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paul vechart
08-04-2012, 9:36 PM
I have a 15" General bandsaw that uses a 100" blade. If I use a 99" or a 99.75" blade will the tension scale reading be off or does the tension spring compensate for the variation in blade lengths.

Thanks,

Paul

Bill Davis
08-04-2012, 9:51 PM
I do not think the tension scale is affected by the blade length. Only by the force applied by the spring. Not exactly sure how the tensioning apparatus is set up on the General but on my Delta it would not depend on the length of blade so assume that is relative standard amoung brands.

Andy Wojteczko
08-04-2012, 11:13 PM
I just put a 99" blade on my 490.
As Bill said. The tension is not affected by the blade length.
Andy

Myk Rian
08-05-2012, 8:51 AM
You use the tension scale?
I never trust those.

Bill White
08-05-2012, 11:04 AM
The tension scale is just a rough guide. I tension with the "deflection" method on my Grizz BS. Works for me.
Google band saw tensioning for tons of info.
Bill

James Heisbert
08-06-2012, 10:55 AM
I don’t think the length of the blade affects the tension. In fact, smaller band saws use almost the same tension on their blades.