturer ended up copying the Delta/Rockwell design, which is why your 30+ YO Jet looks so similar.
@@acanthuscarver Hey Chuck, I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my letter. I talked to Alex at a hobby show in Portland Oregon several years ago and forgot to ask him about the upper wheel problem. I've been kicking myself ever since. I'm sure glad to know that my band saw is not the only one with that problem. I bought the saw many years ago for $50. It had been out in the weather for years and was covered with rust. After a gallon of Navel Jelly, $150 worth of parts and a ton of elbow grease and paint it looks and works like new. It will probably outlast me. Thanks again, J
When using the FAST gauge to make sure that the blade and fence are parallel, isn't the front of the blade wider than the rear (because of the tooth set)? If so, then the FAST won't represent the blade accurately. It would seem that you want the fence parallel with the part of the blade without teeth. Did I miss something?
The FAST has a groove into which the teeth of the blade fall when in use. The fence is set parallel to the FAST which is in line with the body of the blade.
ALEX THE GOAT !!!!!!!
Do they make tensioners for craftsmen band saws
I have a problem with my upper wheel being behind the lower wheel and when I cut anything bigger than a piece of plywood the lower end of the cut fades out making an almost S shaped cut. the tension is set and I've tried three different blades. Anyone have any ideas how to fix this or what the problem may be?
Question for those in the know.
When putting a 3/4" blade on the same Powermatic how is it possible to center gullets on top wheel when thrust bearings wont adjust back far enough?
I have the same question. The Powermatic 143 instructions list blades 1/8” through 3/4”. I’m going to try everything else he recommends.
My lucky day! I have that same saw - bought used and the best $200.00 I've ever spent (on tools, anyway). Maybe even better now.
Say, Alex...does Carter sell anything for the 14" Walker Turner band saws?
Crazy to think of a 1990s tool as vintage, but I guess it is.
My ACM BS 540 seem to have perfectly flat wheels, no crown. I wonder how to tune in the saw tooth deep part then. Should I just set the blade centered on the wheel then?
On flat wheeled bandsaws, I would center the blade on the wheel. You still set the guides the same way Alex describes in the video.
@@acanthuscarver I wonder if it would be a good idea to turn a little groove into the thick hard tires. Just enough to let the teeth get a little room to settle into. If feels weird to tighten up with that load that the bandsaw says and then strain over the teeth. Also i got those rolling disc guides. Its like 30mm discs that can turn. They feel kinda sloppy. Maybe they are worn out. Would you prefere the roller bearing type?
Some people here in sweden claims that you should line up the blade so that the teeth just hang over the front of the wheel. That seems like a really bad idea. That would give scewing loads on the wheel bearings and make it easy to accidentaly thread of the blade while backing out of a cut right? The groove should make more sense in that case. Like 10mm back from the front of the wheel. And like 2mm deep.
Anyone here have an ancient Atlas 912 that they've tuned up or moded in any way? Any tips or info you'd care to share?
Alex, I saw you do a video from a woodworking show.
What is the little 'hammer in spike' that is fitted to the table of a table saw?
thanks
I think you're referring to the alignment pin in the side of a bandsaw. Because the table is split to allow the removal and installation of the blade, you need something to ensure the table top remains in plane.
Has Alex made a tutorial on setting up a 9" bandsaw? I have a Delta BS100 and have a Carter stabilizer, urethane tires and cannot get the blade to stay on the wheels for more than 2 or 3 revolutions, and most of the time only one. So needless to say, I cannot even get to his suggestions of setting up the guides. Thanks.
I don't believe Alex has a video out yet on that particular model. He has just started his own YT channel - Bandsaw Life. I know he plans on doing lots of videos showing how to set up different model saws. Check it out. ruclips.net/channel/UC2VkHpI4Gm2Q_U8bm_ilUKw
amazing video!! a lot of information. Thank you. I have a problem with my bandsaw, when I run it the belt that goes on the lower pulley comes off. I already adjusted it and nothing. This new one, I would appreciate your help.
how would inprove a G0555 14 inch grizly lanv i am having setting every thing can you help me please??????? i can not afford the carter bearing system
How do I get touch with Alex, I need some advice about a 14” universal brand bandsaw about upper and lower guides to use?
