How much tension?

[joiner_sim]

Hi,

I've just brought a bandsaw off eBay but it has no blade with it, does anyone have a method of measuring how long i need the blade to be. I'm not sure if there's a manual or not with this information in, as I haven't picked it up yet, will be collecting it on Friday.

Any replies, thankyou in advance

Simon

 

[paulm]

Do a forum search for Dragon Saws or give them a ring on 01443 819910 and let them know the make and model and they will very likely be able to tell you the right size and kit you out with what you need.

Cheers, Paul.

 

[Slim]

What make and model is it? Maybe we could help.

 

[Harbo]

You can work it out mathematically - twice the distance between the wheel centres plus the circumference of a wheel (pi x Diameter)

Rod

 

[woodbloke]

You can work it out mathematically - twice the distance between the wheel centres plus the circumference of a wheel (pi x Diameter)

Rod

Rod ...assuming that the blade tension is 'off', in other words, the smallest distance round the two wheels - Rob

 

[joiner_sim]

it is a 10" Wickes Bench Band Saw

I have thought about taking the tension off when i get it, and using a sewing tape measure to see what the minimum and maximum lengths are and then see what is available, I do realise you need a fair amount of tension though.

 

[joiner_sim]

:arrow:

Right, I've measured the length with tension fully off and fully on.

No Tension: 56" / 1434mm

Full Load Tension: 56.3/4" / 1452mm

I have been looking at blades off the shelf, and can get a 56" blade and a 56.1/2", I want to get the longer one, (as there is more choice in blades) but my worry is...... is 1/4" tension enough? It is a three wheeled bandsaw, and the maximum blade size is 3/8" / 9mm.

Once again all replies are recieved thankfully.

Simon.

 

[Anonymous]

:arrow:

Right, I've measured the length with tension fully off and fully on.

No Tension: 56" / 1434mm

Full Load Tension: 56.3/4" / 1452mm

I have been looking at blades off the shelf, and can get a 56" blade and a 56.1/2", I want to get the longer one, (as there is more choice in blades) but my worry is...... is 1/4" tension enough? It is a three wheeled bandsaw, and the maximum blade size is 3/8" / 9mm.

Once again all replies are recieved thankfully.

Simon.

I would go with the shorter blade, 1/4" may well not be enough to get any tension otherwise. Best person to speak to is Ian from Dragon saws.

 

[iajon69]

:arrow:

Right, I've measured the length with tension fully off and fully on.

No Tension: 56" / 1434mm

Full Load Tension: 56.3/4" / 1452mm

I have been looking at blades off the shelf, and can get a 56" blade and a 56.1/2", I want to get the longer one, (as there is more choice in blades) but my worry is...... is 1/4" tension enough? It is a three wheeled bandsaw, and the maximum blade size is 3/8" / 9mm.

Once again all replies are recieved thankfully.

Simon.

Because of the way that bandsaw blades are made they can be slightly over or under the size that they are supposed to be, so if you ordered 56 1/2" blades and they have been made slightly oversize then you won't be able to tension them sufficiently for them to run properly.
You should be able to get the same choice of blades no matter length you require.
I'm not familiar with this bandsaw but looking at the sizes that you've mentioned, ideally 1430mm blades would be your best bet and most places should be able to make them up or order them in for you at the same price as the 56"/56 1/2" blades.
3/8" blades should be fine on your machine as well even though 1/4" blades do tend to run better on the small 3 wheel machines.

Ian

 

[joiner_sim]

Thanks for the replies, i'll be getting the blades in a few weeks time as I won't be in the workshop now for a bit, a few busy weekends ahead and stuff, then ill whack in an order and even get some more workshop equipment thats are essential for my next project.... sash cramps ect....

 

[joiner_sim]

:!: :idea: :arrow: Just an update:

Spoke to Ian at Dragon Saws Ltd, and he said that 56.1/2" blade should be fine. He said that if the blade did not fit correctly that they would happily replace/refund the blade.

:?: Now just a quick question :?:
:roll: Where is best for band saw blades, I'm looking between Screwfix, Axminster & Dragon Saws.

 

[Digit]

Dragon! Dragon! Dragon!

Roy.

 

[Harbo]

Dragon but if you want a Meat & Fish type blade (Type used by David C and with great results by myself) try Sharpquips.

Rod

 

[George_N]

Another happy Dragon customer here. I ordered a couple of blades at 11 am and they arrived in Scotland at 10 am next day. This is the first time I have used Dragon so time wil tell how good the blades are but first impressions are very good...nice clean weld and they cut very nicely. Not got the old bandsaw tuned up 100% yet but having a good blade should make that easier.