Bandsaw speed test

[Bud Millis]

Anyone know of a good way to measure bandsaw rpm? I have a variable speed bandsaw (older unit) and would like to ID the various speeds in the high speed setting. Also to make sure its turning where its suppose to be. I'm thinking of the bottom wheel with some kind of laser/photo sensor.

Thanks

[Stephen Cherry]

I would post this in the turning forum

[Chris Parks]

RPM can be measured with hand held tachometers https://www.google.com/#hl=en&sclient=psy-ab&q=hand+held+tacho&oq=hand+held+tacho&gs_l=hp.3..0l4.0.0.1.434.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0..0.0.les% 3B..0.0...1c..5.psy-ab.Jpl9F7bAiwc&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.43148975,d.dGY&fp=500f3db56a48d0e4&biw=1362&bih=583

[Richard McComas]

Maybe something like this.

http://www.wrainc.com/surface_feet_tachometer.html

[M Toupin]

IF you know the motor RPM and the diameter of your pulleys it's just a matter of doing the math. Here's a calculator that should make it even easier.

http://vintagemachinery.org/math/sfpm.aspx

Mike