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How To Flip a Bandsaw Blade

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Not every bandsaw runs the same way. Some saws cut with the teeth facing to the left, and some cut with the teeth facing to the right. If your blade is in the wrong orientation for your saw, it will not cut, and it can be ruined in seconds. In this short video, Kenneth Oyer from Sawblade.com explains normal and reverse rotation saws and shows you how to flip your blade the right way.

Understanding the Importance of Proper Bandsaw Blade Handling

Getting the blade orientation right is one of the most important steps before you start cutting. It only takes a few seconds to check, and it can save you a brand new blade.

Normal vs Reverse Rotation Saws

There are two types of bandsaws:

  • Normal rotation saws: the blade is angled with the teeth facing to the left. Most bandsaws work this way.
  • Reverse rotation saws: the blade is angled with the back of the blade toward you and the teeth facing to the right. FEMI machines are one example.

Sawblade.com blades ship in the normal orientation (teeth facing left) unless you ask for something different.

Why the Wrong Orientation Ruins a Blade

If the teeth face backwards on your saw, the blade will go dull right away. One cut in the wrong direction can destroy the blade. That is why it is so important to check the orientation every time you install a new blade.

Preparing for Blade Handling

Before you check or flip your blade, take a minute to get ready.

Safety First: Gloves and Safety Glasses

Wear gloves that fit well and give you a good grip, plus a pair of safety glasses. A bandsaw blade is sharp and holds tension, so it can move fast when you flip it.

Know Your Saw Before You Start

Check whether your saw is a normal rotation or reverse rotation machine. Look in your saw manual or check the direction arrow on the saw. If you are not sure, contact our customer service team and we will help you out.

Checking Your Bandsaw Blade Orientation

Before you put the blade on your saw, compare the direction of the teeth to the direction your saw runs.

A Blade Cannot Be Welded Backwards

Some people think their blade was welded the wrong way. This cannot happen. A bandsaw blade cannot be welded backwards. It can only be turned in the wrong orientation, and that is easy to fix.

How to Tell If Your Blade Needs to Be Flipped

If the teeth point the opposite way from how your saw runs, your blade is in the wrong orientation. Do not start cutting. Flip the blade first, using the steps below.

Safely and Correctly Flipping Your Bandsaw Blade

Flipping a blade to reverse its orientation takes just a few seconds and no tools.

How to Reverse the Orientation of Your Blade

  1. Hold the blade in front of you in one large loop.
  2. Place both thumbs on the top of the blade and push down.
  3. Fold the blade out and away from you.
  4. Bring the rest of the blade through. The blade will flip.

Your blade is now in the opposite orientation. Check the teeth one more time before you install it on your saw.

For a more detailed look at this step, see our guide on How to Properly Flip Your Bandsaw Blade.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a normal and reverse rotation bandsaw?

On a normal rotation saw, the blade teeth face to the left. On a reverse rotation saw, like FEMI machines, the back of the blade faces you and the teeth face to the right.

Which orientation do Sawblade.com blades ship in?

Our blades ship in the normal orientation, with the teeth facing left, unless you ask for something different.

Can a bandsaw blade be welded backwards?

No. A blade cannot be welded backwards. It can only be in the wrong orientation, and you can fix that by flipping it.

What happens if I cut with my blade in the wrong orientation?

The blade will go dull right away. Cutting with the teeth facing backwards can destroy a new blade.

How do I flip my bandsaw blade?

Push down on the top of the blade with both thumbs, fold it out and away from you, and bring the rest of the blade through. The blade will flip to the opposite orientation.

Do I need tools to flip a bandsaw blade?

No. You only need your hands, a pair of gloves, and safety glasses.

Conclusion

Before you start cutting, always make sure your blade orientation matches your saw. Most saws run with the teeth facing left, and reverse rotation saws run with the teeth facing right. If your blade is the wrong way, flip it in a few seconds with your thumbs. This simple check can save you a brand new blade.

For more tips on bandsaw blades, check out these articles:

We hope this guide helps you set up your bandsaw blades with confidence.