May 10, 2021

A Guide on How to Measure Band Saw Blades The Right Way

How to measure a bandsaw blade

If you own a band saw, you need to know how to measure the saw blades. They can slip or come loose during use, which is not good. So you need to make sure they are mounted properly. There are a few ways to measure them.

One way is to use a ruler. The ruler has to be the same size as the band saw blade, or it wonโ€™t work. Donโ€™t worry if you donโ€™t know the size of the band saw blade. You can measure the ruler, so it fits. Once you have the ruler, you must measure the band saw blade.

Band saws are one of the most versatile tools in a woodworkerโ€™s shop but are also dangerous. As with many woodworking tools, the most important safety rule is to wear safety glasses, and the next most important rule is to keep the blade sharp.

Dull blades can break, fly off the saw, and hit you or someone else in the eye. Even new blades can get pulled out of alignment if the teeth are not properly aligned and cause kickback. Another danger is that the saw can throw the workpiece at you or someone else, or the saw can fall on you. The last thing you want is for the band saw to throw your workpiece at your face or to have a piece of wood fall on you.

Why Measure the Band Saw Blades?

The most important thing to measure when installing a new blade is the bladeโ€™s width. This is critical because it will ensure that you are not starting your cut too far from the blade or cutting too close and putting pressure on it. If you start too close to the band saw, it may bind and throw your workpiece off course. If the teeth are not grabbing as well as they should, there could be a kickback.

Double check the size of your new blades

Make sure that you get the correct sized blade for your saw. You need to measure the band saw blades before installing them, and the size of the band saw blade should match the table width of your particular band saw.

Where to Measure?

There are two places where you can measure your new blades depending on which band saw you have: If you have a manual setting band saw, measure from the wheel to where the blade starts into the throat plate.

Use a ruler to ensure proper blade size

If you use a ruler, it must be the same size as the band saw blades. If not, you cannot accurately measure your new blades.

How to Measure?

After the blade is installed, measure it. You usually can see the measurement on the side of the blade on the writing. If unsure, a small line next to the blade will tell you how wide it is. Please do this by setting your ruler against both sides of your band saw blade and reading it that way.

How to Measure the Thickness of a BandSaw Blade

The thickness of the band saw blade is essential for several reasons. First, the wider it is, the more power you can use. When cutting wood, you must push the wood down against a blade and rest almost entirely on top.

That causes the blade to work because your force is applied to a tiny area instead of spreading out over a larger area.

How to Measure the Width of a Band Saw Blade

  1. Measure the length of the blade to ensure that it is the correct size for your saw.
  2. Measure the thickness and width of your table saw or bandsaw blade and compare them to your new blade as a reference point. If either of these measurements is off, you must adjust the blade to fit before attempting to cut anything. Remember, width is also important (see โ€œHow to Measure the Thickness of a Band Saw Bladeโ€).

How to Measure the Depth of a Band Saw Blade

The depth of a band saw blade is important because it needs to be enough to allow the blade to begin cutting into the wood and because it is easier to get your hand closer to the blade with more depth. To measure it, you need to use a ruler and set the tip of the ruler against the bottom of the blade and then place a flat surface against it. Then, read off the measurement on your ruler.

Using a ruler

Either way, you measure it and use a ruler or measuring tape to ensure you get the correct measurement. Otherwise, if you are not taking measurements with a ruler, you will not get the right measurements. If you do this, your band saw blade would be too small or too big, and you will not use it correctly. This is important because the band saw blade could cut into your table saw or bandsaw blade if it is too large of a size.

Using a gauge

Another option is to use a gauge. A gauge is a device that attaches to your saw and measures the exact depth of your blade. This device works by being placed on top of the blade, then setting it at the correct depth, telling you when to flip your saw over.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to measure a bandsaw blade width. You can not just go by the brand when buying a good band saw blade. Even if you know the best brand for saw blades, you need to read its specifications and determine its characteristics. If your bandsaw blade is too big or too small for your saw, you may run into problems, such as the blade cutting into your table saw or bandsaw blade. Find out How to Use a Portable Band Saw.

David D. Hughes

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