I know that the recommendation is to release the blade tension on a bandsaw when not is use - I read that as "at the end of each day". I am guilty of not doing this, and am wondering if I am the only one guilty of such an infraction.
[OP]
Member
I know that the recommendation is to release the blade tension on a bandsaw when not is use - I read that as "at the end of each day". I am guilty of not doing this, and am wondering if I am the only one guilty of such an infraction.
Regards,
Glen
Woodworking: It's a joinery.
Member
Nope. I even have a quick release lever. Mine is rarely de-tensioned. When it is, I usually turn it on and throw the blade off.
Jay
Jay St. Peter
Member
Yup, I release the tension after every use. Sometimes I'll go weeks without using the bandsaw.
Here's a pic of the saw. I had to put a sign on it to remind me to retension the blade before I use it!
Last edited by Dennis McDonaugh; 05-17-2005 at 5:41 PM.
Dennis
Member
I always release the tension. I have a cardboard sign that I keep on the saw to remind me to set and take off tension.
This is more important if you have a high tension machine and keep it cranked up to 20,000 to 30,000 Lbs. At lower tension, forgeting once in a while is not really a problem.
Richard
Last edited by Richard Wolf; 05-17-2005 at 5:12 PM.
Member
I back mine off a couple complete turns, I figure thats a good comprimise, I just KNOW that if I totally loosened the blade i would forget and turn it on and I just think that would be all bad
Contributor
yep - at the end of each day's use
jerry
jerry
Member
Here is my de-tensioning trick: I ALWAYS de-tension after I am done for the day, and I leave the top door open, so not only does this remind me that something needs attention, but the saw (the famous minimax E16) will not run with the door open. Foolproof (so far).
Contributor
I have been woodworking for about 36 years & never knew anyone that de-tensioned there bandsaws & I did not eather. After I got a MM20 in March & discovered how much tension is on those blades, I started detensioning it. I still do not detension my 14" Delta. Pictured is my reminder to tension the blade.
Moderator
I do most of the time...kinda a CRS issue. I also use a sign to remind me that the tension is off so that I don't start up without dealing with it.
--
The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...
Member
I detension with handy quick-release. I hang the powercord over the quick-release to remind myself to retension. Kinda hard to use it not plugged in!
Member
Yes, I de-tension the blade whenever I'm finished using the saw. I open the upper door on the saw so it won't start as a reminder to put tension on it before starting it up.
"Be true to your work, your word, and your friend." -Henry David Thoreau
Member
I usually detension it..
Sometimes I forget.
Sometimes I forget to retension it.
I'm going to try the sign approach - 8 million creekers can't be wrong!
Member
like the other, I have a sign for my saw. BTW even the industrial saws like my 36" saw clearly state that you are to detension the saw. I also always lower my TS blade.
In Memoriam
Yes and I push in the safety so I won't start it by mistake
"All great work starts with love .... then it is no longer work"
Member
I de-tensioned my MM20 until I forgot to add tension once. I turned on the saw (1 " Lenox Carbide blade) and instantly cut a 4" gash in the top guard as the blade came off. Fine metal shaveings all over the cabnet and table. The noise scared the you know what out of me. I will take a picture and post it.
I currently do not de-tension my saw because I am too stupid to remember to add tension.
Brian
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