Upgrade a Jet 18" BS with quick tension ??

[Bob McCoy]

Is it possible to upgrade an older Jet 18" (5 years) bandsaw with a quick tension bar ? I see the new saw has one, but I do not see any upgrades by anyone for this saw.

Regards,
Bob.

[Bob Genovesi]

Hey Bob,

I'm sure it "can" be done but I don't think one is commercially available or at least I don't recall seeing one.

I have Jet's 18 in bandsaw as well, purchased in 2003. This model has the blade tension wheel directly under the top wheel.

[Pete Bradley]

I recommend you "upgrade" to not detensioning. It will be a lot cheaper and you can do it today.

Pete

[Bob McCoy]

I spoke with someone at the word working show in Sacramento CA today (4/26/09) and They (carter products) will have one out this summer for the Jet 18".

Regards,
Bob.

[Curt Harms]

I recommend you "upgrade" to not detensioning. It will be a lot cheaper and you can do it today.

Pete

I went to a little demo-seminar-whatever at the Allentown PA. Woodcraft. There was a Rikon factory rep there. Their recommendation is if the saw is going to sit for a few hours or overnight, don't worry about detensioning. If the saw is going to sit for several days or more go ahead and detension. Bands can develop a memory like belts and cause compression of the bandsaw tires at 12 o'clock on the top wheel and 6 o'clock on the bottom wheel. FWIW.

Curt

[Pete Bradley]

I doubt a band can really take a "set" that's operationally significant, but I don't think it's unreasonable to detension if the machine's going to sit for a while. A few turns of the handle and you're done and headed out to spend your quick release money on wood. :D

Pete

[jim sauterer]

bob any idea of cost on the kit.thanks jim

[Bob McCoy]

He did not know, since the mechanism will be larger he guessed it would be closer to $200. I assume they have not put a price on it offically yet. He told me to keep checking their website and when it shows up it would be shipping.

Regards,
Bob.

[Arnold E Schnitzer]

I recommend you "upgrade" to not detensioning. It will be a lot cheaper and you can do it today.

Pete+1 I don't get it. For well over a century, there have been bandsaws. Until recently, no one thought they had a problem because their blade stayed under tension. I've had bandsaws for over 30 years, and never de-tensioned. Also never had a problem with tires getting flat spots, springs losing their strength, etc., etc. To my mind, this is a case of a marketer inventing a problem to reap a financial benefit from "curing" it. Of course, if you use a saw once a year, by all means lower the tension. Then, make sure you readjust the guides after bringing it back up. Pardon the rant...