Use and Care Manual
Table Of Contents
- 18-, 20-, 24-inch Band Saws
- 1.0 Warranty and service
- 2.0 Table of contents
- 3.0 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
- 4.0 About this manual
- 5.0 Features and Terminology
- 6.0 Specifications
- 7.0 Base hole centers
- 8.0 Setup and assembly
- 8.1 Shipping contents
- 8.2 Unpacking
- 8.3 Spotting the band saw
- 8.4 Rear rail
- 8.5 Front rail and guide rail
- 8.6 Fence assembly
- 8.7 Resaw fence
- 8.8 Fence to table clearance
- 8.9 Setting cursor (zero) position
- 8.10 Setting table parallel to blade
- 8.11 Setting fence parallel to blade
- 8.12 Fence locking tightness
- 8.13 Dust collection
- 9.0 Electrical connections
- 10.0 Adjustments
- 11.0 Operating controls
- 12.0 Operation
- 13.0 Maintenance
- 14.0 Blade Selection
- 15.0 Blade Selection Guide
- 16.0 Troubleshooting PM1800B/2013B/2415B Band Saws
- 17.0 Replacement Parts
- 17.1.1 Complete Machine with Accessories – PM 1800B & 2013B Exploded View I
- 17.1.2 Complete Machine with Accessories – PM 1800B & 2013B Exploded View II
- 17.1.3 Complete Machine with Accessories – PM2415B Exploded View I
- 17.1.4 Complete Machine with Accessories – PM2415B Exploded View II
- 17.1.5 Complete Machine with Accessories – PM1800B, PM2013B and PM2415B – Parts List
- 17.2.1 Upper Wheel Assembly – Exploded View
- 17.2.2 Upper Wheel Assembly – Parts List
- 17.3.1 Lower Wheel Assembly – Exploded View
- 17.3.2 Lower Wheel Assembly – Parts List
- 17.4.1 Upper Wheel Sliding Bracket Assembly –Exploded View
- 17.4.2 Upper Wheel Sliding Bracket Assembly –Part List
- 17.5.1 Brake Linkage Assembly – Exploded View
- 17.5.2 Brake Linkage Assembly – Parts List
- 17.6.1 Lower Blade Guide Support Assembly – Exploded View
- 17.6.2 Lower Blade Guide Support Assembly – Parts List
- 17.7.1 Upper Blade Guide Support Assembly – Exploded View
- 17.7.2 Upper Blade Guide Support Assembly – Parts List
- 17.8.1 Trunnion Support Bracket Assembly – Exploded View
- 17.8.2 Trunnion Support Bracket Assembly – Parts List
- 17.9.1 Guide Bar Bracket Assembly – Exploded View
- 17.9.2 Guide Bar Bracket Assembly – Parts List
- 17.10.1 Gear Bracket Assembly – Exploded View
- 17.10.2 Gear Bracket Assembly – Parts List
- 17.11.1 Miter Gauge Assembly – Exploded View
- 17.11.2 Miter Gauge Assembly – Parts List
- 17.12.1 Fence Assembly – Exploded View
- 17.12.2 Fence Assembly – Parts List
- 18.0 Electrical Connections
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Figure 52 – Blade Set
14.4 Set
The term “set” refers to the way in which the saw
teeth are bent or positioned. Bending the teeth
creates a kerf that is wider than the back of the
blade. This helps the operator more easily pivot a
workpiece through curve cuts, and decreases
friction between blade and workpiece on straight
cuts.
Set patterns are usually selected depending upon
the type of material that needs to be cut. Three
common set patterns are shown in Figure 52.
Generally, the Raker set is used for cutting metal
workpieces; the Wavy set, when the thickness of the
workpiece changes, such as cutting hollow tubing or
structurals. The Straight, or Alternate, set is the one
most used for woodworking blades, and is also used
to cut plastics.
14.5 Material
Band saw blades can be made from different types
of metals. The most common include spring steel,
carbon steel, bimetal (alloy steel equipped with a
high speed cobalt steel edge welded to it), or
carbide tips.
Because of the importance of blade selection, it is
recommended that you use the blade selection
guide, sect. 14.0. Also, listening to experienced
band saw users will produce valuable information as
to the types of blades currently on the market along
with their pros and cons.
14.6 Blade Breakage
Band saw blades are subject to high stresses and
breakage may sometimes be unavoidable.
However, many factors can be controlled to help
prevent most blade breakage. Here are some
common causes for breakage:
1. Misalignment of the blade guides.
2. Feeding workpiece too quickly.
3. Using a wide blade to cut a tight radius curve.
4. Excessive tension.
5. Teeth are dull or improperly set.
6. Upper guides are set too high off the workpiece.
7. Faulty weld on blade.
Although not essential, some users round or “stone”
the back edge of their blade. This is done by placing
a sharpening stone on the table and in light contact
with the back corners of the blade as the blade is
running. Rounding can help the back blade edge
move more smoothly through the kerf, smooths the
weld, and helps prevent cracks from starting at the
back corners.