Use and Care Manual

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4. Rotate tension handwheel (C, Figure 24) until
scale pointer (Figure 25) reaches appropriate
measurement for blade width.
Figure 25: blade tension scale
TIP: Use the band saw’s gauge setting initially. As
you become familiar with the machine and with the
different properties of band saw blades, you may
find it necessary to change blade tension from the
initial setting. Keep in mind that not only changes in
blade width, but also the type of material being cut
will have an effect on blade tension. Too little or too
much blade tension can cause blade breakage
and/or poor cutting performance.
Make a note of the specific tension setting for a
particular blade. The tension can then be re-set
quickly when band saw operations are resumed.
IMPORTANT: When band saw is sitting idle, move
quick tension lever to “Partial Tension” position. This
will prolong the life of the blade and tires, and reduce
load on wheels, bearings and other components.
10.5 Blade tracking
After being properly tensioned, the blade must be
tracked. “Tracking” refers to the position of the blade
on the wheels while the machine is in operation.
Tracking should be checked periodically, and is
mandatory after every blade change. Blade tracking
is done by hand with the machine disconnected from
power.
1. Disconnect machine from power source.
2. Blade should be correctly tensioned.
3. Make sure blade guides and other parts of
machine will not interfere with blade movement.
Lower guide post until you can see blade
through tracking window.
4. Set quick tension lever to “Full Tension”
position, as shown in Figure 24.
5. Open upper door to expose upper wheel.
Rotate upper wheel by hand, and observe
position of blade on the wheel through the
tracking window. The blade should ride upon
center of wheel (Figure 26).
Figure 26: blade track
IMPORTANT: Make tracking adjustments with knob
(F, Figure 24) while blade is at full tension. DO NOT
use screws (G, Figure 24); these were used by the
manufacturer for wheel alignment and should NOT
be used for tracking.
6. If blade tends to move toward edge of wheel,
loosen locking lever (E, Figure 24) and slightly
rotate tracking knob (F) with your right hand
while continuing to rotate wheel with your left.
Observe blade through tracking window. Rotate
tracking knob clockwise to move blade toward
rear edge of wheel. Rotate counterclockwise to
move blade toward front edge of wheel.
IMPORTANT: This adjustment is sensitive;
perform it in small increments and give blade
time to react to the changes.
7. When blade is tracking in center of wheel, re-
tighten locking lever (E), and close upper door.
8. Connect band saw to power, and turn it on for a
brief time to observe the blade in action through
the tracking window.
9. Make further adjustments if needed, with saw
disconnected from power.
10.6 Blade guides
10.6.1 Upper blade guides
The bearing guides should be set so that contact
between blade and guides will occur only when
blade is under pressure from a workpiece. To adjust
upper bearing guides for proper blade control,
proceed as follows.
Refer to Figures 27 through 30.
1. Disconnect machine from power source.
2. Blade must already be tensioned and tracking
correctly. Place quick tension lever in “Full
Tension” position.
3. Lower guide post until upper guide bearings are
a few inches above table. (The reason for this
will be shown later under “Guide Post
Parallelism.”)
4. Loosen locking screw (A, Figure 27). Make sure
knob (C, Figure 28) is tightened.