Bandsaw Blade Tracking Adjustment

How to adjust your bandsaw blade's tracking.

The tracking needs to be adjusted each and every time a bandsaw blade is changed. The need to pay attention to the tracking is that the bandsaw blade wheel is crowned. This makes blade positioning on the wheel relative to the crown important.

The blade should sit roughly in the center. This will, however, have to be modified a bit when it comes to wider blades, such as the blade that serves as an example in this video. The main point is to make sure that the blade's teeth are inside the tire.

Basically the tracking adjustment is done by way of the wing nut at the rear of the upper wheel cabinet. Loosen off the wing nut and turn the tracking adjustment knob as you simultaneously turn the wheel. Stand where you can observe the movement of the blade across the wheel crown and also reach the tracking adjustment knob. Slowly turn the wheel whilst making your tracking adjustment until the blade is essentially in the center of the wheel.

Once the blade is adjusted correctly on the wheel lock off the wing nut, close the cabinet. It's now important to check the alignment of the bandsaw's guide and thrust bearings even if they were ok prior to the blade adjustment. Every blade will track and run a little bit differently through the guide bearings so it's important to readjust them every time you change the blade.