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  1. 16th June 2012, 08:13 PM #1
    Geoff Sims
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    Default Bandsaw Tensioner

    I have a Carbatec BAS 350 bandsaw which works very well and I'm very happy with its performance.

    However, I have always been a bit dissatisfied with the tensioning adjustment, it being just a simple winder. It worked OK, but every time I tensioned the blade, I think the blade tension was different. It could be anything from one to two turns variation which caused the tracking to vary.

    So, I decided to change it with a very simple cam lever arrangement and I have to say, it works really well. The tension and tracking is always the same.

    Here are some photos of what I did. Very basic!

    Photos 1 & 2 show the very basic original arrangement.
    Photos 3 & 4 show the cam lever I made.
    Photos 5 & 6 show the lever fitted.

    For anyone who has one of these bandsaws, I would suggest you look at doing something similar. So simple and yet it works so well.

    Cheers
    Geoff
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  3. 16th June 2012, 09:03 PM #2
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    Big Shed
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    Great job Geoff, I used to own one of those BAS350 bandsaws and have to agree that was a weak point.

    You overcame that weak point in a very elegant way.
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  4. 16th June 2012, 09:16 PM #3
    Geoff Sims
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    Thanks Fred.

    Appreciate your comment.

    Cheers
    Geoff
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  5. 16th June 2012, 09:20 PM #4
    BobL
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    Good work simsy!

    I replaced the knob on my metal cutting band saw with a swivel handle but it's not as elegant as yours.

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  6. 16th June 2012, 09:41 PM #5
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    Consider this copied, will do same mod to mine
    Cheers

    DJ
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  7. 16th June 2012, 09:45 PM #6
    rodm
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    Good work Geoff.
    I like the way it lays flat and is adjusted by the all thread.
    Cheers,
    Rod
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  8. 16th June 2012, 09:52 PM #7
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    Default The Tension.

    Hi Geoff,
    Forgive me if I have this wrong,
    It seems to say to me, that you let the Tension go after using your B/Saw, or is this just a great way of fixing a problem.
    Regards,
    issatree.
    Have Lathe, Wood Travel.
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  9. 16th June 2012, 10:19 PM #8
    Geoff Sims
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    Hi All

    Thanks for your comments.

    Issatree, yes, I always let the tension off after using my bandsaw. If I was to use it several times a day or week, I might not bother, but it sometimes sits for days, even weeks without being used, and from what I've been lead to believe, this can affect the tyres and perhaps even the blade. I'm not sure how true this is, but I've adopted the better safe than sorry line of thought.

    Cheers
    Geoff
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  10. 16th June 2012, 10:30 PM #9
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    I adopt the same practice on my Carbatec 17" bandsaw, it has a lever to release/apply the tension and a wheel to set the correct tension.

    Like you Geoff, not sure that it is really necessary, but as you say better safe than sorry.
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  11. 16th June 2012, 11:37 PM #10
    rodm
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    The band on the wheel is the reason for this. Under tension the blade compresses half the band so releasing the tension of the blade prevents distortion of the band.
    Cheers,
    Rod
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  12. 17th June 2012, 03:06 PM #11
    Anodyne
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    Very nice bit of aluminium machining!
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