Am I expecting too much from my bandsaw?

Can you be more specific about what results you’re getting (and what you’re expecting to get)?

-- Jerry, making sawdust professionally since 1976

I don’t think you can get a smooth cut like a table saw will give you. At least with my saw, and I have used 5 different blades on it.

-- Steve: Franklin, WI

I didn’t know what an “MM20” was so I googled it -
Holy mackerel, Andy. I see your point. If I had invested in a machine of that caliber I’d expect it to wax my car.
I will be very interested to see what the issue is.

-- Every tree is a Chistmas tree with its gifts hidden inside.

I am getting a very rough cut. Ridges. The kind of cut I would get from a cheaper bandsaw with a cheaper skip tooth type blade. I have been told that a carbide tipped blade, 1”, should produce very good cut quality. Close to that of a table saw. Needing very little clean up. My cuts are not even close to that. I was expecting that with a high quality bandsaw, Minimax MM20, and a carbide tipped Lennox blade I would be getting a much better result. I have not TS so this is especially important to me

Ok, I looked it up also. I don’t think I have that much spent on half my power tools. Xmas tree is rite. It should be able to wax your car and also vac it out.

-- Steve: Franklin, WI

I have also heard that decent bandsaws with that particular blade do produce remarkable results.
This may be a little tough to troubleshoot over the net, though…
I wouldn’t be surprised if Lennox tech support could bring a lot to the table on this. Have you spoken to them?

-- Every tree is a Chistmas tree with its gifts hidden inside.

Its hard to diagnose you problem without more detail of what is actually happening. Can you expand on just what the quality issues are? What material (species and depth) are you sawing? Are your slices of irregular thickness or do they just require more sanding than you imagine they should?

Have not spoke with Lennox but that’s a great point. I’ll call them. Thus far I have only called the company purchased the saw from. Being that it’s brand new. Hard to imagine it’s a lemon, but I guess it’s possible.

I am sawing 3/4 poplar. It is cutting straight. I have been making simple rip cuts. Taking an inch or so off of a 5” wide board. Had to better describe the cut quality. But it’s basically no better then ripping on a old not well tuned bandsaw with a average blade. I would have to take several swipe with my plane to smooth out the ridges.

Had to better describe the cut quality. But it’s basically no better then ripping on a old not well tuned bandsaw with a average blade.

A new not well tuned bandsaw will produce the same results as an old not well tuned bandsaw. Just because it’s expensive doesn’t make it magic.

Cheers,
Brad

-- Brad in FL - In Dog I trust... everything else is questionable

I didn’t saw I was expecting magic. And I know a saw of any age or type needs to be well tuned for to expect good results. I have spent hours setting up this new saw. Which is why I was reaching out here to see if anyone could help.

Just from my personal experience, I don’t expect finish cuts from a bandsaw. I use 2-3 tooth hook blades, and am happy if the bandsaw cuts straight and resaws well. I expect to have to finish the cut with a pass through the planer (or flush trim router bit for curved parts).

-- Willie, Washington "If You Choose Not To Decide, You Still Have Made a Choice" - Rush

That answers my other question, that you have set the saw up. Assuming you’ve done so per the manufacturers instructions and have a quality blade, the only other answers are 1) you need to confer with the saw maker and Lennox, and 2) you may in fact have expectations that are too high.
Lennox would be my first choice. Given their reputation I would expect them to have a vested interest in finding a solution.

-- Every tree is a Chistmas tree with its gifts hidden inside.

I find that with my MM16 I need to really dial in the blade guides for blades 1” or over. Do you have the Euro style guides? My saw was equipped with the Euros and while the cut was straight , the guides allowed the blade to “flutter” a small amount. I got a deal on a used Carter bearing guide and problem solved.

Also be sure your tension is high enough. The factory tension gauge is notorious for reading low.

I get very good cuts on my 20 inch Bs with Lenox Blades.Two things that might need some attention.Hows the weld.Have you stoned the back of the blade?
Is the fence flexing ?
Are you cutting flat jointed wood square.
Everything good and flat on and around the throat plate?
The trimester is really a metal cutting blade but you should get and good cut.I have bought one but only once now I use Woodmaster ct .When I need the long wear of carbide.

-- Aj