Band Saw Blade Tensioning

[Mac Cambra]

I am wondering what the n=best method is for accurately tensioning band saw blades. Obviously a meter is the likely answer, I guess I am wanting recommendation for an accurate and economical meter?

Thanks

[Dave Falkenstein]

This is the method I use - see the first "rule":

http://www.suffolkmachinery.com/six_rules.asp

[Nick Clayton]

I'm new to the world of band saws and have started to drive myself crazy in an attenpt to undertsand the proper setup of the machine and tensioning of the blade; I'm compulsive by nature. I have found a lot of folks "pluck" while others look for "flutter" then tension until it dissapears. Being as unexperienced as I am with no one to show me the ropes I need something a little more concrete.

In an effort to avoid getting caught up in gizmos I found a neat article in FWW #147 pp- 80-83 called "Shopmade Tension Gauge". I have yet to make it, but when I mentioned it in a post a couple folks noted it worked well.

[Mike Cutler]

Here is a method that works very well, and it's cheap. Plus you should have this tool in the shop anyway. ;)

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=22144

[jerry cousins]

after messing with all the "rules" for tensioning i finally bought a tension meter from louis iturra. he handles 3 meters - i bought his - never have looked back -888-722-7078 - he 's in florida - no web site - but he knows the most about bs's and a good guy to chat with

jerry

[Cecil Arnold]

What Jerry said. A gage is very nice and once you get the feel of what you are looking for you will use it a bit less, usually when you change blade width. Louis runs a class operation and really knows his stuff. It's worth buying something from him just to get his catalog.