STL340: Do You De-Tension Your Bandsaw?

From Ken:

I always enjoy the conversations about jointers and planers, order of operations etc. but, I never heard Mike mention an edge sander. Have any of you used them? I find the edge sander and drum sander to be far superior to the jointer and planer for figured woods. I have all four, but if I could pick two I would much rather the expense in belts and rolls of abrasives in loo of a jointer and planer any day. I’m curious as to why I never hear about edge sanders and why they never come up in these debates. Is this just a missing tool in the shop and no experience or is there a reason why they don’t ever get mentioned…

Shop-Built Edge Sander This shop-built edge sander makes quick work of tough sanding jobs. Plus, it can be built at a fraction of the cost of a commercial unit.

Using a Belt Sander as an Edge Sander

To mount a portable belt sander for edge-sanding, start by placing the sander on a piece of 3/4-in. plywood so that the platen is square to the plywood. Attach small…

From Joey:

What are your thoughts on downdraft tables? I’m considering making one to help manage the dust that’s generated during long sanding sessions. They seem like an excellent fixture to have in the shop, but I haven’t found a ton of information about them online. I’d love to hear some insight.

A Versatile Sanding Station

A rolling cart features a downdraft table and shop vacs to collect the dust

A Downdraft Sanding Table

This shopmade unit conquers dust without breaking the bank

From Stephen:

I have urethane tires on my saw.  I use the Snodgrass flutter test to adjust blade tension.  Do I need to release tension between uses?  (I don’t now.)

Set the Tension on Your Bandsaw

A shopmade jig will help you set the tension on the bandsaw blade.

Tension Bandsaws without a Gauge

Learn how to find the proper tension just by pressing on the blade with your fingertip (with the bandsaw unplugged).

From Jeff:

As a beginning woodworker I have a thirst for knowledge on all things woodworking: Books/articles/videos on joinery, styles of furniture, finishing, hand tools, etc. yet I barely have made a cut on a piece of wood.

Why am I researching a debate on the acceptable dimensions  of a Queen Ann Highboy at 1am instead of practicing squaring up a piece of material?!

What do you think would be a good way to “shut up and get to work?” Small projects? Practice joinery? Sharpen chisels? My overthinking brain is overpowering my hands and heart.

Every two weeks, a team of Fine Woodworking staffers answers questions from readers on Shop Talk Live, Fine Woodworking’s biweekly podcast. Send your woodworking questions to [email protected] for consideration in the regular broadcast! Our continued existence relies upon listener support. So if you enjoy the show, be sure to leave us a five-star rating and maybe even a nice comment on our iTunes page. Join us on our Discord server here.

Best Overall

Ridgid EB4424 Oscillating Spindle/Belt Sander

With five spindles sized from 1/2 in. to 2 in. and a 4 X 24-in. belt, this sander has become a staple in many a shop Fine Woodworking visits.

Price: $299.00 at the time of writing