Quick Band Saw tensioning question.

Scott Farris

Scott Farris

Well-known member
Installed a riser block in an old 14" Rockwell band saw. With the longer 105" saw blades do I still tension the blade to the old recommend point or should I increase it? Saw was giving me some trouble yesterday, but it could be from the blade starting to get dull with all the black cork I've put through it recently.

Scott
 
do I still tension the blade to the old recommend point or should I increase it?

Scott
Click to expand...

Are you refering to one of the little gauges with a pointer next to the spring? Often, I feel these under tension the blade, as the spring (unless you go through the effort of untensioning the saw between usage) does not have the springiness it should have. I usually end up a little past the point on the gauge for the coresponding size blade. Strum the blade, should have a nice twang to it. I'm tone deaf, or I'd tell you what note it should play...but the short answer is, I believe, yes, it should have as much tension as before, but you may not have had enough.

Chuck
 
I used to alway tension the same. Then I bought a blade through WoodCraft that called for less tension. So I dialed it back a little. I back off the tension be 3 full turns after each time I use the saw. I really think it helps keep the blade from taking a set.

John
 
Chuck, Yes that gauge is what I use to set tension, John, I too back off the tension every time I finish with the saw. Jim, nice reference, I 'll see if I'm smart enough, and if the eyes are good enough to pick up the flutter of the blade. Any idea who the best source of timber wolf blades is, I've heard nothing but good things about them.

Thanks guys,
Scott
 
Trust me, you'll see the flutter..... I'd bought mine right from Suffolk, but I think the Woodcraft on Spencer St in Manchester sells them now too.
 
And when you take that dull blade off of the saw, tag it "FOR CUTTING BSC" and hang it on a nail....don't cut BSC with a good blade, because I know how much you value a nickel.
 
Thanks Jim, & yes I do like those shiny coins! I will be saving the blade for BSC as it still cuts it nicely.

Best,
Scott
 
my old clunker is marked for blade thickness----hey, a hint for keeping blades in good shape longer----with the blade running, take two old candles, or some beeswax and hold the pieces against the sides of the blade for about thirty seconds00You will be amazed at the efficiency increase in the blade--Less friction!!!
 
George,

Excellent suggestion on the candles, I know it helps driving screws into wood, makes sense it will help the blade. The Rockwell tensioner is marked for blade width but I didn't know if the longer blades needed more tension than the original length blades since the distance between wheels was now longer, as well as the distance between guides when raised up for a 12' cut.

Sounds like following the guide works and look for the wobble to fine tune.

Thanks,
Scott
 
Scott,

I've got a 70's vintage Rockwell model 14 with a riser. I've always used the same settings on the spring guide with the 105" blades. Haven't had any problems.
 
The link that Jim G provided was great. I'm going to try lubing the blade with Pam. I'd love to see it run quieter....

John
 
Thanks guys, sounds like a new blade, start at recommended tension and adjust per Timber Wolf's recommendation.

The experience and knowledge of the DHBP gang never lets me down!!!!

Scott
 
I have a 57 delta Rockwell. If you have not replaced the tension spring for the blade it is amazing what that will do for$12.
 
Tim, I hadn't even given the age of the spring any consideration. It's got to be closing in on 40 yrs old. If the wobble factor doesn't cut it the spring is next.

Thanks,
Scott
 
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