Grab some popcorn… I made a movie!
(Make sure the volume is up… it might be a little quiet)
Story:
I have been working really hard to tune up my bandsaw lately. I really wanted one of these:
...for tensioning and detensioning the blade. But I am at the end of my budget and can’t spend another $150. I had seen pictures of a homemade version in a magazine and decided to make my own.
I posted this to try to get ideas.
Anyway, this is what I came up with and it works great!
I first made a pattern with cardboard:
I drilled two holes, one vertical and one angled for the tension screw to pass through. Then I bored out the waste between the two holes to create one “V” shaped hole. This way the tension screw would not interfere with the arm:
I cut the shape from my cardboard template on the bandsaw:
After a little more shaping and sanding of the handle I added the hardware and the hinged, flip-up “tension keeper.” With a little trial and error, and a little extra shave here and there it fit just right:
I added a cheap foam bicycle handlebar grip to the handle to make it easier to pull and also protect my head when I inevitably bump into it (already tested):
I also added a small knob to easily pull the “tension keeper” up.
The spring on the “tension keeper” was an afterthought that turned out to be one of the best features. So when you pull it to re-tension it just “clicks” back into place and holds.
A few more details: The main arm is not actually attatched to the bandsaw. It sits on the frame and is just held there by tension. The tension screw is no longer pushing against the frame of the saw, it is instead held by the lock nuts and washer above the maple “arm.”
I had to cut out another “V” shaped section where the guide block shaft sticks up and would otherwise interfere with the arm. I made sure not to taper the arm out to the handle until after that section. That way it would still be strong enough even with the “V” cut-out:
The knob at the top was secured by tightening it against a nut (just below it) as well as Red (permanent) LockTight:
It works perfectly and was made mostly with scraps and parts I found around the shop. It probably took about four hours of actual shop time to make. If you’ve got any questions let me know!
-- Check out my new website! http://www.theeasellife.com
25 comments so far
gizmodyne
home | projects | blog
1479 posts in 571 days
posted 246 days ago
Very cool. Thanks for the video. Nice editing and tunes.
Way to innovate.
My saw won’t accept a quick release.
-- -John "Do I have to keep typing a smiley? Just assume it's a joke." www.flickr.com/photos/gizmodyne
Tony Z
home | projects | blog
134 posts in 271 days
posted 246 days ago
That’s pretty slick. I’m definately going to make one if the band saw I get doesn’t have one.
-- Tony, Ohio
Bob #2
home | projects | blog
1942 posts in 502 days
posted 246 days ago
I gotta like a man the thinks on his feet!
Good job Blake.
Bob
-- A mind, like a home, is furnished by its owner
Gord Graff
home | projects | blog
93 posts in 375 days
posted 246 days ago
Hi Blake,
Now that is just plain…......................slick.
Way to go, what a great idea.
All the best
Gord
Karson
home | projects | blog
12887 posts in 881 days
posted 246 days ago
Sheesh. What a bore. and a “V” one at that. Great job Blake. Glad to be able to help.
-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com
GaryK
home | projects | blog
8482 posts in 469 days
posted 246 days ago
Pretty cool! I like your foam handle!
How’s the saw cutting now?
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
Harry72
home | projects | blog
49 posts in 247 days
posted 246 days ago
Excellent!
Dorje
home | projects | blog
1743 posts in 478 days
posted 246 days ago
Fun stuff – looks like that works well. It has a great “click” to it. Ahh maple – gotta love it.
-- Dorje (pronounced "door-jay"), Seattle, WA
cajunpen
home | projects | blog
5348 posts in 547 days
posted 245 days ago
Slick stuff Blake. I have a Grizzly that has pretty much the same type of tension release on it (factory made) – it works great.
-- Bill - "Suit yourself and let the rest be pleased." http://www.cajunpen.com/
Grumpy
home | projects | blog
5573 posts in 332 days
posted 245 days ago
Great blog Blake. I must make one of those tensioners. Were you in the silent movies years ago, you look too young. Only kidding.
-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python
WayneC
home | projects | blog
5685 posts in 578 days
posted 245 days ago
Well done. I liked the ending…
-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov
Dadoo
home | projects | blog
1536 posts in 471 days
posted 244 days ago
HA! Yeah it was good! And talk about “adapt and overcome”! Good job Blake!
-- Bob Vila would be so proud of you!
jcees
home | projects | blog
465 posts in 280 days
posted 244 days ago
I’d have to put a big rubber ball on that handle just to save my eyes… ouch! Way cool design though. Gotta love simplicity. Sweet.
always,
J.C.
-- "Imagination is more important than knowledge" -- Albert Einstein
John Nixon
home | projects | blog
135 posts in 544 days
posted 243 days ago
Awesome Blake. I was thoroughly entertained by your video. Not to discount the imfortative aspect, but the delivery of the concept was great! Thanks for documenting your great idea!
-- John Nixon - Buffalo, NY - www.EagleLakeWoodworking.com
relic
home | projects | blog
315 posts in 417 days
posted 242 days ago
Sweet idea, Looks and works great. Nice job.
-- Andy Stark
DrsHobby
home | projects | blog
38 posts in 368 days
posted 224 days ago
great video.. and yes I watched it to the end. How many times did you set and release in the video?
-- -Alex, St Charles, MO - "Measure twice, cut once, and go back to the lumber yard because you still screwed up."
Blake
home | projects | blog
1997 posts in 355 days
posted 224 days ago
Two or three… plus a little editing. Thanks.
-- Check out my new website! http://www.theeasellife.com
tenontim
home | projects | blog
913 posts in 225 days
posted 222 days ago
Tried to get some photos to load but wouldn’t. Check my projects for my version of a cheap tensioner.
-- Tim -- http://tmuli.com
RobS
home | projects | blog
1104 posts in 787 days
posted 222 days ago
Brilliant!
-- Rob (A) Waxahachie,TX
Dick, & Barb Cain
home | projects | blog
5037 posts in 780 days
posted 151 days ago
Good thinking Blake
It looks like it passed the extreme testing.
-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1
Texasgaloot
home | projects | blog
340 posts in 181 days
posted 111 days ago
Where can I get a band saw that plays music?
-- There's no tool like an old tool...
lew
home | projects | blog
1232 posts in 236 days
posted 111 days ago
Blake,
I hate you! ;>)
Why can’t I think of stuff like this?
Ingenious!!!!
Lew
Joe Brumley
home | projects | blog
51 posts in 263 days
posted 104 days ago
I’m making one tonight. Thank you kind sir for sharing your genious.
-- Joe, Indiana, http://www.crookedshack.com
dsb1829
home | projects | blog
110 posts in 108 days
posted 32 days ago
Nice, I had to watch the whole video just to see…
-- Doug, woodworking in Alabama
PurpLev
home | projects | blog
353 posts in 129 days
posted 32 days ago
That is awesome – I always love seeing shopmade tools/jigs/parts – this is why we’re in this business! creative minds and capable hands!
Thanks for sharing!
-- My Drinking Club has a Woodworking Problem...