This paper presents the results of an analytical and experimental investigation into the effect of bandsaw roll-tensioning on blade stiffness and cutting accuracy. The results show that rolling in the centre 60% of the sawblade will increase blade stiffness while rolling outside this region will decrease it. The optimum rolling location was shown to be the blade centre-line. A modified roll-tensioning procedure coupled with an increase in bandmill strain was shown to increase blade stiffness and improve cutting accuracy over conventionally tensioned blades. This was accomplished without increasing sawblade stress levels. Benefits of the revised procedure are an estimated increase in lumber recovery of 0.5% coupled with reductions in sawblade maintenance requirements. Mill trials are in progress to determine the long term behaviour of saws with the modified tensioning.