On a machine with screw over spring tensioning, the most common on smaller machines, only really dependable way to set the blade tension is with a blade tension gauge. The machine manufacturer will provide a chart showing how much blade force is generated by any air pressure, and the blade tension in typical blade sizes. Over tightening the blade will shorten the life of the blade wheel rubber, bearings, and blade.
We’ve seen various methods for setting bandsaw blade tension, from fancy gauges to plucking the blade like a guitar string. Turn the tensioning handwheel until the tension gauge is at or a little above the recommended tension for your blade width. With the saw running, slowly release the tension-about 1⁄2 turn of the tensioning wheel at a time-until the blade starts to flutter, as shown at right.
Somebody used a tension gage, and found that the most tension it was possible to put on a 4×6″ horizontal bandsaw by tightening the plastic knob by hand was about half of what the recommended tension should be. You can buy a tension gage to check any saw blade with, but they arent cheap. Really, the reason I tighten the snot out of my bandsaw tensioner is to keep the blade from popping off the drive wheel when the going gets a little bit tough.
Blade Tension Timber Wolf® Silicon steel blades are very stable at low tension or lower tension than what is normally recommended by most saw manufacturers and other blade manufacturers. If a specific cutting application requires that more tension be applied to the blade, such as when resawing large material or cutting green logs, the recommended force for these blades can be increased by as much as 20%. To apply the exact same blade tension each time saws would require a very expensive hydraulic or air strain tensioning system to create a repeatable tensioning method. Timber Wolf® blades from 1/8″ to 2-1/8″ for every cutting application; scroll cutting, curve cutting, ripping, cross-cutting,resawing, milling, metal cutting and Urethane Band Saw Tires.
Most blade manufacturers recommend 15,000 psi to 20,000 psi for a common carbon-steel blade. Unsurprisingly a dull blade will not cut as well as a new sharp blade. When the bandsaw blade is sharp it does not take the operator much force to push the workpiece into the blade and get a cut.
Installing the blade is almost identical to taking it off, but this time you WILL need to re-adjust the upper and lower blade guides and the Thrust Bearing. So install the new blade by placing it on the upper wheel first, then the lower wheel, and now is a good time to take up a bit of slack in the blade. Before you start to align the blade on the wheel, make sure none of guides or thrust bearings are touching the blade … now, spin the upper wheel while adjusting the angle of the blade.
how tight bandsaw blade Related Question:
How do you measure the tension on a bandsaw blade?
Bandsaw blade tension is usually worked out by measuring the elastic stretch (strain) of the blade under tension, and multiplying that by the Young’s modulus of steel and the blade’s cross-sectional aera to get the actual tension.
Should you release tension on a bandsaw blade?
Release blade tension when not in use. That helps prevent blade stretching and deforming the band saw tires, which are likely made of rubber or urethane. A stretched blade will cause the operator to increase blade tension to compensate, increasing blade break risk.
Why do bandsaw blades break?
Even the best blades can fail if there is something else wrong with your bandsaw, and even a small misalignment of bearings or guides can put a twist in the blade as it goes around. Resulting in tension being applied in all the wrong ways which will lead to early breakage.
Why does my bandsaw blade wobble?
The blade on a saw left idle for long periods of time can leave an impression in the rubber tire which might cause erratic tracking. Purchase and install aftermarket replacement tires. (Search for “bandsaw tire” at woodcraft.com.) If you still see a back-and-forth motion, the culprit is probably the wheel itself.
How do you tension a Timberwolf bandsaw blade?
Shut the motor or engine off and wait until the blade comes to a full stop. Add another 10% of tension to the blade by turning the screw-tensioner approximately 1/8 to 1/4 turn. The “flutter test” is now complete and you are now at appropriate tension for that particular blade.
How long should a bandsaw blade last?
On average your bandsaw blade should last 6 months to as long as a few years depending on what your cutting with it. Make sure to match your blade strength and quality to the project and material your cutting.
Why does my bandsaw bounce?
A lack of straightness in either the blade or weld could be causing the blade to bounce. Next, it is important to check the blade tension and make sure that it is high enough to keep blade bounce to a minimum. That way, your blade won?t take as much damage.