On Friday, April 12, 2019 at 10:58:02 AM UTC-5, wrote:
I have an older bench top Sears band saw. I use it for quick cuts. I
don't use it often.

Since it sit unused for several weeks at a time, should the tension on
the blade be removed for these extended periods of unused?




--
2018: The year we learn to play the great game of Euchre


No, merely loosen the tension on the blade.
You can make a jig to do that for you. All you need is a bracket, a wedge and an all-thread rod. These are all made from scrap around your shop. Make a three sided bracket that will fit on the place where your tensioner adjuster. This does not need to be all that tall. Drill a hole for the all-thread to go through and glue a 1x1 to the backside of the bracket, on top of course. Get a solid 1.25 x1.25 piece about two feet long. About 1.5" back from one end, drill for the all-tread to pass through. Round over the bottom edge of the piece on the front end, so it will be able to pivot up and down. Secure the all-thread against the bar, snug. but not tight. With the bandsaw blade slacked, move the bar up on the wedge iin the back and then put as much tension on the blade as you want to carry. When you slide the bar off the wedge in the back your blade is slacked enough to not cause it to stretch.

Hope it helps.

Deb