RIKON 14" Bandsaw Blade Tension

Short answer is YES. I have the very same saw. If you have a hard time releasing the tension than you have it to tight. If you look inside at the tension spring and see that it is coil bound, that is the reason it is so hard to release. Forget the tension gauge it is useless as it is on all band saws. Put your blade on and crank up the guide post to top. Pull back any bearings from the blade and lock down. Put some tension on the blade then hand spin the wheels to make sure the blade is tracking OK. Start it up and observe the blade. If it is fluttering, you most likely need more tension ( conversely if see no flutter try loosening the tension). Loosen or tighten the tension slowly. Observe the blade between adjustments. When it stops fluttering, the tension is correct. Now set your guide bearings (top and bottom) and your done. If the 3/4” Timberwolf blade is the only blade you have used. Try some others and less width. I think you will find that other blades will work better the 3/4 Timberwolf on this saw. If you have not upgrade the bearings that are how available from Rikon, do it and you will really like the saw even better.

-- Bob, FL Keys

1/2” TOPS on a 14” saw regardless what is said in the manual. It’ll do everything except tight curves. I also use a 3/8” and a 1/4” for the small stuff.

-- [email protected]

Great Answers. Thanks guys.

I know this is probably opening up a “can of worms” but what 1/2”” blade do you all recommend?

Mark T.

I can’t give you a good answer to that. There are a lot of good blades and bad one. I’ve used a number of different blades but have not picked a really good one out. You will have to get someone else to give you an answer.

-- Bob, FL Keys

These are my favorite blades I use on my 14 Pm. Since it take s a 93 1/2 I can get them right of the shelf at Rockler.
I also spend a minute to look at the weld before I buy.
My second choice is a lesser quality blade I can pick up down the street. I also don’t run blade over a 1/2 inch. 3/8 blade work just fine.

-- Aj

Here’s a video on setting up your bandsaw that I think is excellent
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGbZqWac0jU

Great video. Thank you.

Vr
Mark T.

I agree-very informative video for us newbies; thanks

-- Randy