Folding band saw blades - I learned a new way!

[William Falberg]

nice. still wind up with 3 loops, like most other methods. anyone know how blade distributors get them so small when they are packaged for sale? now that would be interesting.

It's basically the same technique but instead of twisting the blade 180 degrees you give it a second twist for 360 degrees. Loosely; let the coils find their own place. You pretty much have to do it in front of you with both hands and the blade flipping around in your face. I squint - that helps.

[John Coloccia]

Instead of making another video and posting it, I found one online that shows precisely how I do it. I've been using this method for a while now, and find that it's by far the most controlled method of folding and unfolding for me. I've done it on everything from 1/8" to 1" blades, and I can't see myself doing it any other way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btOSZNjWMyk

The only thing I do differently is I don't bother to hook it under my belt when folding. I believe he's folding a 1 1/2" blade, so that may be nescessary for him to get the required leverage, but I handle even my 1" blade without hooking, no problem.

[Al Navas]

John,

THAT is the best way I have seen to handle the largest blades. I will try it in the morning - thanks for looking it up, and for posting the link!

.

[John Coloccia]

It was actually my 1" blade that put me in search of a better method. Chuck and duck didn't work. The 1" blade wouldn't uncoil. It frustratingly just sat in a coil on the ground no matter how I threw it, and there was NO WAY I was going to partially uncoil a 143"X1" blade before tossing it. That thing will take your head off if you're not careful. A kind soul came to the rescue and showed me this technique.

[Chris Padilla]

The 5-coilers are tough(er) to undo under control so they get tossed in the front yard.

[glenn bradley]

Now the question is "how do you unfold a bandsaw blade so that it doesn't spring free and smack you in the face?" Anyone have tips on this?

My smaller saw's blades I just open by hand as there is little "spring". The larger saw's blades I toss out onto the lawn.

[Brian Kincaid]

Finally tried the fold trick. Here is what I learned:

1) It was not clear to me the direction of the teeth when putting the second part under your foot. The first part is tooth out, second part is tooth in (they face each other).

2) You pull the loops across each other and it's done. I am definitely doing it this way from now on. When complete the teeth are down so careful not to bash the floor with them.

-Brian

[Paul Atkins]

I am tempted to throw mine to the barking dog next door and let him uncoil them for me. Probably only work once.

[Bruce Page]

An easier method to fold a blade is to place the blade under your foot as shown, teeth outward, and grasp the top of the blade with one hand, palm down, and turned with your fingers back toward your body.

As you turn your hand around, and turn your palm up, simply lower the blade. It will automatically fold into 3 loops. It doesn't take two hands, and your don't get your face in the midst of a coiled blade.

This is hard to put into words, but I have used this method for decades.

And, I use the "throw it on the ground" method of unfolding the blade - like apparently everyone else!!

That's exactly the way I've been doing it for....decades

[Myk Rian]

Another thread discussing 5 fold blades.
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=136518