Uploaded February 2014 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
I'm an engineer by trade—when a woodworking machine needs help, I often modify it to make it better. Perhaps I've gone over the edge in upgrading my bandsaw, though. You be the judge.
On my modified machine, a piston driven up or down by compressed air gradually raises or lowers the bandsaw's upper wheel. The piston is housed in an air cylinder—a device commonly used in industry—and is driven by a small air compressor. Air pressure cushions any shock to the blade, just like the saw's original spring.
Raising the upper wheel tensions the blade, of course, and lowering the wheel creates enough slack to remove the blade. I don't have to turn a crank anymore to move the wheel in either direction—I just push a button. In addition, I can
tension the blade very precisely by using a gauge that measures air pressure. More air pressure equals more tension: It's that simple.
I'm an engineer by trade—when a woodworking machine needs help, I often modify it to make it better. Perhaps I've gone over the edge in upgrading my bandsaw, though. You be the judge.
On my modified machine, a piston driven up or down by compressed air gradually raises or lowers the bandsaw's upper wheel. The piston is housed in an air cylinder—a device commonly used in industry—and is driven by a small air compressor. Air pressure cushions any shock to the blade, just like the saw's original spring.
Raising the upper wheel tensions the blade, of course, and lowering the wheel creates enough slack to remove the blade. I don't have to turn a crank anymore to move the wheel in either direction—I just push a button. In addition, I can
tension the blade very precisely by using a gauge that measures air pressure. More air pressure equals more tension: It's that simple.
