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.
Don’t go too much more pressure than what’s max on the tire sidewall and eventually the blade tension will overcome the tires outward pressure and the tires will start caving in. Method of applying tension and then use trial and error to determine how much tension you can apply and still be able to adjust the tracking correctly. Now note the compression of the tension spring or the hydraulic pressure or the torque on the tensioning rod or what ever your mill uses to get repeat proper tension in the band.
“Also I’d love to see your blade guides as well, I have some heavy duty can followers that I was going to use for mine, the top would be a cam follower bearing and then the bottom would be aluma-bronze guide for the bottom of the blade and then a hardened race cam follower for the back of the blade, I have an assortment of cam followers from 3/4″ diameter and 3/4″ wide up to 3″ diameter and 2″ wide, I regularly get these from work when we do scheduled preventative maintenance on machines and these parts get changed out regardless if they are worn out or still look brand new. I do know the 3” ones are well over $1200 each because I’ve had to order them before, I’m lucky I get to bring home beer flats of crap like that for $.12 a pound……..
“Baron, Thanks for the comments. I did try a new blade and the first cut was still wavy, so I upped the tension from 6 half turns to 6 1/4 and it cut nice and straight. It was a combination of dull blade and tension I think. Yes, I’m cutting solely Eastern White Pine right now. I read some blogs on the”Woodweb” site since my comment posted here about making too many bark cuts and how it can dull a blade before the cant is made and it made sense. Bcloutier the grit in bark quickly dulls blades and for the reason any log I can handle with a pevi gets flipped so I’m cutting from the fresh cut side to the bark side. Dry old hard logs some times a blade per log green logs of any species a sharp blade with last a long time some times only a couple blades a day.
This is a good reason to not let certain people run a bandsaw mill! Band mills use finesse instead of brute force to cut through logsand blade tension is a good example. While adding blade tension may help a dull blade cut straighter, it also puts more stress on the blade and on the mill. Band mills use finesse instead of brute force to cut through logsand blade tension is a good example.
how tight should a bandsaw mill blade be Related Question:
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.
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 do you tension a timber wolf bandsaw blade?
Start the motor or engine on your saw and bring the blade to full cutting speed. Allow the blade to run for approximately 30 seconds. Once you are satisfied that the blade is stable on the band saw wheels at full speed, very slowly reduce the tension on the blade while watching the blade between the wheels.
Why is my horizontal band saw not cutting straight?
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. This forces the workpiece down into the table.
Why does my bandsaw blade keeps 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 scroll saw blade be?
IF you can move the scroll saw blade with your fingers after installation and tensioning, the blade should be re-tensioned. When properly tensioned, the scroll saw blade should resist any movement when gently twisted or pushed with your fingers.
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 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.