Ellis saw maintenance

[_Dom]

Starting a new job tomorrow, they have a horizontal bandsaw growing dust. Claim to have replaced all bearings and guides but can't get it tracking correctly for more than a cut or two. Will look it over soon and report back if I see anything obvious. Wanted to get a thread started, maybe somebody who has been down that road will offer some advice.

[LtBadd]

These 2 sites have good resources for trouble shooting

https://www.sawblade.com/

https://www.bandsawbladesdirect.com/...awing-problems

[M J D]

First thing is usually the blade. An Ellis saw does not use coolant so that could be an issue. Generally Ellis saws have no issues with blade tracking once it's adjusted correctly. The blade cutting out of square vertically is a more common issue.

[tapwelder]

visit their website. call ellis.

as stated. check blade and once adjusted, it tracks properly. The routine tracking adjustment on the 1600 is simply appropriate tension, and that is not a blade as tight as you can get it.

They have helpful videos on their site.

[_Dom]

Thanks LtBadd, I will check those sites.

MJD, cutting out of square vertically sounds like maybe what they were describing.

tapwelder, that has been my experience with most bandsaws. Sometimes I tune them to the appropriate 'twang' other times crank up overly tight, roll them through a few revolutions by hand and then back off a scosche. Will see what the Ellis site has to say, maybe a more definitive technique is called for.

[walker]

Put in a new blade, make sure it is the right size and pitch. I like the 6-10vari tooth.

[_Dom]

First day on the job, might not have time to check the blade today. Good advice on the vari-tooth saw blade walker, thanks!

[_Dom]

Looked at it briefly today, it is an 1100. We have new blades on the shelf, 14 tpi. The counterweight spring looks overstretched so it may be difficult to set the "weight". I am expecting 8 pounds with the hydraulic valve wide open. Will put a scale on it when it rises the priorities list, maybe next week.