How to Twist Band Saw Blade for Storage?
Twisting a band saw blade for compact storage is a fundamental skill for woodworkers, significantly improving safety and organization. The most common and effective method involves a specific "figure-eight" twist, which collapses the long, circular blade into three manageable loops.
The Standard Figure-Eight Method for Folding Band Saw Blades
Folding a band saw blade requires caution due to its inherent tension and sharp teeth. Always prioritize safety by wearing appropriate protective gear.
Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to safely folding your band saw blade:
- Prepare Your Workspace: Find an open, clear area to work in, free from any obstructions.
- Don Protective Gear: Crucially, put on heavy-duty gloves (like thick leather work gloves) and safety glasses to protect against cuts and springing blades.
- Initial Grip and Positioning:
- Hold the band saw blade with both hands, about arm's length apart.
- Ensure the sharp teeth are facing away from your body.
- Position one hand near a weld joint on the blade and the other hand roughly opposite it.
- Forming the First Loop:
- Slowly bring your hands closer together. The blade will naturally begin to form a large, single loop in front of you.
- As your hands approach each other, the blade should cross over itself, creating the initial part of the figure-eight.
- Initiating the Twist:
- While maintaining your grip and the large loop, begin to twist one hand (e.g., your right hand) in a clockwise motion.
- Simultaneously, gently push that hand towards your other hand.
- As you twist and push, the blade will start to form a distinct figure-eight shape, with two crossover points.
- Compacting the Loops:
- Continue the twisting and pushing motion with steady pressure. The two loops of the figure-eight will naturally fold in on themselves.
- This action will create a third, smaller loop, resulting in three compact circles nested together. The blade's internal tension will assist this final collapse.
- Securing the Fold:
- Once the blade is fully folded into three interlocked loops, immediately secure it. Use a zip tie, twist tie, or a piece of wire threaded through the loops to prevent the blade from springing open unexpectedly. This ensures it remains in its compact form for storage.
Essential Safety Precautions and Practical Tips
- Always wear safety gear: Gloves and eye protection are non-negotiable. The blade can release stored energy suddenly.
- Execute slowly and deliberately: Rushing the process increases the risk of losing control and potential injury.
- Practice for proficiency: It may take several attempts to master the technique. Consider practicing with a dull or less expensive blade first.
- Securely Store Folded Blades: Once folded, keep blades in a dedicated, dry, and safe location, away from children or situations where they could be accidentally disturbed.
An Unconventional Storage Suggestion (A Humorous Perspective)
While the figure-eight twist is the accepted and safest method for band saw blade storage, some advice on blade management can be, shall we say, less conventional. As humorously noted in a woodworking tip video, "you could follow the advice of one of my favorite baseball players Bob Uecker just throw it on the floor. And wait for it to stop rolling. And pick it up." While this "method" is certainly not practical or safe for managing sharp blades, it serves as a lighthearted reminder of the challenges inherent in handling these tools and the importance of adopting proper, secure storage techniques.
Benefits of Folding Band Saw Blades for Storage
- Space Efficiency: Dramatically reduces the space required for storage, allowing you to neatly organize multiple blades in drawers, on shelves, or in toolboxes.
- Enhanced Safety: A securely folded blade significantly minimizes the risk of accidental cuts during handling, transportation, or while retrieving other tools.
- Improved Portability: Makes it much easier and safer to transport blades without them tangling or becoming a hazard.
By mastering the figure-eight twist, woodworkers ensure their band saw blades are not only safely stored but also readily accessible and well-maintained.
