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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The level of tension a blade can withstand is gauged by measuring the amount of force per cross sectional area of the blade, expressed as PSI. How to Set Blade Tension. Carbon blades: The typical tension applied is around 15,000 to 20,000 PSI. Bi metal blades: Require a greater amount of tension to be applied but should not be more than 35,000 PSI. Two blades of different sizes will require different forces to achieve the same PSI. For example, a ½” x.025 blade requires 312.5 lbs of force to achieve 25,000 PSI. A 1″ x.025 blade requires 625 lbs of force to achieve the same 25,000 PSI, twice as much force. 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.
Bandsaw blades require tension to:- provide friction on the blade driving wheel to move the blade. Excessive blade tension can lead not only to premature blade breakage. Blade manufacturers give “Ideal” values for the tension stress for each blade material type usually: Carbon steel blades 14500 – 21750psi, Bimetal blades 24650 – 34800psi.
how tight should a metal bandsaw blade be Related Question:
How tight should my metal cutting 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 metal bandsaw not cut 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 won’t my bandsaw cut metal?
Band saws are not suitable for cutting very thin sheet metal; a rule of thumb suggests the metal to be cut should be thicker than the depth of 3 band saw blade teeth, however they are excellent for cutting thin walled profiles such as box and angle.
Why do bandsaws wander?
Tim Inman: Because band saw blades ride on crowned wheels, they always have a little “camber” angle relative to the vertical axis of the wheel. This causes the blade to tip a little and makes the cut “pull” to the side.
Why does my scroll saw blade keep breaking?
Using too much tension or too little tension while you are sawing is a leading cause of scroll saw blades breaking. Whether you are applying too much tension or too little tension, using improper tension is a surefire way to break your scroll saw blades.