Adjusting a bandsaw blade tension may become easier if you know the right way of how to adjust bandsaw blade tension.

The performance of the best band saw depends on the tension of the blade. Blade and the pressure are equal to get quality performance from the saw.

Remember: Metal bandsaw blade tension depends on several factors such as types of blade, cutting objects, and the machine.

A bandsaw blade tension meter can help you to measure the tension easily. To get the accurate tension, you must know bandsaw blade tension PSI.

What to worry about?

I have mentioned the easiest instructions on how to adjust bandsaw blade tension properly in this article.

Go through the paragraphs eventually.

Finding the perfect tension

Finding the perfect tension is a must-do duty for the woodcutters. The longevity and performance of the blade depend on the blade tension.

The perfect tension depends on the types of blades and your job. You have to go through several factors to find out the right tension.

Types of blade

Manufacturing companies produce two types of blades mostly. You will find a carbon-steel blade and a common staff.

Next, carbide-tipped or spring-steel are also common in this field.

Carbon-steel blades may require 15,000 PSI to 20,000 PSI depending on the task and machine. This blade tension is perfect for cutting normal woods and timbers.

On the other hand, carbide-tripped and related blades may require 25,000 PSI to 30,000 PSI. These blades are stronger than the carbon-steel blades.

Types of cutting

Hard-woods may require stronger tension in the blade to cut smoothly. Imbalance in the tension may cause breaking off and rough cut.

To avoid an unwanted pause in the middle of the work, you should adjust the blade at 25,000 PSI to 30,000 PSI for strong woods and 15,000 PSI to 20,000 PSI for normal woods. 

 

Methods of checking bandsaw blade tension

Hand pressure

• Measuring the blade tension is a traditional method. Carpenters have been using this method since the invention of the saw machine. 
• After adjusting the blade on the wheel, press the sidewall of the blade with your finger. If the blade moves ¼ from the straight line, the blade is in the right tension.
• Otherwise, you have to tighten or loosen the blade by pulling out the tension lever.   

Bandsaw tension gauge

• You should have a tension gauge for professional use. Nowadays, you can buy a digital pressure gauge to measure accuracy.
• Try to buy the gauge manufactured by a reputed brand. If you are depending on the gauge, then you must have the best one.
• Sometimes, the gauge may not show an accurate result for each blade. You should follow the conventional way too.    

Observing with eyes

• This method will seem tough if you are a beginner in this task. Experts in this field can measure the tension with their eyes.
• Here, they follow the movement of the blade while running at speed. If the blade does not change its shape while running, then the tension is good enough.
• Beginners should not follow this method to measure the pressure. A gauge is a perfect option for beginners.

Measuring the sound

• A blade makes a sound when cutting pieces of wood. It changes the sound depending on the differences in the woods.
• A carpenter might know the sounds of accurate tension regarding the types of woods. You can use a guitar meter to check out the sound.   

How to adjust bandsaw blade tension

Step1: Take Safety Measures

• First, put on hand gloves and goggles before going near to the bandsaw. You must wear hand gloves to protect your fingers from getting heat.
• On the other hand, goggles will protect you from the dust in the air coming from cutting woods.   

Step 2: Unplug the Saw

• Unplug the saw from the electric board. If the saw was cutting woods, then you should wait until it cools down.
• Make sure you have accessories to pull out or unscrew the tension gauge. Don’t be in a hurry in this case. Any mistake may cause fatal injuries.

Step 3: Install the Blade on the wheel

• If the blade is out of the machine, then install it in the machine.
• Don’t bend the blade too much while carrying. It may break under excessive pressure. Place the blade over the wheels properly.
• After installing the blade, screw up the blade with sufficient pressure. The blade must come in condition to run for a while.

Step 4: Run the Saw and Observe for a while

• Plug in the bandsaw and run it for a while. Look at the blade and listen to the sound attentively.
• Here, you should get an impression of the tension of the blade. Look carefully so that you can get the position of the blade whether it is running in an accurate position or not.  

Step 5: Measure the Current Pressure

• Follow one to two methods from above to check out the current tension.
• Double-checking with different staff will help you to measure the exact tension. You need a good pressure gauge for measuring pressure.

Step 6: Adjust the Tension

• After getting the idea about the present tension level, adjust the tension by pulling out the tension gear.
• You may have to tighten or loosen the blade from the current condition. You should not tighten the blade very much. Remember, too much tension may cause break off the blade.   
• Screw up the blade in the same position so that it may not pop out with pressure.  

Step 7: Recheck the Blade Tension

• Use any of the methods to recheck the tension. Hand pressure is the best option in this case.
• You must follow the types of the blade while fixing the tension for the final time. Don’t cross the limitation of the blade.  

Step 8: Finishing up

• Run the bandsaw to check out the tension. It should run smoothly making a proper sound.
• In the case of any inconvenience, you have the option to re-fix the tension.

Bottom line

You should follow the safety measures whenever you are dealing with a bandsaw. Hoping, this article on how to adjust bandsaw blade tension has given helpful information.  

Keep this article on your bookmark to follow the steps directly while adjusting the blade tension.