Band Mill Tensioning

[Stump Shot]

I've been using this old Simometer from Simmons to properly tension the bands. Wondered what others out there do or use to get there bands tensioned. I think I can get pretty close by hand now without the aid of the gauge as it has become familiar to me.

 

[Iron.and.bark]

Haven't used mine in abit. I always guaged by eye from the amount of flutter the blade has.

Fire it up, to much flutter. Turn off and add tension again. Primative but effective.

 

[cease232]

I have a hydraulic tensioner with a gauge so I can get repeatable results. It also allows me to make adjustments to the tension as the blade stretches during use.


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[Iron.and.bark]

I have a hydraulic tensioner with a gauge so I can get repeatable results. It also allows me to make adjustments to the tension as the blade stretches during use.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That stretching is why I like going by flutter, visually see it as soon as I up the motor speed after startup

 

[cease232]

I use the flutter method on my shop bandsaw but my mill came with the gauge and it works surprisingly well.
Here's a photo of mine.

It can be had here.
http://www.linnlumber.com/page17.html


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[J & L Creations]

I've played with my bandsaw enough now to know that three complete turns of the tensioning crank handle is enough tension on the blade. Of course tires driving the blade is not the same as what youal have.

 

[customcutter]

I don't own a Wood Mizer yet. But I looked at one a few days ago. It had a hydraulic tensioner. I asked the WM folks about the Cat51HP motors having upgraded crankshaft kits. He said it was due to people overtensioning the blades. Enough to damage the crankshaft and bearings/seals????? I know that the Cook's saws from the video's have a spring tensioner. I don't know how much is transfered to the crankshaft if any?