ok, here’s the situation: I have a Ryobi 9″ bandsaw that has no gauge of any sort to tell you how much to tension. how do I tension it correctly? I dont really want to go and get a tension caliper, but may get and aftermaket crank w/ gauge. Is that a good option? will it fit a 9″?
As an after-thought, can I get a riser block for something like this that has a soil cast iron back side of the body?
There’s enough youth in this world, how ’bout a fountain of SMART??!!
Edited 4/10/2008 10:53 pm ET by andyfew322
Replies
Andy, like someone mentioned on the other bandsaw thread, I use "the flutter method". This method is the one recommended by the manufacturers of Timberwolf blades which, they claim, require less tension. (And they seem like pretty good blades to me -- but I'm no bandsaw expert by any means, since I hardly use mine.)
IIRC, you clear the guides from the blade, align the blade and run the saw. Release tension gradually until the blade just begins to flutter. Once you see this, tighten the tension until the flutter goes away and then give another 1/2 turn. Reset the guides and you're good to go.
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
"Optimal" blade tension is highly overrated. Along with the flutter method, here's another one: Loosen the guides and raise the upper guide as high as it will go. Relax the tension on the blade. With your index finger, press sideways at the middle of the exposed part of the blade and note how far you can deflect it with moderate pressure. Now increase the blade tension until the deflection is no more than about 1/4" (maybe 3/16" in your case, since your saw is small). You're all set.
-Steve
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