tension questions

[KzooRichie]

[PuzzledMoose]

[FRETDUST]

I also have the Dewalt and I would always take the tension off if I were you. Think of it, would you want to be under tension all the time *LOL* Maybe you R.

[kyscroller]

I have a delta but when I get done cutting for the day I always remove the tension and usually remove the blade and put it in my holder.

[Greenfield_Bob]

I don't know if it will hurt them, but I always take the tension off.

Bob

[Marsha]

[miamw]

[Minnesota scroller]

I didn't realize it was bad for a bandsaw. I've never released the tension on my bandsaw, but maybe I should.

[Gill]

Like Mike, I keep my bandsaw under tension permanently. Perhaps this is bad practice but I've never really thought about it.

The scroll saws are another matter. My Hegner came with a big warning in the instructions (we all read instructions carefully, don't we ? ) that the saw should not be kept under tension when not in use. So I work on the principle that what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander and loosen the tension on my other saws when they're not in use too.

Gill

[GrayBeard Phil]

Mike and Gill:

The bandsaw tension:

Per the Bandsaw handbook by Mark Duginske, published by Sterling press, the problem is the bandsaw wheel tires will develop a flat spot, and over time the tension spring will lose its stiffness.

A Flat spot on the bandsaw wheels is a place where saw dust can accumulate. That may result in "flutter" .

The spring losing its stiffness makes the blade tension scale very inaccurate. You could run out of tension and spring range when installing a re-saw blade.

Replacing the tension spring is no big deal. In fact now there are third party after market replacement springs that are sold as "New and Improved."

However, replacing a band saw wheel rubber tire is a real big deal. This is a full Saturday event the first time you try it. Not hard, just time consuming. All kinds of jigs to make. A real PITA.

Phil

[Gill]

Thanks Phil - time to 'detune' my bandsaw, methinks .

Gill

[Minnesota scroller]

Yeah, thanks Phil. I'm going to run out to my garage right now and loosen the tension. We appreciate the info.

[KzooRichie]

Failing to release tension on a bandsaw is also bad for the bearings.

[will8989]

I'll pass this info onto my hubby. He maintains the bandsaw and I remember a conversation (vaguely) about tension on the bandsaw when not in use but don't remember what he did about it, if anything. Infact more I think about it I doubt he did anything because I just put my wood on it and start cutting without doing anything. As for the wheels, he did replace them not too long ago with the new ones on the market and it did take him about 3 hours!

Betty

[unixpro]

I always tension both my scroll and band saws as high as I can before using them. A stiff blade is essential to a good, straight through cut.

When I'm done, I release the tension. On the scrollsaw, I also release the top of the blade holder.