Slack on blades while in storage

[DRugerH]

Hi all, this might be a stupid question, but I was thinking about this earlier...

I tend to use my workshop for more than scrolling.  Actually, I scroll less than anything else I do in the workshop.  So, while my scroll saws sit idle for a couple of months at a time, with pinless blades, is it a good idea to take tension off of the blade until I am ready to use it again, or is keeping tension on the blade okay?  This is on a Hawk G2.

Also, I'm not asking for the sake of the blade, but more to save the blade clamp. 

Thanks for the advice.

Dan

Edited January 1, 2022 by DRugerH

[Roberta Moreton]

I never leave my saw with tension on the blade. 

[Wichman]

41 minutes ago, Roberta Moreton said:

I never leave my saw with tension on the blade. 

Neither do I.

 

[dgman]

I always release the tension on my saw even if I’m just taking a break.

[OCtoolguy]

I agree. I am of the thought that relaxing the tension on my scroll saws and bandsaw just makes sense. I wonder if we should jack up our vehicles to give the springs a break. Lol.

[Dan]

Ditto!

[Woodrush]

I always release the tension as I feel it puts more strain on the saw while it sits idle. Don't know if I'm right, but something I've always done

[Wichman]

1 hour ago, OCtoolguy said:

I agree. I am of the thought that relaxing the tension on my scroll saws and bandsaw just makes sense. I wonder if we should jack up our vehicles to give the springs a break. Lol.

To digress from the op (just a little).

Do you leave a camper on a pickup truck permanently or do you remove it when not in use (or not going to be used for an extended time)? 

Do you leave a truck loaded with debris or do you take it to the landfill somewhat quickly?

Same questions for trailers.

[DRugerH]

Okay, cool, thanks for the insight.  I'll go loosen the tension on the blades after I finish looking at posts on this site.

Wichman, that really does put it in perspective.  Although, I have had stuff left in my truck for a week or so at a time before taking it to the dump.   Work runs my life

Dan

[DRugerH]

16 hours ago, OCtoolguy said:

I agree. I am of the thought that relaxing the tension on my scroll saws and bandsaw just makes sense. I wonder if we should jack up our vehicles to give the springs a break. Lol.

I've never done it on the band saw, and have never had issues there.  It seems once the blade is stretched, it's all good.  I do use my band saw a lot though, so I guess loosening tension would be a pain every time I use it. 

Dan

[barb.j.enders]

I release the tension and undo the top clamp so the blade isn't clamped in.  My thought was for safety issues in case someone comes in and plays around.  At least then the blade can't do any harm.  

[kmmcrafts]

I don't remember what saw brand I had that the manual stated to release the tension or damage may occur to the saw.. I found that info really dumb because when the saw shipped to me it was packaged with a blade in the saw and tension on the blade.. so their info was kinda stupid. I always remove the tension at the end of the day as well as vacuum / clean up the saw and area around the saw before closing up shop.

[OCtoolguy]

8 hours ago, DRugerH said:

I've never done it on the band saw, and have never had issues there.  It seems once the blade is stretched, it's all good.  I do use my band saw a lot though, so I guess loosening tension would be a pain every time I use it. 

Dan

Mine has a quick release lever on it so I make use of it.

 

[John B]

I remove the tension on the scroll saw as it was something I was taught to do on band saws. Whether it helps or not I don't know, but it can't hurt.
The reason on a band saw is so that the tyres don't develop a flat spot.

[DRugerH]

16 hours ago, John B said:

I remove the tension on the scroll saw as it was something I was taught to do on band saws. Whether it helps or not I don't know, but it can't hurt.
The reason on a band saw is so that the tyres don't develop a flat spot.

Yeah, that's a good point, re: tires.  I didn't even think about that.  I don't have a quick release, but the band saw does see a lot of use in my shop, so if there is ever a time I don't use it for a while, I will start slacking that blade.  I just need to remind myself to tighten it before I use it.

Dan

[OCtoolguy]

2 hours ago, DRugerH said:

Yeah, that's a good point, re: tires.  I didn't even think about that.  I don't have a quick release, but the band saw does see a lot of use in my shop, so if there is ever a time I don't use it for a while, I will start slacking that blade.  I just need to remind myself to tighten it before I use it.

Dan

There must be millions of these bandsaws around the world that don't have the quick release tension lever. If mine didn't have it, I'd probably not give it a thought. Especially if the tires have been replaced with the soft rubber ones. I never did it with my first band saw and I read the manual I'm sure and don't recall anything about it in the book. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[crupiea]

I take the tension off right away.  If i get up to pour some coffee or whatever, take it off.  Just habit I guess but seems to make the blades last.

[TRedd351]

I scroll daily and just leave the tension alone.  I can "hear" my saw and she says "yo, Redd you leaving so maybe turn off the lights around here but do not mess with my tension - when you do that I look like some fat chick with a belly.." 

Do what your gear tells you...

[dgman]

1 hour ago, TRedd351 said:

I scroll daily and just leave the tension alone.  I can "hear" my saw and she says "yo, Redd you leaving so maybe turn off the lights around here but do not mess with my tension - when you do that I look like some fat chick with a belly.." 

Do what your gear tells you...

Oh, so you have chickens?

[new2woodwrk]

I guess I'm in the minority because I never release the tension on any of my saws.

My bandsaw came without a blade and I use every couple days

My scroll saw I'm using everyday several times a day so I just walk out cut and come back in for a few rinse and repeat

I never thought of the tires on the band saw however, and that is an excellent point - I may start releasing that one

Edited January 30, 2022 by new2woodwrk

[OCtoolguy]

I just ran across this band saw hint on one of the Pinterest boards. I knew I had seen it somewhere. 

 

[teachnlearn]

On 1/1/2022 at 1:45 PM, OCtoolguy said:

I agree. I am of the thought that relaxing the tension on my scroll saws and bandsaw just makes sense. I wonder if we should jack up our vehicles to give the springs a break. Lol.

Always wondered what the yard full of cars on blocks were about. Giving the springs a break. RJF