“To find the correct tension, you can start with the tension scale on your saw, but you will probably need to fine tune the adjustment. With the saw unplugged, increase the tension on the blade until pushing on the side of the blade with your finger using a moderate amount of force deflects the blade about a 1/4” from its normal position. When too much tension is put on the blade, premature blade breakage and poor tracking can occur, but most important, you can damage your machine by trying to make it reach a blade tension greater than the machine was designed to operate at. The answer is yes, so be careful not to over tension your bandsaw 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.
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.
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.
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.
how to tighten blade on bandsaw Related Question:
How do you fix a wobbling bandsaw blade?
Remove the blade and replace it with another. If the problem goes away, call the blade manufacturer or the retailer where you purchased the defective blade, and ask for a replacement. If the problem persists, check the tires on the wheels.
Why does my bandsaw blade keep coming off?
Blade Tension Is Too Loose The most common reason why the blade is slipping off is that there isn’t enough tension to keep it on. Blades can slowly become loose after years of wear and tear, and eventually, you’ll need to tighten or replace them.
How tight should a tension 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 much tension should a bandsaw blade be?
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.
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 do you maintain a bandsaw blade?
You can help keep your bandsaw in the best condition by following a daily cleaning and lubricating routine, including lightly oiling the bearings where possible, and using an airline to blow away any swarf that has built up in the blade and mechanism.
Can you put a bandsaw blade on upside down?
Typical bandsaw blades can be flipped “inside out” to make the teeth point the other direction. On some knife edge style blades and grit edge blades you can get a fresh sharp cutting edge from a blade this way, just by flipping it inside out.
Which way should the teeth face on a bandsaw?
The teeth on the bandsaw blade should face down so that the cutting action is from the top of the material to the bottom.
Why does my bandsaw mill blade wander?
When you’re sawing a soft wood with hard knots, the engine will slow down each time you hit a knot. If the blade speed drops below about 5000 FPM, the blade will start to wander. The governor will kick in to get the engine back up to speed but by the time that happens you’re through the knot.
Why do bandsaws shake?
A common source of vibrations on commercial bandsaws is that the wheels are not quite round, or at least slightly off center. This is often caused by tires that weren’t evenly stretched when they were put on.
What does the blade guard protect?
Its purpose is to keep the kerf of the cut open or “split” to prevent the workpiece from pinching the blade, or contacting the rear, rising teeth of the blade and thereby causing the blade to throw the workpiece back at the operator. This is known as “kicking back” the workpiece or simply a “kickback”.