woodsac Posted January 12, 2005 Report Share Posted January 12, 2005 Anybody have a rule of thumb on bandsaw blade tension? All that the book says is to tighten it until you can't move the blade side to side more then 1/8" by hand. That seems loose. The blade seems like it wants to bog down and twist when I'm making the cuts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROBZILLA Posted January 12, 2005 Report Share Posted January 12, 2005 thought of getting a scroll saw they are cheap and you can do a 0 degree cut no problem. Robby. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
out2llunge Posted January 12, 2005 Report Share Posted January 12, 2005 One of the biggest mistakes most people make when adjusting blade tension is that they ignore the lower guides. That said, when I adjust the tension I insert a slip of paper (fold it once or twice) or a matchbook cover between the blade and the guide. You can also use feeler gauges if you have them. Adjust both the upper AND lower guides (below the table) to the same settings. Also, the real blade tension must be adjusted using the tensioning knob that's usually located on the top of the saw. For that setting, I usually make it fairly tight, but with some minimal lateral movement. Lastly, don't forget to adjust the tracking of the blade. If all of those settings have been made the saw should perform much better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodsac Posted January 12, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 12, 2005 I've adjusted everything mentioned. But I think that's part of the problem. I read several articles that said to use a small spacer with the guides. One of the biggest mistakes most people make when adjusting blade tension is that they ignore the lower guides. That said, when I adjust the tension I insert a slip of paper (fold it once or twice) or a matchbook cover between the blade and the guide My manual says to adjust the guides until they are barely touching the blade And leave the rear roller guide 1/32" away (I think). See what I'm saying, it says to leave about a paper width (folded) in the rear but not on the side guides? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
out2llunge Posted January 12, 2005 Report Share Posted January 12, 2005 Sorry, I forgot about those rear rollers too! I would adjust everything so that a piece of paper barely fits between including the rollers and side guides. Have you tried adjusting the tracking? You might need to readjust rollers and guides after. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodsac Posted January 12, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 12, 2005 Actually, I had to adjust the tracking. I tightened the tension so much, that when I went to turn it by hand, the blade popped off :oops: So I started from scratch and adjusted everything. I'll try what you recommended tonight. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tally Posted January 12, 2005 Report Share Posted January 12, 2005 Woodsac, here are two sites that might help you out. The directions that come with ban saws are horrible for the beginner. Hope this helps you understand the set up a little more. http://www.houseoftools.com/content/houseoftoolscom/pdf/BandSawBlade.pdf http://www.americanfurnituredsgn.com/Band%20Saw%20Tune-up%20Dec%2003.htm Tally Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodsac Posted January 12, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 12, 2005 Thanks Tally! That 2nd link provided lots of good info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
