Jack,
I use a strand dynomometer. It is alot more accurate for tensioning.
Jack,
I use a strand dynomometer. It is alot more accurate for tensioning.
I could cry for the time I've wasted, but thats a waste of time and tears.
There are a lot of theoretical ways to tension the saw. As noted above the methods other that the gauge are questionable. I would use a new high quality blade and experiment. For starters I would get a cheap ruler and
stick it on the saw by the spring the same way that the gauge is applied.
Start by compressing the spring half way. That is a good stating point.
From that point experiment with the tension up or down. Make some notes for further reference. The sharper the blade the less tension is needed.
Good luck.....
I understand that this would be making my own gauge for this saw. Good as far as that goes, but I'm missing something here....What would I make notes of? I still don't see any way to accurately measure the tension. If I could borrow an accurate gauge (there must be such a beast), I can see how this would work to calibrate the scale. But lacking an accurate gauge, the aftermarket ones still sound better than nothing in this instance.
Jeff
Mark,
What do you think of the flutter test suggested by Suffolk Machinery for Timberwolf blades?
I could cry for the time I've wasted, but thats a waste of time and tears.
Tension is only one ingredient like a soup. Think of the tension as one of 8 factors affecting band saw performance. I think that blade choice and
blade sharpness are more important that tension. If a blade is sharp it requires only moderate tension. What you are trying to establish is a "baseline" or stating point. Use a new 3tpi 1/2 blade. Compressing the spring half way is a good starting point, then note the number on the scale. Use scrap for the test. Does it cut 3/4 material at that setting? Does it cut 2" and then 4" and then 6".
If you start to have trouble cutting the material straight increase the tension and experiment some more.
Some people use that thest with good result and if it work for them that is great. I have tried it and have not had particularly good results. To quote one of my previous post:
“No field of woodworking has more misinformation than the band saw as it relates to tension and the standard tension mechanism. Although the feeler gauge and caliper (AND THE FLUTTER METHOD) of measuring tension is theoretically valid the actual usefulness of this technique is doubtful. How many of you measure tire pressure to know how much fuel is in your tank? Theoretically you could measure either your car weight or the tire pressure to determine the amount of gas in the tank. Why not use the gas gauge?
90 percent of the time you can use the gauge on your saw with good results. For cutting thick material or if the blade is dulling
go to the next higher setting. Just like the gas gauge in your car
it is a “good enough” device.”
No one answered my questions above.
I dont understand how you can take a semi-scientific approach to testing aftermarket tension gauges, yet when asked what to do when the saw in question has no built in gauge you tell him to compress the spring halfway and start from there.
Why is the flutter method not better than compressing various sized/strength springs halfway?
Also, as one poster mentioned, why does this topic receive so much debate. Ive never had a problem with centering the blade, cranking the tension knob until its pretty tight, and cutting away. Am I the only one who sees this as a non-issue?
Alex
Me three
Gary K.
Also, as one poster mentioned, why does this topic receive so much debate. I've never had a problem with centering the blade, cranking the tension knob until its pretty tight, and cutting away. Am I the only one who sees this as a non-issue?
Alex[/quote]
As one has more experience and if one has a higher quality saw one learns to intuitively adjust the band saw. No doubt that experience, comfort with machines and hand-eye-coordination play a part. IF YOU GET GOOD PERFORMANCE-GREAT. I've had students who were professional athletes,
Surgeons and other highly trained individuals who were getting into woodworking and did not have the time to develop the "heuristic" skill of
using the band saw. I do encourage people to "learn" the skill rather than buy some gadget that often doesn't work.
Just because it is easy for you it doesn't mean that it is as easy for everyone else.
Just because it is easy for you it doesn't mean that it is as easy for everyone else.[/quote]
I think that it does generate more debate then is necessary. There is a learning curve but no more then there is in jointing a long board on a jointer.
Gary K.
As one has more experience and if one has a higher quality saw one learns to intuitively adjust the band saw. No doubt that experience, comfort with machines and hand-eye-coordination play a part. IF YOU GET GOOD PERFORMANCE-GREAT. I've had students who were professional athletes,
Surgeons and other highly trained individuals who were getting into woodworking and did not have the time to develop the "heuristic" skill of
using the band saw. I do encourage people to "learn" the skill rather than buy some gadget that often doesn't work.
Just because it is easy for you it doesn't mean that it is as easy for everyone else.[/quote]
True.
I don't consider a bandsaw my first go-to machine.
Its far down the line of use in my shop.
So I do not put a lot of extra though/thinking into that machine. It performs well, does what I expect from it when I use it.
On most saws (but not all) the setting for the 1/2" blade usually correlates with the spring (that the manufacturer chooses) being half way compressed. On most saws, especially with a sharp blade one will get acceptable performance with the spring half way compressed and not run the risk of compressing the it completely and thus negating the "shock absorber" aspect of the standard spring. He has to start somewhere and that is a good place to start experimenting.
People who get good performance (or achieve a certain level of success) take it for granted. The surgeon or professional may or may not get good performance with their band saw but they may get better performance out of their bank account than the average woodworker. That is a skill to.
Everyone is different and has spent time learning different things.