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.
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.
The “Flutter” method for setting tension is simple and recommended by blade and saw manufacturers. We’ve seen various methods for setting bandsaw blade tension, from fancy gauges to plucking the blade like a guitar string. After installing the blade, set the upper and lower blade guides as far out as they can go, and remove the throat plate from the table. Center the blade on the wheels, adjusting tracking while turning the top wheel by hand. Turn the tensioning handwheel until the tension gauge is at or a little above the recommended tension for your blade width. Plug the saw in and turn it on, making any final adjustments to blade tracking. 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.
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.
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.
how tight should band saw blade be Related Question:
How much tension should there 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.
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.
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 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 metal 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 is a band saw blade tracked?
Tracking describes the in-plane “front-to-back” motion of a bandsaw as it runs on the bandmill wheels. Bandsaw tracking stability returns the sawblade to its initial position after any in-plane side-to-side displacement caused by a cutting force.
What causes bandsaw 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 does my band saw wander?
The crown of the bandsaw wheels is what keeps the blade in place. The blade will always try to climb to the highest point of the wheel, the top of the crown. 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.
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 much tension should a hacksaw have?
I would endorse the ‘finger tight plus three turns’ recommendation. It is important that the blade is taut. Also the angle of the saw when cutting is important, always use it by sloping the front end downwards, away from you, never upwards.