The easiest way is to reach out to him through Facebook. facebook.com/howard.snodgrass
Let me know if you have trouble making contact and I'll see if there's a better way.
i have got the rikon 10-305 and it is a good saw,,,,but the sliding blade guide on the front of saw is a nightmare,,,,i hate it,,,it would so so much easier to have a door that would open up to install a new blade,,for that reason,,im looking to purchase a saw that does have it
I think the majority of the small bandsaws (10") leave a bit to be desired. Inca used to make some decent smallish machines, but I'm not even sure if you can get them in the US anymore. If you've got the room, Hammer (Felder) just introduced a 14" steel-frame bandsaw for around a grand that's pretty nice.
Any carter stabilizer for shopfox w1849?
You can call the folks at Cater Products and ask them directly.
Great tips
How do I get Alex to come tune up my bandsaws? 😅
Money...lots of money...
@@acanthuscarver Who's money? I know you dont have it, unless you get Feilder to give you one of there awesome sliding table saws I seen at the woodworking show. I'm pulling your leg chill out. No seriously Alex needed to show a how to on a delta becuse that was a common saw and a lot of knock offs are a copy of it.
I'm wondering if a riser block for a delta will work on my saw that's like the delta.
Alex was gracious enough to offer to update my old Delta bandsaw. He wasn't particularly looking for a specific make or model of saw, it happened to be what I had in the shop. When I bought the saw there weren't very many other options/manufacturers available that were significantly different from the original. No grand plan, Alex wanted to come visit, I had a Delta saw and a bunch of Carter stuff that I hadn't gotten to put on the machine, a video was made.
And I would imagine the riser will probably work just fine. I needed to replace the yolk on my Delta and it wasn't available, so I replaced it with the Powermatic. Works just fine.
Hello, great video. I have that same saw, is there a link to the guide kit or a kit number?
On the Carter Products website, you can easily find any make and model of bandsaw upgrade kit. The kit for this specific saw, with the riser block, can be found www.carterproducts.com/band-saw-products/band-saw-conversion-kits/delta-14-riser-kit
Did you need to change blade length with the quick release installed? I'm guessing not as I've seen nothing to indicate it is needed, but the used saw I picked up has a QR and I'm trying to figure out if I should get the original blade length (98") or a longer one like is written on the cabinet over the original information (105").
Earl Conlon Spriggs,
There was no change in blade length after we added the quick release. I can't see where that would ever be the case, but the folks at Carter products will know if your saw is the exception.
You didn't mention how to set the miter slot square with the blade -- if it's not square to the blade you'll have problems.when using a miter guide won't you?
super informative! :)
Just picked up a 1940's era Delta that somebody had spray painted... everything. Guides, thrust bearings, all the threaded adjustments... got it cheap, in the process of restoring and upgrading it. The Carter riser block bearings guides are on my list!
"We've got our blade off, we'll just fold that up"... proceeds to perform some kung-fu move in lightning speed resulting in a perfectly folded bandsaw blade that he just sets aside. Meanwhile I look like I've been in a fight with a family of bobcats and my blade's still in one big loop!!
So Chuck, how's your bandsaw working for you now, what you didnt want the other blade guides too so you could do bandsaw boxes. Hey now you can cut dovetails on the bandsaw, and hes thinking about it. Gears turning in his head...
The bandsaw's performance is much better. It was always a challenge to get it to saw parallel with the fence, and it was difficult to set the old guides. I had a Powermatic saw once upon a time that was fitted with the Carter guides and quick release - loved it. When I knew for sure Alex was coming for a visit, it was a no-brainer to get him to do the Delta makeover. I plan to do the same thing to my Laguna 1412...but I'm pretty sure I won't need Alex in the house to get it done.
I have a jig that I made with me at the shows this year that makes cutting dovetails on the bandsaw super quick and easy. It's more fun to demonstrate chopping them out by hand.
Uncle with the crescent wrench. Get a socket.
💖💯😎👍👍
looks like a hong kong tat on the forearm