Band Saw

[Dave Monk]

Do you take the tension off your blade when not in use?

[Scrappile]

I try to remember to and I try to remember to put it back on when I go to use it.... I average about 50%

[Dave Monk]

24 minutes ago, Scrappile said:

I try to remember to and I try to remember to put it back on when I go to use it.... I average about 50%

I've heard it is best to take the tension off but I always forget. I'm good at remembering it on my scroll saws though.

[Rockytime]

Never hear of that myself.

[jollyred]

I always take the tension off (at least 95% of the time).  I have a quick tensioner on the saw so it only takes a couple of seconds.  If the tension is left on for a long time, the bands can develop a flat spot, which is annoying.  Besides, the tensioner cost a lot of money so I am d..n well going to get my money's worth out of it.

Tom

[Roberta Moreton]

No, mine is not a lever. It is a knob that I can barely reach, and I don’t try anymore. 

[oldhudson]

Everytime

[Jim Erickson]

I do sometimes and other times don't.  If I'm doing a project where I use the saw off and on, I'll leave it tensioned.  If I'm not using it, I take the tension off (actually reduce the tension is a better description).  There's no on and off tension device on my saw.

It's probably more or less important depending on what type saw you have.  If you have a welded steel frame saw with cast iron wheels leaving it tensioned probably won't hurt it.  Cast iron frame probably isn't as safe, and if you have aluminum wheels, release the tension.  I've got a 16 inch Mini-Max with heavy cast iron wheels so mine doesn't seem much at risk.  It is easy to tighten and loosen the tension on it though.  Years ago I had an Elephant, and it was a pain to tighten/loosen the tension.  It burned up in a fire, and I'm glad.   Jim

[OCtoolguy]

On 5/2/2021 at 6:19 PM, Dave Monk said:

Do you take the tension off your blade when not in use?

I do. My Delta 14" has the tension release lever so I have gotten in the habit of releasing the tension. I figured it can't hurt. I also release the tension on my scroll saws.

Edited May 27, 2021 by octoolguy

[JAC1961]

Yep, every time.  I have a cnc'd remind that's on both saws with magnets.

[LarryEA]

I do not take tension off bandsaw or scroll saw

[WolfmoonCT]

On 5/2/2021 at 9:36 PM, jollyred said:

I always take the tension off (at least 95% of the time).  I have a quick tensioner on the saw so it only takes a couple of seconds.  If the tension is left on for a long time, the bands can develop a flat spot, which is annoying.  Besides, the tensioner cost a lot of money so I am d..n well going to get my money's worth out of it.

Tom

I have a Delta 14" that had the knob for tensioning. I installed one of the Carter quick tension levers, and so I detension the blade every time.  Leaving tension on can lead to metal fatigue of teh blade, and it can also leave grooves in the tires of the saw, causing issues.

https://carterproducts.com/band-saw-products/band-saw-tension/quick-releaser

[Davevand]

Yes, my delta clone bandsaw broke the upper spindle after a few years on tension.  After I replaced the spindle I also installed a Cater quick release setup.  Now the bandsaw always has a narrow blade (1/8 or 3/16) on it and if I don't release the tension it will severely shorten the life of the blades

[Jim Finn]

I never take the tension off my two band saws nor my two scroll saws except when changing blades.

[SCROLLERNATION]

On 5/2/2021 at 7:19 PM, Dave Monk said:

Do you take the tension off your blade when not in use?

Yes.  Short answer always release tension to prevent failure and costs.  I explain the physics but it will be a novel.  You will shorten the life of the important tension stuff more rapidly if you don’t release tension.  To do it more quickly on your bandsaw visit carter products.  Combining the cobra coil and ratchet rod will change your life.  And help you if you hve arthritis or carpel tunnel.  I included a link.  I really hope this helps you out.  It may not seem like it but it will save you cost down the road.  https://carterproducts.com/band-saw-products/band-saw-tension/quick-releaser