Band Saw "window" Mod

[algale]

This is not an original idea but I thought I'd post photos anyway. The new band saw cover comes with a window which allows you to see the blade tension scale. The official Shopsmith photo can be seen here:http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... ndow_l.jpg

Several members have modified their band saws to install a window. Today I modified mine. I decided that rather than just see the scale, I also wanted to be able to see the upper autotrack bearings to ensure the blade was centered in it and the bearing turning when the saw is running. I used a 2.25 inch hole saw.
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I can now see both the tension scale and the autotrack bearings. When the tension is loose you can see in an instant that the blade isn't in between the autotrack bearings.
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When the tension is correct, the blade jumps into the groove between the two bearings. I had planned on installing a window using a CD case. I decided to leave it off for the time being. I like being able to reach in (with the saw off) and touch the blade and verify it is in the groove between the autotrack bearings.

I also added a hole for the Allen Wrench.
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You can also see the orange urethane tires I installed. What a battle getting the old ones off and the new ones on, but so far so good.

[pgf]

Thanks for the pictures. I'm just going to tack this onto your thread, rather than starting a fresh one. Here's a picture of my window mod. I kept the hole a little smaller (just 2" diameter), which kept it off the raised surface of the cover plastic. That in turn made it easy to mount a swinging cover. Mine's clear, because I had some clear lexan scrap, but since it swings, it could be opaque. (The cover is by all reports optional, but I'm a little compulsive about dust.) I also centered the window over the 1/2" mark, which means I can see all the marks without crouching.

paul

bandsaw tensioner window w/ swinging cover

tension_window.jpg (106.04 KiB) Viewed 4954 times

[algale]

Looks great! Nice job and an improvement over what I did.