This .pdf document is bookmarked Operating Instructions and Parts Manual 18-inch Metal/Wood Cutting Band Saw Model VBS-18MW JET 427 New Sanford Road LaVergne, TN 37086-4184, USA Ph.: 800-274-6848 www.jettools.com Part No.
1.0 Warranty and Service JET® warrants every product it sells against manufacturers’ defects. If one of our tools needs service or repair, please contact Technical Service by calling 1-800-274-6846, 8AM to 5PM CST, Monday through Friday. Warranty Period The general warranty lasts for the time period specified in the literature included with your product or on the official JET branded website. • JET products carry a limited warranty which varies in duration based upon the product.
2.0 Table of Contents 1.0 Warranty and Service ....................................................................................................................... 2 2.0 Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................. 3 3.0 Safety warnings ................................................................................................................................ 4 4.0 Introduction..........................
approved safety equipment, such as face or dust masks that are specifically designed to filter out microscopic particles. 10. Do not operate this machine while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or any medication. 3.0 Safety warnings 1. Read and understand the entire owner's manual before attempting assembly or operation. 11. Make certain the switch is in the OFF position before connecting the machine to the power supply. 2.
23. Use the right tool at the correct speed and feed rate. Do not force a tool or attachment to do a job for which it was not designed. The right tool will do the job better and safer. shavings or debris — do not use your hands. 27. Do not stand on the machine. Serious injury could occur if the machine tips over. 24. Use recommended accessories; improper accessories may be hazardous. 28. Never leave the machine running unattended.
4.0 Introduction This manual is provided by JET, covering the safe operation and maintenance procedures for a JET Model VBS-18MW Band Saw. This manual contains instructions on installation, safety precautions, general operating procedures, maintenance instructions and parts breakdown. This machine has been designed and constructed to provide consistent, long-term operation if used in accordance with instructions set forth in this manual.
6.1 115 Volt Operation available or should be used with the 230V plug. The VBS-18MW band saw is wired from the factory for 115 volt operation. The power cord has a plug that looks like A, Figure 1, and is used in an outlet that looks like B, Figure 1. A temporary adapter with a grounding ear secured with a screw (C, Figure 1) may be used to connect this plug to a two-pole receptacle if a properly grounded outlet is not available.
Note: Figures in this manual may or may not exactly match the appearance of your machine. 7.0 Unpacking 7.
8.0 Assembly 8.1 Handwheel Attach the handle (A, Fig. 4) to the handwheel (B, Fig. 4). 8.2 Mounting the Table Important: The table is heavy. The assistance of a second person is strongly recommended. Referring to Figures 5 and 6: 1. Remove the table insert (A) and tapered pin (B). Figure 4 2. Slide the table so the saw blade (D) passes through the slot where the tapered pin (B) was located. 3.
8.4 Chip Tray Referring to Figure 8: Insert two 1/4” x 1/4” pan head screws through the holes in the rear rail and into the table edge, leaving the screw heads protruding slightly. Mount the chip tray onto the screws as shown. 8.5 Dust Collection If cutting wood on the band saw, attach the hose of a proper dust collection system to the 4” port at the rear of the band saw. NOTE: Dryer vent hose is not acceptable for this purpose.
Fence Adjustment 5. Place the fence assembly onto the guide rail (D, Figure 11) and against the edge of the miter slot (C, Figure 11). The hook at the rear of the fence should fit under the rear rail (see Figure 14). The fence must align parallel to the miter slot along the entire length of the fence. If adjustment is necessary: 6. Lock the fence by pushing down the lock handle (A, Figure 11).
Adjusting Clearance between Fence and Table Referring to Figures 13 and 14: Check the clearance between the table and the fence. The fence should not rub against the table surface but be slightly above it. This gap should be the same at the front of the table as it is at the rear. Figure 13 If the gap between fence and table is not consistent, loosen either of the hex nuts on the hook (Figure 14) and rotate the sliding pad until the fence/table gap is consistent across the full length of the table.
9.2 Adjusting 90 Degree Table Stop Referring to Figures 17 and 18: Blade tension must be properly adjusted prior to adjusting 90 degree stop. Refer to the Adjusting Blade Tension section. 1. Loosen lock knobs (C) and tilt the table until it rests against the table stop bolt (B); then retighten the lock knobs. 2. Use a square (E) placed on the table and against the blade to see if the table is 90 degrees to the blade. Figure 17 3. If an adjustment is necessary, loosen the lock knobs (C).
9.4 Installing/Changing Blades Referring to Figures 21 and 22: The band saw is provided with a 10-TPI metal cutting blade, 137”L x 3/4”W x 0.025”Thk. Disconnect machine from power source. Blade teeth are sharp, use care when handling the blade. Failure to comply may cause serious injury. 1. Disconnect machine from power source. 2. Decrease blade tension by rotating the blade tension handwheel (A) according to the arrow direction until the handwheel stops. 3. Remove the table insert (B). 4.
