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Tensioning Blade
A properly tensioned blade is essential for making
accurate cuts, maximizing the life of the blade,
and making other bandsaw adjustments. However
properly tensioned blade will not compensate for
cutting problems caused by too rapid of a feed
rate, hardness variations between workpieces,
and improper blade selection.
The method used to tension the blade is often
a matter of preference. Described below are
the flutter method and the deflection method.
Either method will help safely tension the blade.
Experience and personal preference will help you
decide which method your prefer. Optimal cut-
ting results for any workpiece are a combination
of correct blade selection, proper blade tension,
and an appropriate feed rate. Improper blade
tension is unsafe, produces inaccurate and incon-
sistent results, and introduces unnecessary wear
on bandsaw components. Over-tensioning the
blade increases the chance of the blade breaking
or wheel misalignment. Under-tensioned blades
wander excessively while cutting and will not track
properly during operation.
Note: Tensioning the blade according to the
blade tension scale before the Test Run was an
approximate tension. The following procedures
fine-tunes the blade tension.
Flutter Method
1.
DISCONNECT MACHINE FROM POWER.
2.
Make sure the blade is properly center track-
ing as instructed in the Blade Tracking on
Page 21.
Model G0555LX (Mfd. Since 1/14)
3.
Raise the guide post all the way and move
the upper and lower guide bearings away
from the blade.
4.
Engage the blade tension quick release lever
to apply tension to the blade.
5.
Connect the bandsaw to power, and turn the
bandsaw ON.
6 . Using the blade tension adjustment knob,
slowly decrease blade tension until you see
the blade start to flutter.
7.
Slowly increase the tension until the blade
stops fluttering, then tighten the blade tension
adjustment knob and additional
turn.
8.
Look at what the tension gauge reads and
use that as a guide for tensioning that specific
blade in the future.
Note: Do not rely on this setting for other
blades or for long periods of time because all
blades require specific tensioning and stretch
with use. If you notice a decrease in perfor-
mance at the setting repeat this procedure.
With extended use, the blade tensioning
system may need to be reset. Refer to Blade
Tensioner on Page 54 for details.
9.
Disconnect the machine from power.
10. Re-adjust blade guides as described in
Adjusting Blade Support Bearings and
Adjusting Blade Guide Bearings on
Pages 26– 27.
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