Proper Bandsaw Blade Tension by Show Me

[@georgefouriezos8863]

I'm getting more and more cynical as I age, but I can just envision a rapid release lever being marketed to us who didn't know we never needed one to begin with. I suppose it's handy if you frequently change blades, but to un-tension at the end of every day? I don't think so. It's like acid reflux -- when did that become a thing for which we needed to buy drugs? Russ, thank you for giving us clarity.

[@russveinot5754]

I had wanted a tensioning release for years. Now that I figured out I didn't ever need it, I feel I have short changed myself. I could have another fancy gizmo up on my shelf right next to all the others that I don't use either.

[@mcopado]

You are one of the best "teachers" of this stuff I've seen, you've cleared up all the confusion I've gotten from other channels since I bought my bandsaw last week. Thank You

[@russveinot5754]

thanks Michael

[@wiseoldfool]

Hi Russ, great video. I just got my first band saw, 14 inch, horse and a half. No room in the shop for anything bigger, and if I'd gone smaller I'm sure I would have ended up regretting it. In setting it up, I found there is a small but still significant interaction between tension and tracking. To test my setup I just resawed a piece of 3/4 inch blackbutt into 4 slices, the thinnest being 1/10 inch. I'm happy with that! I'm certainly not going to release the tension and risk the tracking going off. As you said, when it's set up properly, the blade is not under a lot of tension anyway, unlike a scroll saw.

[@russveinot5754]

I don't tighten the blade very tight even while cutting. I think a lot of people tighten it tighter than needed. A 14" bandsaw is a good size. I have been happy with my 14". What brand?

[@wiseoldfool]

@@russveinot5754 It's branded Carbatec BS-345H, made in Taiwan.

[@christianpetersen1782]

Good lesson for me is to go slow. I haven’t used my BS much so am still feeling my way. Thanks for your help. Always good to watch your videos.They’re never too long for me!

[@ken1Lane]

Never to long Russ, the more you talk the more I learn.

[@russveinot5754]

thanks Ken

[@GNU_Linux_for_good]

06:06 *Period* - that triggers the *Like* button. Thank you, chief.

[@russveinot5754]

Double thanks, Double thanks (for the like too :>)

[@jimmiller8389]

Makes it clear that Patience is a virtue.

[@christofix]

Those are some great tips! I love videos like this!

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks Chris

[@grandpaticktock0184]

Thank you Ross a lot of good information in this video also would you be able to tell me the name of the laser that you have and where I can purchase it. new subscriber. thank you many blessings

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks Grandpa. I bought the laser from Harbor Freight. The sku # is 93242. It costs about $6 as of this morning. BTW, welcome to my shop. I also did a video about mounting the laser and how I use it.

[@grandpaticktock0184]

@@russveinot5754 Thank you for information on the laser. I will check out your other videos. Many blessings Miguel

[@marbleman52]

You would not believe how many times I have had to chase those Caddi-Whompuses out of my shop...but those sneaky little rascals still get back in...!!

[@casper1240]

Good stuff thanks

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks Ronnie

[@LDhusky]

Ok... I need help. I am going to buy my first bandsaw. But trying to determine which brand is insane. I will not be re sawing but prob most everything else. Looking at ten inch but would prob be ok with nine inch. Any help appreciated

[@russveinot5754]

First, I am a firm believer that one should not buy anything smaller than a 14" BS. Is the reason shop space or $$? Why are you considering a Bandsaw (BS) of that size?

[@SlowandExpensive]

Grizzly makes decent stuff. They have a 9" for $200. They have a sale on a 14" for $525 if you can afford it this would be a lot more saw for the money. You can't go wrong with an old delta. You may be able to find a 12" on craigslist for a couple hundred. That's what I have and it's been a great saw. Not a single issue in over 15 years. Don't know if that helps?

[@russveinot5754]

Thanks Slow, I have never owned a smaller bandsaw. don't know much about them except every one that mentions Ryobi never say anything good. that's true of their TS also. I don't have any hands on experience. LD, I hope this helps.

[@georgefouriezos8863]

In the spirit of helpfulness, I'd say: Don't shut the door on resawing. You may find yourself wanting to make panels with symmetry or boxes with grain continuity around all four corners. At the very least give yourself 6 inches of resaw height.

[@LDhusky]

Looking at that size mainly because I have no experience with a bandsaw. Also would prob not do anything elaborate with it. I actually am looking at a used 12 in delta.

[@Metalbass10000]

I never release or relax the tension my bandsaw blades, not unless it's going to sit a long while (like having a surgery and won't be in the shop for a few weeks). I use primarily 1/2" blades on my Jet 14" saw with a 6" riser kit. I've never relaxed the tension. I follow Alex Snodgrass' methods for set up and zero issues zero drift. I don't release the tension on the strings on any of my guitars or bases either oh, and I see some similarities in the two mechanical "systems" and proper tension is important in both.

[@SlowandExpensive]

I never relax the tension on my band saw blade. Mostly out of laziness. I like to just cut and go. So it's music to my ears to hear that it's an over rated procedure! Now, I feel lazy smart😆

[@russveinot5754]

check out my comment to George's comment pinned above. it says it all , Slow :>)