Bandsaw blade tension poll

[Phil Thien]

Okay, Tony Ward posted a link to a guitar tuner the other day and said that a number of bandsaw users that use the pluck method in determining tension find they get an "A string" equiv. on the tuner.

I don't know why this topic intrigues me so much. I do find that I've been tuning somewhere between lower E and A for some time (on my saw with no tension meter).

ANYWAY, I thought it would be interesting to get a poll going and have lots of people pluck their blade (on the side opposite the guides) next time they're in the shop and determine the note on the guitar tuner that most closely matches their blade's tone.

If you would also post your bandsaw model (for example, Rikon) and size (for example, 14"), and the blade length (for example, 72") and type (for example, 1/4" wide x 6-tpi), that would help me, as well. Extra points if you have something like a Carter tension meter and can actually post the tension required to get the tones on the scale.

Here is the link to the tuner:
http://www.guitarforbeginners.com:80/onlinetuner.html

BTW, I'm aware that some are dismissive of this technique because larger bandsaws have larger spans and the same blade over the longer span, tensioned to the same amount, will sound lower. Humor me. If nothing else, someone will be able to find someone else posting with the same 14" saw type and the same blade type and compare notes. But I have a theory that the same blade type on a larger saw has to be tensioned more because of the longer span, and the same note (or close to it) will be achieved.

[glenn bradley]

I use the flutter method but, this should be fun ;-)

[Lee Schierer]

I use the flutter method but, this should be fun ;-)

I couldn't pick an A out of a choice of one note without guessing, I tend to tighten min by feel. If it wanders then it get a bit more tension.

[Frederick Wilt]

I'll need to get some help to move my saw up to my office where the computer is.

Once that's done I let you know.

[Jacob Reverb]

I just use the tension gauge on my Rikon 17" and it varies depending on the width of the blade.

[Greg Crawford]

I don't use plucked blades. Are they better?

[Phil Thien]

I just use the tension gauge on my Rikon 17" and it varies depending on the width of the blade.

But, does the sound of the plucked blade vary.

That is, if you put a 1/4" blade on, and tension to the scale, then replace with a 1/2" blade and tension to the scale, do the plucked blades sound similar? And if so, what note from the guitar tuner (linked above) do they make?

[Phil Thien]

I use the flutter method but, this should be fun ;-)

When you think about it, the flutter method is related to the pluck method. And the flutter method that Suffolk suggests correlates with my theory a little.

Say you put a 1/2" blade on a 14" saw. You reduce tension until you observe some flutter, and then apply a little more tension to get rid of that flutter.

Now imagine you were able to move the wheels somewhat further apart and magically lengthen the blade without changing the tension.

Now when you start the saw, you may expect some flutter. That is because the blade is spanning a greater unsupported distance. So if you increase tension to rid yourself of the flutter, does the plucked blade sound the same as it did before you increased the span length?

[Phil Thien]

I don't use plucked blades. Are they better?

Those trying to turn this into a joke will not be privy to my "Unified Theory of Bandsaw Blade Tension" paper, which will be peer reviewed and only made available to those providing useful input.

[Chris Padilla]

Well, I don't pluck my blades. I crank up the tension pretty high and then push on the blade to get about a 1/4" - 3/8" deflection and feel how hard it is to deflect the blade that much. My finger is my gauge, I guess.

I wouldn't know an A from an E from a Z note if they came up and bit me!

[Jeff Mohr]

Those trying to turn this into a joke will not be privy to my "Unified Theory of Bandsaw Blade Tension" paper, which will be peer reviewed and only made available to those providing useful input.

Well then, I tune mine to A sharp....but only using bagpipes.

[Phil Thien]

Well, I don't pluck my blades. I crank up the tension pretty high and then push on the blade to get about a 1/4" - 3/8" deflection and feel how hard it is to deflect the blade that much. My finger is my gauge, I guess.

I wouldn't know an A from an E from a Z note if they came up and bit me!

Okay, there seems to be some confusion about what I want.

I need you to tension your blades however you're accustomed to doing so. Then I want you to pluck the blade a few times and try to remember the tone. Finally, use the link to the guitar tuner I've provided and see if the tone you heard is close to any of the notes on that scale.

The reason behind all this is that many of us that pluck our blades have independently found we're adjusting to approx. the same frequency. Furthermore, it seems to correlate somewhat with the flutter method.

So you say you tension a lot and deflect. Now I'm just wondering what that blade sounds like.

I know this thread seems like a natural for one-liners for some of you. And if you have a real good one, let's hear it. But at the end of the day I need you guys to pluck those blades and complete the poll.

[Chris Padilla]

Ah, thanks for clearing it up, Phil. Weeeellllll, lemmmeee seeeee what I can about pluckin' and listenin'.

[Myk Rian]

I use the flutter method, but my 1/4" on a 14" Delta w/riser is close to a D.

[george wilson]

The question is flawed. I am a guitar maker. The pitch of the blade will vary with the height of the top guide,even if it is exactly the same tension. Also,the thickness and width will produce very different pitches. A strain gauge,which most of us don't have (or need !!!!) is the way to measure tension.