Band saw blade-how tight?

[critman]

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:

[macbow]

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.

[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.

[Echatham]

Originally 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

[Roy from Pa]

I think you got bad blades.

[Robertfishes]

Could the blade metal be to thick for the 9" wheel? It does have to bend around it.

[Pago]

I found this video helpful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGbZqWac0jU&list=WL94AB307E0B5E5C2D&index=20

[LookMomNoSights]

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.

[red hill]

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.

[George Tsoukalas]

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