On 10/28/2012 7:33 AM, wrote:
Make a DIY bandsaw tension gauge:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iAkRLvLAvI

Apparently, I have been applying way too little tension on my blades. Now I have a much better idea of where I should be w/ tension.

(I was never a big fan of the pluck and listen for a tone technique.)



Good information and findings but how about a tension warning indicator
that lets you know when to retention during sawing operation. When the
blade warms up from simply spinning it will stretch, more when cutting,
and then less when not cutting.

While we all would like to be able to narrow this down to an exact
science temperature changes every thing.

On my saw the tension gauge is on the exterior in plain site while
cutting. Most saws require you to turn off the saw and open up the
wheel cover to recheck tension. I find it quite common to have to
retention considerably after only a few minutes of sawing and after a
few minutes of cooling down the blade is over tensioned.

Something to think about.