Quick release device for band saws or the like

A method to adjust the tension of a cutting blade installed on a band saw, the band saw having a frame, a screw-type tensioner positioned adjacent to the frame, the screw-type tensioner having a rotatable shaft which has opposing ends, a first pulley rotatably connected to the screw-type tensioner, and a second pulley spaced away from the first pulley comprising the steps of:

• a) positioning a rack and a rotatable pinion gear between the screw-type tensioner and the second pulley, wherein the rack and pinion gear are connected by an intermeshed relationship and the rack is movable by the pinion gear, followed by at least one step selected from the group consisting of:
• b) extending the rack in a direction away from the second pulley to tension the cutting blade;
• and
• c) withdrawing the rack in a direction toward the second pulley to detension the cutting blade.

A pull-type tensioner according to the present invention comprising:

• a mount defining a pivot shaft receiving orifice;
• a pivot shaft received in the pivot shaft receiving orifice defined by the mount, the pivot shaft having a first end and a second opposite end;
• a pinion gear positioned adjacent to the first end of the shaft;
• a handle positioned adjacent to the second opposite end of the shaft;
• and
• a rack connected by an intermeshed tooth relationship with the pinion gear,
• wherein when the handle is rotated in a first direction with respect to the mount, the pinion gear acts to extend the rack in a direction away from the mount and when the handle is rotated in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, the pinion gear acts to withdraw the rack in a direction toward the mount.

A band saw comprising:

• a frame;
• a motor connected to the frame;
• a first pulley and a second pulley, with the first pulley rotatably connected to a manually rotatable tensioner and the second pulley rotatably connected to the motor;
• a pull-type tensioner positioned between the manually rotatable tensioner and the second pulley;
• and
• a cutting blade strung between the first pulley and the second pulley.