Abstract: In a bandmill having a column and a pair of arbor-supported wheels carrying and driving an endless saw, a mechanism is provided to move the first wheel relative to the second wheel to accommodate fluctuations resulting from saw loading conditions; the mechanism comprises: a vertical post having one end slidably received in the column; a horizontal plate fixed to the other end of the post; a arbor support fixedly mounted to the plate and having a hinge portion; a tension arm having a first portion attached to the arbor and a second portion extending lengthwise over the plate; and resilient elements located between the second portion of the tension arm and the plate.