STL291: Bandsaw tension secrets revealed!

Not really-but Mike, Amanda, and Ben discuss their methods for kind of dialing it in, as well as prefinishing strategies, and how they use computer-aided design in their personal woodworking.
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[@rlamarch]

I use the EZtension Bandsaw Tension Gauge and have had good luck with it. I have a 14" Jet that usually runs a Timberwolf 3/8 blade and Grizzly 17" that usually runs a 3/4 Wood Slicer blade and it does a good job on both. Before that I would tension by touch and was surprised after getting the gauge that it recommended something a little firmer than what I was using. My Jet saw is a good 20 years old so I ended up replacing the spring with the Cater cobra replacement spring (also recommended) to give me a little more head room. Great episode as usual, Amanda makes a great addition and I appreciate her insight.

[@joeoleary5346]

I love mine and it works consistently with what they’re saying here.

[@goattnder]

For the SketchUp user... Paper! It's free. Rulers are cheap. It's not as quick as a computer, but it is far more user intuitive.

[@jamesklove9629]

Yes, I don’t want computers in my woodworking

[@douglasbrown3493]

I tape a piece of brown construction paper to my bench then draw all the parts to full scale. This works well for small projects and can really dial in my measurements for cutting stock. It is time consuming but as I work in both my basement shop and at the Artisan's Asylum communal shop in Boston, MA. where I also work. I can roll up the plans and re-tape them where ever I need.

[@dpmeyer4867]

thanks

[@mgmoody42]

That pillbox project turned out well, Amanda.

[@clutions]

??? Thrust bearing mis-adjustment! ??? Blade gullet not centered?