Strange Bandsaw Noises

[Matthew Schenker]

Hi All,
I was rip-cutting a bunch of 8/4 hard maple this morning (for my butcher-block counter top).  I was using the new Powermatic 14" band saw, and it has been a terrific saw for me for the past couple of years.  I use a 1/2" Woodslicer blade from Highland Hardware, which has also been a steady performer.

So, after about five minutes of cutting, my bandsaw started making strange noises that seemed to be emitting from the blade itself.  The sound came when I wasn't cutting wood, when the blade was just running free.

It sounded like a Paul Winter concert -- the sound of humpback whales whining in the ocean.  I'm not exaggerating.  I kind of stood there for a while, mesmerized by the sound.  Then I tried to figure out what it was.  No clue.

It didn't affect the cut quality at all, as everything came out smooth and straight.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Matthew

 

[mysterium]

Matthew,

Since the saw cut fine... and apparently tracks fine...

You might want to check the following;

The setting of the bearings (top & under table) that are behind the blade (that you adjust based on the width of the blade) so you don't let the rake of the teeth hit the "cold blocks" or side bearings.  You might have one set too close.  You can literally cut a grove in a bearing if it is improperly set.

The spacing of the side cool blocks or bearings.

Resin build up on blade?

Dress the back edge of the blade.

Hope this helps,
jim

 

[Ted Miller]

Matt, Check the teeth on that blade. Have you tried a 3/4" blade and what kinda guides or are you using blocks...

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Ted,
I've never used a 3/4" blade -- 1/2" maximum for me.

The saw has the Carter guides.  These came with the bandsaw and were supposed to be an "upgrade" from Cool Blocks, which I had on my previous bandsaw.  I like everything about this bandsaw, but I'd swap out the Carter guides for Cool Blocks.

I cleaned everything up and ran the bandsaw again.  Eventually, it made the noise again, but the cut quality has not been affected at all.

I can't quite locate where the noise is coming from.

Matthew

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Resin build up on blade?
Dress the back edge of the blade.

Jim, thanks for the suggestions.  The blade is clean, but I wonder if it's just worn out?  But maybe not, since it still cuts so nicely.  I'm going to get a new blade and see if the noise goes away.

Thanks,
Matthew

 

[mysterium]

Matthew,

I have the Carter blade guides on one of my saws.  They will cause the blade to get really noisy if either the blade or the bearings on the Carter guides get dirty.

jim

 

[Matthew Schenker]

I have the Carter blade guides on one of my saws.  They will cause the blade to get really noisy if either the blade or the bearings on the Carter guides get dirty.

Jim,
I'll have to look more closely at this.
By the way, do you like the Carter guides?  Have you ever used Cool Blocks?
Matthew

 

[fsg]

My Powermatic bandsaw does the same thing. I rechecked all of my bearing and everything was fine. I found that as the blade is moving it comes in contact with the plastic blade guard on the back. I could not find any way to adjust it. this sound only occurrs when using  the half inch blades. I have not used anything larger.

 

[Matthew Schenker]

fsg,
Do you have the newer Powermatic, or the older model?

I haven't had any issues with the blade hitting the guard on my new saw, but I did occasionally have that problem with my older Jet bandsaw.

I cleaned everything in the saw recently.  The sound seems to be lower, but is still present.

Matthew

 

[fsg]

I have the brand new model that powermatic just came out with

 

[Matthew Schenker]

fsg,
OK, we're talking about the same saw.

I like mine a lot.  Very reliable and solid performer.

Matthew

 

[Dixon Peer]

I have a Griggio 18" band saw, 3hp/3phase that I use for quite a bit of resawing for entrance door veneers.  I use a 3/8" three tooth to the inch skip grind and it does a great job.  Sometimes the saw makes weird noises when under no cutting load and I've never figured out the source, but it still does the job, so I guess it doesn't matter, right?

I always tension the blade to be very tight on the tires as well, and I find that way there is no discernable blade drift and the cuts are always very straight from top to bottom.

 

[The Dude]

Matthew, I own and use the same Powermatic Saw as you...I think.  I occasionally hear that same noise, "Humpback Whale mating call" and I have written it off to physics and the linear expansion of metal and the noise the metal is making coming back into ambient temp; at least I have rationalized it that way.    Just keep the board moving and don't let the blade stop...that's what my dad would always tell me.  Of course, I never listened and would straighten the teeth on the blade.

LOL, I now find myself telling my son the same thing....HE DOESN'T LISTEN EITHER.  "Then They Turn 14"

Timmy C