Just to check my math, what would be the psi per.001 if the dial is located 5.25″ from the hinge and the blade is located 1.75″ from the hinge. 5.25″/1.75″ = 3 so assuming a simple pivot and a very small angle of rotation the gauge would measure about 3 units for each unit of blade stretch so the 0.001 gauge deflection would indicate the actual blade stretch of 0.001″/3 = 0.000333″. BTW, the Starrett instructions indicate to put a little load on the gentle spring in the gauge before clamping to the blade to take up any play in the gauge.
The EZtension bandsaw blade tension gauge aims to eliminate this inconsistency. In the blade contacts the central setting screw with increasing force until one of the magnets releases from the blade. These are all conveniently stored in the body of the gauge itself, which can be simply left attached to the blade at the end of the session, where its bright orange colour will serve as a visual cue to re-tension the blade prior to use.
Increase the tension of your blade until one of the magnets detaches from the blade. A bonus feature of the EZTension gauge is that you can place the gauge on the blade, release tension and the next time you need the bandsaw you’ll have a visual reminder to re-tension the blade. The original will fit on bandsaws with at least a 6″ depth of cut and blade widths from 1/4″ to 3/4″. The mini version will fit bandsaws that have a 4″ depth of cut and blade widths from 1/8″ to 3/8″. One note of importance is that the gauge only works on carbon steel blades and not bi-metal blades due to their magnetic properties.
bandsaw blade tension gauge reviews Related Question:
What should the tension be on a bandsaw blade?
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.
How tight should 14 inch bandsaw blade be?
If you own one of the many consumer bandsaws with a wheel diameter of 14 in. or less, then I would use a blade no wider than 1/2 in. for resawing and tension it until the tension spring is nearly compressed.
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.
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.
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.
Why won’t my bandsaw cut straight?
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.
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.
Is tension and gauge the same thing?
Tension is defined as the state of being stretched, or mental or emotional strain. Basically, the amount of force being applied to a thing. Gauge is defined as the thickness, size, or capacity of something, especially as a standard measure, in particular, or an object used to measure this quantity.