Blade Tension
Proper blade tension is essential to any cutting operation on the bandsaw. Any time you change blades or remove a blade, you must
To adjust the tension:
1.Adjust the upper and lower guide bearings so the guide bearings are away from the blade. Tighten the jam nut.
2.Lower the upper guide block assembly to the table and tighten.
3.With moderate tension already on the blade, turn the bandsaw ON.
4.If you see the blade start to flutter, increase the tension until the blade stops fluttering, then tighten the tension handle an additional half turn.
If the blade does not flutter, decrease the tension until it begins to flutter, then tighten it to the point that it stops fluttering. Now tight- en the tension handle an additional half turn.
5.Turn the bandsaw OFF. Double check the tracking and blade guides to make sure that they do not need to be adjusted after ten- sioning the blade. Reset the guide bearings and upper blade guide assembly for height.
If the blade does not cut properly, the tension may be incorrect.
After setting the tension, make a note of what the tension gauge reads. See Figure 22. Use this to go back to your tension setting during later ten- sioning and retensioning with that particular blade.
Keep in mind that blades will last longer if you release the tension after every use. Also, new blades will often stretch with use, and not all blades will be exactly the same length. Use the blade tension gauge as a guide for individual blades.
Figure 22. Blade tension gauge.
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18" & 20" Super | |||