Running your bandsaw blade tension too loose can cause your blade to come off track another dangerous situation. Then you adjust the bandsaw blade tension to reflect what the manufacturer recommends the blade tension should be. The bandsaw blade flutter test, my opinion probably one of the best ways to properly set up blade tension.
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.
how to check bandsaw blade tension 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.
How tight should your bandsaw blade be?
The blade should deflect no more than 1/4 in. A good place to begin is to tension the blade until the meter reads proper tension for the next wider blade. For example, if you’re tensioning a 3/8-in.
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.
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.
What causes bandsaw blade drift?
Drift is cause because the blade buckles under the load. You can see that by stretching a ribbon between 2 points and applying a pressure to one of the edges, it will turn sideway easily. A sharp blade and high blade speed will help a lot with that.
Why does my metal bandsaw not cut straight?
Blade is Running in the Wrong Direction Make sure the blade is running in the correct direction. On machines powered by three phases power so it is common to get the wiring reversed and have the blade running the wrong direction. On all vertical blade bandsaws the working portion of the blade should go down.
What is tension gauge?
Push & Pull Tension Gauge This is a multi-purpose dynamometer to measure compression and the competence tension of the measured object by using a head or hook.
How do you fix a bent bandsaw blade?
How to straighten a bandsaw blade? It is risky but if it’s absolutely necessary, a temporary fix to straighten a bandsaw blade can be done by placing it on an anvil and gently tapping it flat with a nylon head hammer/mallet or using a pair of gas pliers to straighten out the blade.