To "turn a bandsaw blade inside out" in the context of preparing it for use means to correctly orient its cutting teeth, ensuring they point in the proper direction for efficient and safe operation on the bandsaw. This reorientation is achieved through a simple, specific manipulation of the blade.
Understanding Bandsaw Blade Orientation
When handling or storing bandsaw blades, they are often coiled. Depending on how they were coiled or their current state, the teeth might not be facing the ideal direction for immediate installation onto a bandsaw. The phrase "turning a bandsaw blade inside out" refers to the process of adjusting its orientation so that the teeth are correctly aligned for cutting.
Why Proper Tooth Direction Matters
- Effective Cutting: Bandsaw blades are designed to cut in one specific direction. Incorrect tooth orientation will result in no cutting action or extremely poor performance.
- Blade Longevity: Running a blade "backward" or improperly oriented can damage the teeth, dulling the blade prematurely.
- Safety: A correctly oriented blade reduces the risk of the workpiece binding or kicking back, enhancing user safety.
The "Twist" Method for Reorientation
Based on practical application, reorienting a bandsaw blade's teeth involves a straightforward twisting motion.
How to Reorient Your Bandsaw Blade
- Hold the Blade: Grasp a section of the bandsaw blade firmly with both hands, ensuring you have enough slack to perform a twist without kinking the blade.
- Apply a Quick Twist: Give the blade a rapid, decisive twist. This action is akin to how you might twist a rubber band. The goal is to flip the cutting edge of the blade along a section.
- Check Tooth Direction: After the twist, observe the teeth. The desired outcome is for the teeth to be pointed "down on the right hand side" when viewed from the correct perspective for installation on a bandsaw. This indicates the blade is now correctly oriented.
- Ready for Installation: Once the teeth are pointing in the proper direction, the bandsaw blade is prepared and ready to be safely installed onto your bandsaw.
This simple "twist" maneuver ensures that the blade's teeth are facing the correct way to engage the material and cut effectively, moving it from what might be considered an "inside out" or incorrect orientation to the proper working setup.
