band saw

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does any one know what makes a metal band saw cut crooked ,it wont cut strate please help
Reply:It can be many things lose blade, worn blade, ect. do a search on Yahoo groups for 4x6 bandsaws this subject is covered in depth.
Reply:Worn blade would be my 1st choice. Blades have teeth with a set, where the teeth stick out to the left and to the right. If you damage the teeth on one side the blade will tend to drift as it cuts.A loose blade or loose blade guides will also allow the blade to drift.If the work is not clamped tight and shifts as it cuts, this is another likely cause. Also check how it doesnt cut straight. The above cause the blade to start where you want and then stay on line but move to the side at an angle. If your blade cuts vertical but at an angle then most likely your fence has gotten bumped and is is not set straight. Simple but often overlooked.
Reply:check blade tension. that is my dad's #1 problem with a band saw not cutting straight. if you end up having to replace the blade, try to get the widest blade possible also. this allows the blade to use more of it's previous cutting path to help guide the teeth straight.Later,Andy
Reply:Another issue is feed rate. If you are impationt and push too hard, the blade is going to deflect. Try a really slow cut, just for kicks, and see if it is straighter. If so, speed up the feed incrementally until you find the limit.
Reply:thanks every one for your help.