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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: critman on April 01, 2014, 10:18:00 PM

Title: Band saw blade-how tight?
Post by: critman on April 01, 2014, 10:18:00 PM
I have bought some of the most awesome blades for my little 9" saw. Does everything I need and more, BUT because the blades are only 3/8 I have broken both and ordered more. Due to the thin size they are not warranted but the manufacturer did say to save them up and return and for a small price they will re-weld. Both blades broke in the weld. I didn't think I had them too tight and have never broken a blade until these. Did I say how good they cut? Thought so. So tell me guys, how do you know how tight to get the blades? I always kinda thought, within reason, a tight blade worked better than a loose blade. All help is much appreciated!   :confused:
Title: Re: Band saw blade-how tight?
Post by: macbow on April 01, 2014, 10:34:00 PM
Might try looking on the manufacturers website and see if they give recommendations.
Some brands say to use less tension.

My Grizzley has markes on the tensioner for different width blades I almost always have it tighter than shown on the scale.

I believe a shorter,blade is more susceptible to breakage.
Title: Re: Band saw blade-how tight?
Post by: Al Dean on April 01, 2014, 10:34:00 PM
Too tight will cut life of blade.  I loosen blade and run saw and tighten until the blade looses all vibration and runs solid.  You can easily see when the blades stops vibrating.
Title: Re: Band saw blade-how tight?
Post by: Echatham on April 01, 2014, 10:45:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Al Dean:
Too tight will cut life of blade.  I loosen blade and run saw and tighten until the blade looses all vibration and runs solid.  You can easily see when the blades stops vibrating.
Thats what my grizzly owners manual says to do.  The marks on the tensioner usually end up pretty close for me
Title: Re: Band saw blade-how tight?
Post by: Roy from Pa on April 01, 2014, 11:20:00 PM
I think you got bad blades.
Title: Re: Band saw blade-how tight?
Post by: Robertfishes on April 02, 2014, 11:13:00 AM
Could the blade metal be to thick for the 9" wheel? It does have to bend around it.
Title: Re: Band saw blade-how tight?
Post by: Pago on April 02, 2014, 05:39:00 PM
I found this video helpful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGbZqWac0jU&list=WL94AB307E0B5E5C2D&index=20
Title: Re: Band saw blade-how tight?
Post by: LookMomNoSights on April 05, 2014, 03:18:00 AM
Al Dean is correct.....and Roy is onto something too!  Doesnt sound right that you'd be breaking multiple blades like that....even if they were a little too tight.
Title: Re: Band saw blade-how tight?
Post by: red hill on April 05, 2014, 03:37:00 PM
I have a little 9" bandsaw that I was convinced was a waste of time. The narrow, thin blades kept breaking... I ordered better quality blades and everything is much better.
I also discovered that I was feeding the wood into the blade with more force than necessary. I've learned to go more slowly.
Title: Re: Band saw blade-how tight?
Post by: George Tsoukalas on April 17, 2014, 09:07:00 AM
Well, I have one of those 9" saws too. Way too small for bows. The motor on mine is 1/4 HP. The same thing was happening to me. Jawge