tension on spiral blades

[SheGold]

How do you set the tension on spiral blades.. Thanks for any answers... Sheila in Texas

[UHMNL]

Hi Sheila,
It needs good tension like a flat blade. The blade should not move side ways more than 1/8" and that is almost to much.
If not enough tension you will loose control over the blade. Also I am a believer in good speed, if not you micht get a tendency of pushing too hard into the blade.
FD Mike

[dgman]

Thanks for the info Mike!

[yyyyyguy]

OK, I have to ask, I always hear 1/8 " or 1/4" play, it seems when I get it that tight it breaks more often, hey an 1/8" is the width of this H, that's not much play. I'm usually much closer to a 1/4", I'll keep trying 
Pete

[GrayBeard]

Listen to the 'master'!
If FD Mike says it should be 1/8" or less that is the Gospel!
I use spirals a lot and I have my tension set so tight it has virtually NO movement, front to back or side to side. I also jack up the speed when using spirals to get smoother cuts and maintain control.
IF you are breaking blades at good tension then something else is occurring! I rarely break a blade when it is tensioned very tight and the speed is almost at MAX.
BUT I will warn you that the FEED Rate has to be commensurate with the tension and the speed!
Tight Blade, Higher Speed and SLOOOOOOOOOOW feed!


~~~GB~~~

[SheGold]

Thank you all.. Now do you know where I can get a bucket full of courage...  Thank you all for replies... Sheila in Texas

[julief]

Go for it Sheila!  A spiral blade is just another tool in the tool box.  Take your time.  They can be quite useful when you get used to them. 

[yyyyyguy]

thanks graybeard, I love it when I have to run to the dictionary to look up words like "commensurate" it broadens my horizons... just kidding, I just get nervous when I put that much pressure on a blade - I'll keep trying    Pete

 

[ChuckD]

I agree with Greybeard.  If you get them to tight they will come out of the clamps before they break.  If they are very tight and they break your feed is to fast.  Don't start on a project the first time you use spirals.  They do require a lot of practice.  Get yourself a piece of 1/2 plywood and cut free hand.  Or better yet just draw a bunch of wiggly lines and cut them.  If you are cutting and feel you are pushing to hard, stop the feeding (don't push anymore) and watch what the blade does.  If it continues to cut for a little bit (any at all) then you are feeding to fast and the blade has to catch up.. (that can be said for any blade, but more so with spirals.)  When you get comfortable with the practice, do something simple.  Then practice some more.  Then show us the great cut-out you did with all spirals And we will all go AAAWWW,  OOOOHHH,