On 10/28/2012 9:41 AM, wrote:
On Sunday, October 28, 2012 10:14:13 AM UTC-4, Leon wrote:
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.

That never occurred to me. That's is a very valid point regarding the effects of temperature. How about an internal blade cooling system that maintains 25 C?



Ok I have the solution. On a saw with the typical pointer indicating
tension you mount a mercury switch. 3 wire mercury switch. When the
pointer moves one direction as the blade warms up the switch tilts and a
tension motor begins to increase tension until the mercury switch is
again in a neutral position. As the blade cools and the pointer moves
in the opposite direction the switch indicates to loosen tension.
You zero the mercury switch when you initially adjust the blade tension.

What could be more simple? :~)