harry strasil
01-14-2008, 2:10 AM
Do you release the tension on your bandsaw blade when its not in use?
This is the simple way I do mine.
Picture 1 shows the factory tensioning screw.
http://traditionaltools.us/cms/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10014/bndsw_tnsn_01.jpeg
picture 2 shows a 2.5 inch long piece of old hard scrap oak, the right end is 5/8" wide and 3/4" high, the left side has a short taper from 5/8" to 7/8", this is the tensioning wedge.
http://traditionaltools.us/cms/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10014/bndsw_tnsn_02.jpeg
picture 3 shows the 3/8 mortise and undercut on the end of an 18 inch long piece of 1" by 1.25" piece of scrap oak, the other end is rounded on all sides for a handle.
http://traditionaltools.us/cms/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10014/bndsw_tnsn_03.jpeg
picture 4 shows the mortice being slipped under the factory adjusting knob in the detensioned state.
http://traditionaltools.us/cms/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10014/bndsw_tnsn_04.jpeg
picture 5 shows the handle pulled down to tension the blade and the wedge slipped under the tension screw for the proper tension.
http://traditionaltools.us/cms/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10014/bndsw_tnsn_05.jpeg
It takes about 15 seconds to detension or tension the blade and is simple and fool proof, you can add tension using the factory screw anytime if needed by just turning it normally. The handle is stored on the base of the saw so its not in the road all the time.
This is the simple way I do mine.
Picture 1 shows the factory tensioning screw.
http://traditionaltools.us/cms/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10014/bndsw_tnsn_01.jpeg
picture 2 shows a 2.5 inch long piece of old hard scrap oak, the right end is 5/8" wide and 3/4" high, the left side has a short taper from 5/8" to 7/8", this is the tensioning wedge.
http://traditionaltools.us/cms/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10014/bndsw_tnsn_02.jpeg
picture 3 shows the 3/8 mortise and undercut on the end of an 18 inch long piece of 1" by 1.25" piece of scrap oak, the other end is rounded on all sides for a handle.
http://traditionaltools.us/cms/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10014/bndsw_tnsn_03.jpeg
picture 4 shows the mortice being slipped under the factory adjusting knob in the detensioned state.
http://traditionaltools.us/cms/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10014/bndsw_tnsn_04.jpeg
picture 5 shows the handle pulled down to tension the blade and the wedge slipped under the tension screw for the proper tension.
http://traditionaltools.us/cms/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10014/bndsw_tnsn_05.jpeg
It takes about 15 seconds to detension or tension the blade and is simple and fool proof, you can add tension using the factory screw anytime if needed by just turning it normally. The handle is stored on the base of the saw so its not in the road all the time.