Band saw tensioning knob

[Bob Rufener]

I have been very satisfied with my Jet 14" band saw except I find the tensioning knob to be a pita. The knob stands about 3/4 inch above the housing of the saw and is about 2 1/2 inches in diameter. I find it difficult to adjust the tension with this wheel because the size is too small for my hands. Has anyone found a larger knob or handle that works or a crank device that could be put on the saw to make the tensioning adjust ment easier? Thanks for any help.

[Cecil Arnold]

Bob, first welcome to the creek. When I had my Jet 14" I also found the knob to be a pain. I replaced it with a crank handle that I got at either Woodcraft or Rockler, can't remember which. The crank was higher if memory serves, and since it was easy I seemed to remember to detention the blade at the end of a session.

[Dave Falkenstein]

I have this one on my Jet 14" saw and it works really well:

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10742&filter=20410

[Mike Goetzke]

Bob - if your a do-it-yourself type you can replace the short threaded rod with a longer one and attach a crank on top. I have a HF 14" BS and it had a 10mm threaded rod with a square nut. I bought a 3/8" longer threaded rod and found a square nut at the hardware store. You will need to grind one end of the rod to a point (use the old one as a template). Then just make or buy a handle. If you want a picture PM me.

Also, I havn't gotten around to it yet but if you buy a few parts from Grizzly and make a few on your own you can make a quick tension release like the Grizzly has.

Mike

[Ed Bamba]

Bob - if your a do-it-yourself type you can replace the short threaded rod with a longer one and attach a crank on top. I have a HF 14" BS and it had a 10mm threaded rod with a square nut. I bought a 3/8" longer threaded rod and found a square nut at the hardware store. You will need to grind one end of the rod to a point (use the old one as a template). Then just make or buy a handle. If you want a picture PM me.

Also, I havn't gotten around to it yet but if you buy a few parts from Grizzly and make a few on your own you can make a quick tension release like the Grizzly has.

Mike

Mike, is this what you are referring to http://bt3gallery.fhauto.com/view_album.php?set_albumName=album53&page=1 if so, do you have a list of the part numbers that are needed? I downloaded the parts diagram, but not sure if I have all the correct numbers selected. It'll be less costly than purchasing the kit, and you only have to drill and tap three holes.

Take care,
Ed

[Alex Berkovsky]

Mike, is this what you are referring to http://bt3gallery.fhauto.com/view_album.php?set_albumName=album53&page=1 if so, do you have a list of the part numbers that are needed? I downloaded the parts diagram, but not sure if I have all the correct numbers selected. It'll be less costly than purchasing the kit, and you only have to drill and tap three holes.Ed,
I think I saw a picture of Mike's tensioning knob - he just replaced his with a long 3/8" threaded rod (HD sells it) and a big round wheel on top of it.
The link that you refering to in the BT3Central photo gallery is showing Grizzly BS tensioning parts.


Item, Part#, Quantity, Description
33, P0555033, 1, Tension Knob Bolt
133, P0555133, 1, Lever Rod
135, P0555135, 1, Bushing
137, P0555137, 1, Bracket
140, P0555140, 2, Support Plate
141, P0555141, 1, Fixed Base

131, P0555131 - 130A, 130B, 131A, 131B (ask if all 4 parts are included)


134, PW01M, 6, Flat Washer 8MM
136, PSB82M, 1, Button Cap Screw M8-1.25x20
138, PB15M, 2, Hex Bolt M8-1.25x40
139, P0555139, 2, Nylon Nut M8-1.25
142, PLW04M, 2, Lock Washer 8MM
143, PB09M, 1, Hex Bolt M8-1.25x20


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[Tyler Howell]

Give Lou down at Inturra (sp) Design a call he as a large knob with acme thread that is great for that saw. Pick up a heavy duty spring while your at it.

[Ed Bamba]

Alex,
Thanks for the response and the P/N list. I'll bump it with the diagram I have and see if my assumptions were correct. I thought when Mike mentioned parts for the Grizzly quick tension release, he was referring to the detensiong assembly found on the Grizz. Maybe I misread his post.

Thanks again and take care,
Ed

[Jim Becker]

Here is a picture of how I equipped the Jet 14" saw I used to own...$4 off a Woodcraft "bargain" table a number of years ago. Since the bore was so large, I took the original knob, mounted it on my lathe, and turned it down to provide a stub for the new, larger knob to fit.