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.
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.
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.
That would no longer be an issue once you ask yourself ‘how tight should a bandsaw blade be’ before using it. In situations whereby you’re using a thicker blade or some other like bimetal and carbide, you’d need to intensify the tension between 25,000 psi and 30,000 psi. Don’t forget to use the right blade for the right task.
how tight should a bandsaw be Related Question:
How much tension should a bandsaw blade have?
For carbon steel toothed blades (cutting blades) this is typically 15,000 to 25,000 PSI. Slitting type blades typically are tensioned in the range of 12,000 to 20,000 PSI. In general bandsaw blades are never tensioned past 35,000 psi.
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 do bandsaw blades break?
Machine Defects 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.
Why do bandsaws wander?
If the wheels are worn and do not have a distinct top to the crown then the blade will not know where to go, and may wander around. This of course can cause poor cut quality and difficulty in setting the guides.
Why can’t I cut a straight line with my bandsaw?
Band Saw: Why won’t my band saw cut straight? When the band saw cuts crooked, a dull blade, improper feeding, loose blade tension or not using a work piece guide could be the cause. Use the rip fence or miter gauge to guide the work piece uniformly through the cutting blade to make straight cuts.
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.
How often do bandsaw blades break?
Some can last under six months, and some can last years! Some of the most important variables to consider are what you are cutting, the condition of the machine and blade, how long you are using the blade, and even how you are feeding the wood through your saw as well.
Why does my bandsaw blade burn the wood?
A majority of issues with wood burning is because of a dull saw blade. These blades may not be sharp enough to efficiently cut the wood, and thus create enough friction to heat and burn the wood. What is this? Dull blades make it more challenging to cut, which causes friction as you pass the wood through.
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.
How fast should a sawmill blade run?
Re: Speed of band blade or Rpms Wood Mizer likes the blade to run at 5800 Surface Feet Per Min. The LT70 Super is the first mill for Wood Mizer than you can adjust the band speed through engine RPM. Frozen and extremely hard and dense wood MAY cut better with a slower band speed.