powermatic bandsaw

[Chris Payne]

I bought me a new powermatic bandsaw at the end of the year last year. I can not get use to letting the pressure off of my blade each time I use it. So anymore I don't even give it a second thought. Am I doing any damage to my saw by ignoring this ??

[Terry Haynes]

Depends on how you feel about replacing one or several parts over time. I have replaced bearings, wheels, motor shafts etc. This was on Powermatic Band Saws back in the day.

[David Ragan]

the most cogent reason I have heard for this is the tension of the blade on the wheels making an impression in the tire--but that would average out over time, right?

I goes weeks without using my MM16, and always detension it.

[mark kosse]

chris, i have 5 bandsaws at home and 3 more at work. the oldest is a 1951 crescent delta 20". none of them have ever had tension removed. im not saying im right, just i dont have problems. mark

[Mike Heidrick]

No issues leaving tension on my mm20.

[Kent A Bathurst]

i leave it alone on my classic-design delta 14" cast iron c-frame.....no issues

[Rod Sheridan]

Chris, I have never seen anyone in industry de-tension a band saw after using it except to change the blade.

Don't worry about it............Rod.

[Jeff Ramsey]

The only reason I de-tension my modern era PM 14" when it sits unused for a while, is because I don't think it has a frame sturdy enough to handle tension over a long period of time without potentionally damaging it (there's a reason why a quick-release tension bar is on the saw). When I upgrade to a Felder, or MM, I won't be concerned about it.