xeddog

I am looking at the Cobra bandsaw tensioning spring to replace the one in my 14" Craftsman bandsaw. The problem I am having is that the descriptions state "14" Craftsman Contractor". Mine says "14" Craftsman Professional". Is that the same thing??? I want to make sure I get the correct spring.

Thanks,

Xeddog

woodnthings

You should contact the manufacturer of the spring to see what saws are compatible, unless by chance someone here has done what you are asking. bill
The Carter site offers a different blade guide for the contractor than for the professional...who knows?
http://www.carterproducts.com/produc...=105&cat_id=13

In my opinion bandsaw blade tension is made more of than necessary. I use the plunk n' thunk method and listen for the tone the blade makes when it is under "proper" tension. I've learned what works best for me by the sound it makes. I've never have had a blade break due to too much tension, they get dull before that has ever happened. I make/weld my own blades with an electric welder designed especially for blades.
I have one bandsaw a Min-max 18" whose tension spring and control had to be redesigned and in the process the spring indicator would no longer work. So I had to innovate. There is a blade tension dial indicator available, but it is pricey!

__________________
A jointer is as important for preparing the work for the table saw as the table saw is for sawing it. Straight and flat is where it's at!
Wood "rocks", except on the table saw, not good...

xeddog

Thanks for the reply.

I have contacted the manufacturer but I was just hoping for a quicker answer here. The saw is almost stock with the exception of a riser kit. That took quite a bit of research to #1 - find the real manufacturer, #2 - Find out how to contact them, and #3 to actually get the riser kit. Finally found all that and the kit only cost about $50.

I probably wouldn't be thinking about this now, but the tension spring that is in the saw now is terribly weak. When running a 1/2" blade I have to bottom out the spring and then back it off just a little to have some . . .uh . . .spring (or cushion). That is why I think I need a new one so I am going to get the Cobra. But I thought while I was at it I may try to upgrade the guides too. Carter has a nice little kit with the roller guides and other things. That is when the subject question came up.

Thanks again for the reply, but I guess I will have to wait on Carter and Cobra.

xeddog

xeddog

For anyone else that may be interested, it seems the "contractor" and "professional" models are completely different beasties. The "professional" like mine looks more like the traditional type with cast iron frame and rounded wheel covers. The "contractor" models are steel framed and have the squared off covers.

xeddog

woodnthings

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...Name=Band+Saws

My "professional" model is like the photo. squared off covers, welded steel rectangle frame... bill

__________________
A jointer is as important for preparing the work for the table saw as the table saw is for sawing it. Straight and flat is where it's at!
Wood "rocks", except on the table saw, not good...

xeddog

Well !

xeddog