Bandsaw Blade Tensioner – Tighten Things Up Please

Owning a bandsaw is the dream of many woodworking home owners. Nothing beats the total and complete perfection that a bandsaw offers. A bandsaw is basically something that makes large and small cuts from larger pieces of lumber and timber. You can do some detailing, but other tools are better at finishing than your bandsaw. One additional tool I suggest for all bandsaw owners is a bandsaw blade tensioner. This is basically a monitor that allows you to tell the amount of tension your bandsaw blade has once it is in place.

Maybe you do not truly understand the importance of a bandsaw blade tensioner. Let me explain. If the bandsaw blade is too tight, it will snap; if a bandsaw blade is too loose, it will not properly give you the cuts you are wanting. A tight bandsaw blade will leave you with a smooth, straight edge. There are of course some people who have perfected using your eyes and finger as a tensioner, but you really cannot go wrong if you own a tensioner.

The amount of tension you need in a bandsaw blade is often controversial at best. However, almost all manufacturers suggest something between 15,000 psi to 20,000 psi. The amount of course depends on the material used to create you that bandsaw blade. For example, if you use a carbide-tipped bandsaw blade, manufacturers actually suggest a psi between 25,000 psi and 30,000 psi. Good tension makes for good beam strength.

There are manual methods to checking the tension, but for all intent and purposes, I have found a bandsaw blade tensioner or meter to be more accurate. Keep in mind that before you run down and purchase a meter, that they cost around $300 USD. This is a hefty price, but the most accurate method for finding an exact measurement of that tension.

However, you choose to test that tension, be sure that you are getting a proper reading. Test your manual skill against a meter and see exactly how accurate you are. You will get a longer life, a healthier life out of a properly tensed bandsaw blade. Since safety should always be your priority, I suggest spending the extra amount that it costs to purchase a bandsaw blade tensioner for yourself. These can be found at most hardware stores and definitely deserve a moment of your time.