Abstract: The invention provides a bandmill having an endless loop of bandsaw blade which is automatically strained to a desired tension, and automatically driven at an accurate location or tracking position. The bandmill runs on a pair of spaced co-planar wheels, which are forced longitudinally apart to apply strain to the bandsaw. Actual saw strain is automatically detected by a force transducer within the strain mechanism, and the actual saw strain is automatically compared electronically with a desired saw strain. A servo-controller automatically adjusts distance between the wheels to vary force therebetween so that actual saw strain is varied to approach the desired saw strain. Also, actual tracking of the saw blade relative to the wheels is automatically sensed by sensors located adjacent the edge of the saw blade.