A band saw is a fixture in every joinery shop, and compact models are increasingly common in home workshops. It rips boards, prepares blanks for the lathe and cuts curves, templates and joints.
Two wheels drive a continuous toothed steel blade, part of which is exposed for cutting. Sawdust, resin and moisture gradually upset every part of the machine, so it needs regular cleaning, correct adjustment and lubrication.
What you will need
Important: Unplug the saw before working inside it. Keep lubricant off the part of the blade that runs on the wheels and off the rubber or cork wheel tyres: sawdust will stick and the blade may slip off.
Step 1
Clean and inspect the saw
Disconnect the power and open the wheel covers. Vacuum the sawdust rather than blowing it: compressed air spreads it around and pushes it into the mechanisms. Check that no offcuts that fell through the upper slot are wedged between blade and wheel.
If you are about to cut fresh, resinous timber, brush a little WD-40 Multi-Use onto the sides of the blade while turning it by hand with the saw switched off. Less resin will build up on the blade.
Step 2
Fit and tension the blade
Release the upper wheel tension and fit the blade so the teeth overhang the rim, which protects the tooth set. This is not necessary for very narrow blades. Tension the blade to the manufacturer's recommendation and adjust the upper wheel tilt so the blade tracks centrally.
Step 3
Adjust the guides
Set the side guides a few tenths of a millimetre from the blade. Adjust the rear thrust bearing so it does not touch the stationary blade and only starts turning under load while cutting.
Step 5
Protect the table from rust
Clean the metal table with WD-40 Multi-Use and wipe it, leaving a thin protective film. This matters most in an unheated workshop where condensation forms in winter. Remove the lower wheel brush and clean it without chemicals.
Step 6
Release the blade and check the switch
If you will not be cutting for a while, release the blade tension: long periods under load harm both blade and wheels. Check the sharpness and set of the teeth and send a damaged blade for sharpening or replace it.
Once a year, open the switch housing, clear out sawdust and treat the contacts with WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner: it dries quickly and leaves no residue.
Tip: The same applies to a table saw: clear sawdust from the arbor, the blade raising mechanism and the fence slots, lubricate them, and protect the table with
WD-40 Multi-Use.
What next
Clean the saw after each session, lubricate the mechanisms monthly with heavy use and do a full check including the switch every year. Find more workshop tips in our tools section.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».