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Good Hope Hardwoods - Walnut Slabs & Specialty Hardwood Lumber

Band Saw Blade Tension?

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Band Saw Blade Tension?

#1

Band Saw Blade Tension?

Brint K in Atlanta

>I just installed a new Iturra spring in my 14" Delta bandsaw since my OEM spring was bottoming out when I tried to tension it for resawing. The Iturra literature reads, "We recommend a maximum tension of 15,000 psi for the 1/2" wide blade of any type on the Delta 14" bandsaw" (I'm using the 1/2" Woodslicer).

Since I was dissembling the bandsaw a little bit, I thought I'd pick up my copy of Lonnie Bird's The Bandsaw Book for some guidance on maintaining my cool blocks (I'm still pretty much of a novice on the bandsaw). In this he says (in several places) that spring steel blades (which is what the Woodslicer is) require 25,000 psi.

Now, I doubt I'm expert enough to know (or make) any difference in cut quality by changing tension levels. I do notice that the Iturra is much stiffer than the OEM spring. But now I'm wondering: just how tight (according to the scale on the bandsaw) should I be tensioning my Woodslicer for resawing? (And yes, I always release the tension after sawing).

Thanks --

Re: Band Saw Blade Tension?

#2

Re: Band Saw Blade Tension? *LINK*

D Hess

>Go to Timberwolf Bandsaw blades for an excellent article for tensioning your B S blades.Also a good article in the new Woodworkers Journal.


http://www.woodcraft.com/articles.aspx?articleid=391

Re: Band Saw Blade Tension?

#3

I am probably wrong but

Don Henthorn

>I thought those instructions were for the Timberwolf blades and not necessarily applccable to other makes. Can someone correct me?

Re: Band Saw Blade Tension?

#4

appliccable

Don Henthorn

>

Re: Band Saw Blade Tension?

#5

Re: I am probably wrong but

Falberg saw Co

>The "flap factor" adjustment works for any blade as a starting point, but not for every cut. If you're using an inadequate blade for the job at hand you'll need even more tension, regardless of what brand you're using. Proper tension is relative to cut depth, species, and hardness. If you're using an appropriate blade with the appropriate set angle and pitch the "flap factor" test works just fine and your saw will run with optimal efficiency. All else being equal, bi-metal and carbide-tipped blades will require more tension because of their lower beam strength; so in these cases do the "flap" test and then add a few more turns on the crank. The "flap test" satisfies the machine's minimum requirements but not necessarily the job's requirements.

Re: Band Saw Blade Tension?

#6

Hey Falberg Saw Co.

George@Colonel's Workshop-Havertown PA

>Dear Falberg Saw Company,

I am glad you post to threads like this. Your information is very worthwhile. Thanks.

George

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