Turning a band blade inside out

[Delawhere Jack]

I recently picked up a used Turner Mill. The Turners cut in the opposite direction of most other mills -- the blade turns counter-clockwise as viewed from behind. I mentioned this to my brother when I brought the mill home, he said just turn the blade inside out. The same thing had crossed my mind, but I wasn't sure how that might effect the blade. We turned one inside out, and it seemed to stay round. Does anyone do this?

My mill uses a 12' blade, same as one of the Norwood mills, but turns the opposite direction. I ask because I think most places do not stock a blade for my mill, and they make them to order, which adds 3-5 days. If I could order a "standard" rotation blade and turn it inside out it may help me get blades sooner.

Thanks,
Jack.

[davey duck]

hi ,just get heavy gloves,an uncoiled blade ,step on the bottom and turn the blade inside out,and it will go right on a turner mill and just reverse the blade to sharpen.

[Delawhere Jack]

hi ,just get heavy gloves,an uncoiled blade ,step on the bottom and turn the blade inside out,and it will go right on a turner mill and just reverse the blade to sharpen.

Thanks. I know how to turn them inside out, I'm just asking if doing that may cause problems. Do you do this yourself?

[Delawhere Jack]

Davey, I see now that you run (ran?) a Turner. I'll give it a try next time I order blades.

[barbender]

Just turn them inside out, it doesn't make any difference. The only difference is what side they had up when they welded them. When I get blades from WM, they are ready to go on the mill. When I get blades locally, they weld them the other way, I just turn them inside out. Hope this helps.

[redbeard]

most all blade manufaturers will make your length and if you let them know your mill rotation they will send them ready for your direction. I have ordered blades and didnt pay attention to direction of teeth and you dont get very far cutting into  log.

[thecfarm]

I got a blade from WM for my Thomas. It run the opposite way. I just stepped in the middle of it and turned it around. I did make a drawing on the mill so I can remember what direction the teeth goes.No problem at all.

[bandmiller2]

Jack,not to worry bands go ether way.In fact with a single tooth setter you have to turn them inside out to set the teeth on the outher side. Frank C.

[macpower]

I never thought much about it, just been rolling the blades inside out when needed. Never had an issue other than a chewed up glove or two from doing it. Like thecfarm said, our  6013/6020 Thomas' turn ccw also.

[Delawhere Jack]

most all blade manufaturers will make your length and if you let them know your mill rotation they will send them ready for your direction. I have ordered blades and didnt pay attention to direction of teeth and you dont get very far cutting into  log.

I'd used a fine tooth HSS blade on a skilsaw to cut vinyl siding, and put the blade on backwards as  suggested to get a cleaner cut. Went to a piece of 1/2" plywood with it a couple weeks later and I was baffled why it wouldn't cut.....  :-\

[Delawhere Jack]

Thanks for the info guys.

[Brucer]

The blades are made from a type of spring steel and are naturally straight. You'll see that as soon as you break one. It doesn't matter which way they form a loop -- either way they're bent.