Stop the Struggle – Fixing Common Bandsaw Cutting Problems with the Right Tooth Type
How to Fix Common Bandsaw Cutting Problems
Bandsaw cutting problems can be frustrating, costly, and time-consuming—but they’re often caused by something as simple as using the wrong blade. In this article, we break down 5 expert fixes that target the most common issues and how to solve them with the right tooth profile.
Problem #1: You’re Getting Belly-Shaped Cuts
A common bandsaw cutting problem is “Belly” cuts. These occur when the blade veers through the stock rather than staying straight, usually due to tension, guide setup, or incorrect tooth geometry. If the blade is too passive, it can’t stay true under pressure.
Fix: Use a Hook Tooth blade for harder or thicker materials. Its 10° positive rake angle helps maintain feed pressure and reduces the likelihood of drift. For thinner, softer materials, a Regular Tooth blade provides better control.
Tip: Check your feed rate and match blade aggressiveness to your stock. The wrong combination is a guaranteed path to poor cuts.
Problem #2: Premature Tooth Wear
If teeth are dulling or breaking too fast, you’re likely using the wrong blade for your material. A fine-tooth Regular blade on hardwoods overheats, while Hook blades on soft plastics can chip teeth.
Fix: Choose the right tooth profile for the job. Use Skip Tooth blades for fibrous or soft materials, Regular Tooth for clean cuts in thin stock, and Hook Tooth for hardwoods and fast, deep cuts. This not only improves cut quality but extends blade life significantly.
Problem #3: Positive or Negative Camber in Your Cuts
When your blade wanders left or right during long cuts, leaving a camber or curve, it’s often due to how aggressively the teeth are pulling. Hook Tooth blades are powerful but can be too assertive on some setups.
Fix: If you’re seeing cut deviation, especially on thinner stock or with a delicate setup, try switching to a Regular or Skip Tooth blade. These offer smoother tracking with less side pressure on the blade path.
Tip: Always recheck tension and guide alignment when switching profiles, especially between passive and aggressive geometries.
EPS Has the Blade to Solve It
Whether you’re cutting timber, metal, or plastic, EPS Services & Tooling supplies premium bandsaw blades tailored to your application. We manufacture blades with Hook, Skip, and Regular tooth profiles in-house and weld them with expert care to ensure long life and dependable performance.
Let our team help you resolve cutting issues and choose the right blade for your saw and material. With branches in Essex, Somerset, Fife, and the West Midlands, support is always close by.
