tkpunk Posted October 25, 2014 Report Share Posted October 25, 2014 Ok, I picked up the Crafstman re-branded Rikon 10-321 on sale for like $300 at Sears a while ago. It's my first bandsaw, so I'm doing some playing around and getting the feel of it. According to the manuals for both the Craftsman and Rikon branded versions, the minimum blade width is 1/4". I understand that 1/8" or 3/16" allow you to do tighter curves. So, what's the risk of putting one of these smaller blades on a machine that's not supposed to take them? Is it a danger of the blade flying off the wheels? Will I burst into flames? Thanks Terrence Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted October 26, 2014 Report Share Posted October 26, 2014 Maybe the guides won't support a blade that small. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodbutcher74 Posted October 26, 2014 Report Share Posted October 26, 2014 You won't burst into flames, but it will disrupt the whole time/ space continuum. I can't believe you haven't heard. I agree with wdwerker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryMcK Posted October 26, 2014 Report Share Posted October 26, 2014 If the minimum sized blade is specced as 1/4" blade then that's the smallest it can take. You can get tight radii on 1/4" blades. If you want even tighter then a scroll saw is good as long as you are not cutting 6" thick. I have a scroll saw that is ok upto about 5/8 thick stock. Very thin bandsaw blades have a habit of breaking as soon as you start breathing near them too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted October 26, 2014 Report Share Posted October 26, 2014 If you replace your roller guides with cool blocks I bet you could get away with it. They're more adjustable and therefore versatile when it comes to blade sizes and providing adequate support. I'm not suggesting you do that, but I'm assuming, like Steve said, the limitation is in the guides and not elsewhere on the saw. I have a 3/16" blade on my 14-12 and it's fine. Do be careful about the tension, because Terry is right about them tending to snap. If you're tuned up right you won't need all that much tension. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted October 26, 2014 Report Share Posted October 26, 2014 Just remember you are pushing the limits of a very inexpensive bandsaw. Cool blocks might help, careful tune up and adjustment of your saw and gentle use might let you get away with it. Be prepared to break some blades. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chefmagnus@grics.net Posted October 27, 2014 Report Share Posted October 27, 2014 How small of a blade can I put onto each of my band saws? I have a 3hp 18" jet that has had a 32mm blade on it now because I was advised to switch to it from the 38mm blade that was eating up my tires. I know nothing about my new 14" Delta except it has a tiny blade on it now about 9 or 10 mm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted October 27, 2014 Report Share Posted October 27, 2014 All depends on what sort of blade guides are on the saws. I wouldn't try anything too small on the Jet but I upgraded the guides on my 14" Delta to ball bearing guides made by Carter( aftermarket accessories ) it tracks the blade much better now. I haven't tried anything smaller than1/4 blades but they track just fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkpunk Posted October 27, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 27, 2014 Hm, okay, helpful info guys. I think I'll play more with the 1/4" before I do anything more. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chefmagnus@grics.net Posted October 27, 2014 Report Share Posted October 27, 2014 I have looked and both of may band saws have ball bearing guides. Amazon has blades down to 1/8" for the Delta and 3/16 for the Jet" I check and I can spin a piece of wood with the 1/4" blade that is on the Delta and cut out a circle the size of on of the wheels for the grasshopper. Mind you this is cutting a piece of hardboard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodieboy Posted October 27, 2014 Report Share Posted October 27, 2014 I run 1/4" blade on my 14 inch band saw with no issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwacker Posted October 27, 2014 Report Share Posted October 27, 2014 If you have a grooved back bearing you can run smaller than 1/4". You don't use side guides on tiny blades. With a grooved back bearing flip the side guides out and set the bearing with a slight preload. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vyrolan Posted October 27, 2014 Report Share Posted October 27, 2014 With a grooved back bearing flip the side guides out and set the bearing with a slight preload. That sounds like a Carter Stabilizer without spending the $80...just as effective? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwacker Posted October 27, 2014 Report Share Posted October 27, 2014 That sounds like a Carter Stabilizer without spending the $80...just as effective? Don't know never used the carter I have 3/16 blades for my 24" saw. I'm fairly certain they claim it will only go down to 1/4" but 3/16 works fine with no tire damage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkpunk Posted December 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted December 26, 2014 Ok, tangential update on this. Haven't tried anything smaller than the 1/4" blade. But I did pick up some Cool Blocks for the Rikon clone. They're generic "Imported 14-Inch Band Saw" blocks, {pic attached|. All the installation instructions I can find seem to be for replacing other block guides, not bearings like the Rikon clone has (pic attached). I feel like I can relatively easily just drill a hole through the blocks and mount them on the little cylinder for the bearing, but am I missing something? Blocks:http://imgur.com/VhBM81o,lhPyfl6#0 My guides: http://imgur.com/VhBM81o,lhPyfl6#1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwacker Posted December 26, 2014 Report Share Posted December 26, 2014 Ok, tangential update on this. Haven't tried anything smaller than the 1/4" blade. But I did pick up some Cool Blocks for the Rikon clone. They're generic "Imported 14-Inch Band Saw" blocks, {pic attached|. All the installation instructions I can find seem to be for replacing other block guides, not bearings like the Rikon clone has (pic attached). I feel like I can relatively easily just drill a hole through the blocks and mount them on the little cylinder for the bearing, but am I missing something? Blocks:http://imgur.com/VhBM81o,lhPyfl6#0 My guides: http://imgur.com/VhBM81o,lhPyfl6#1 First you can't use cool blocks unless you change your entire guide assembly. Secondly cool blocks would not help to run a 3/16 no matter what you do. The reason you can't run smaller blades is because once you have all the guides adjusted properly any flex of the blade will push the teeth into the guide blocks or bearing, there is not enough blade width. Lastly "guide" is a generic term, the guides don't guide anything they limit flex and nothing more. To run small blades on your saw you need to replace your back bearing with a grooved bearing and omit the side bearings all together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkpunk Posted December 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted December 26, 2014 Beautiful Particle Board, that's very helpful. Thanks very much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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