9.5 Blade Tension Blade tension is set with the blade tension handwheel (A, Figure 23) and is performed following blade replacement and periodically as the blade stretches from use. Disconnect machine from power source before making any adjustments. Referring to Figure 23: 1. Set the blade tension by rotating the handwheel according to the arrow directions in Figure 23. 2. The gauge (B) indicates the approximate tension according to the width of the blade in inches.
9.7 Overview – Bearing Adjustments A Thrust (back support) bearing is located behind the saw blade and provides support to the back of the blade when the saw is in operation. Guide bearings are located on either side of the saw blade and provide stability for the blade when the saw is in operation. These bearings rotate on an eccentric shaft so the distance from the blade can be adjusted for optimal performance. 9.
9.9 Lower Bearing Adjustments Unplug the machine from power source before making any adjustments! Blade teeth are sharp – use care when working near the saw blade. Failure to comply may cause serious injury. Note: Blade tension must be properly adjusted prior to bearing guide setup. Refer to the Blade Tension section. Referring to Figure 27: 1. Loosen the thumb screw (B). This will allow the thrust bearing (A) to move freely and prevent interference with the saw blade (C) during the following steps.
9.10 Blade Lead Blade drift (also known as lead or fence drift) is a problem that may occur when the blade begins to wander off the cutting line even when the band saw fence is being used. Figure 28 shows an example of blade lead. Blade lead can be caused by a number of factors, and these should all be checked and corrected if necessary: Fence is not parallel to miter slot and blade. Blade is not tensioned correctly. Blade is dull. Teeth have too much “set” on one side of the blade.
9.11 Replacing the V-Belt Disconnect machine from power source before making any adjustments. Referring to Figures 29 and 30: 1. Release blade tension as described in the Blade Tension section. 2. Release belt tension by loosening the handle (A) and lifting up on the lever (B). Re-tighten the handle. 3. Open the lower wheel door (D) and remove the hex nut and washer (E). Figure 29 4. Remove the wheel (F). If the lower wheel does not come off easily you may need to use a pulley puller to remove it.
9.13 Pulley Alignment The pulley alignment is done in conjunction with the V-belt replacement. If you are just beginning the alignment, start with the Replacing the V-Belt section (previous page). If you were directed here, proceed as follows: 1. Use a straight edge placed against the wheel pulley and motor pulley, and refer to Figure 31 to determine if alignment is necessary. If alignment is necessary: 2. With a 4mm hex wrench, loosen two set screws on the motor (lower) pulley. 3.
11.2 Ripping 11.0 Operation Ripping is cutting lengthwise down the workpiece, and with the grain (of wood stock). See Figure 33. 11.1 General Procedure 1. Make sure the blade and upper and lower bearings are properly adjusted for tension and tracking. 2. Adjust blade guide assembly so that the guide bearings are just above the workpiece (about 3/16”) allowing minimum exposure to the blade. See Figure 32. 3. If using the fence, move it into position and lock it to the guide rail.
11.4 Resawing the tip of the tooth. Generally, wider blades are used for ripping or making straight cuts; narrower blades are often used when the part being cut has curves with small radii. When cutting straight lines with a narrow blade, the blade may have a tendency to wander, causing blade lead. (refer to the Blade Lead section in Adjustments). Resawing is the process of slicing stock to reduce its thickness, or to produce boards that are thinner than the original workpiece.
Set 3. Using a wide blade to cut a short radius curve. The term "set" refers to the way in which the saw teeth are bent or positioned. Set patterns are usually selected depending on the type of material that needs to be cut. Three common set patterns are shown in Figure 38. 4. Excessive tension. 5. Teeth are dull or improperly set. 6. Upper guides are set too high off the workpiece.
4. Clean the surface of the drive wheels. Use a solvent such as mineral spirits as required to achieve a clean, dry surface for the new tires. 12.1 Replacing Tires The rubber tires that cover the drive wheels protect the wheel from blade damage and provide a high friction drive force on the tensioned blade. Over a long period of service, the tires wear and may require replacement. 5. Carefully slip the replacement tires onto the drive wheels. 6. Re-install the saw blade and re-connect the saw to power.
14.0 Blade Selection Guide Identify the material and thickness of your work piece. The chart will show the recommended PITCH, blade TYPE, and FEED RATE. Key: H – Hook S – Skip R – Regular L – Low M – Medium H – High Example: 10/H/M means 10 teeth per inch / Hook Type Blade / Medium Feed To cut a radius: Study the part drawing or prototype, or actually measure the smallest cutting radius required, and locate this radius (in inches) on the chart at the right.
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16.0 Troubleshooting VBS-18MW Band Saw Trouble Probable Cause Remedy Saw stops or will not start. Saw unplugged. Check plug connections. Fuse blown, or circuit breaker tripped. Replace fuse, or reset circuit breaker. Cord damaged. Replace cord. Stop not adjusted correctly. Check blade with square and adjust stop. See sect. 9.2. Angle pointer not set accurately. Check blade with square and adjust pointer. See sect. 9.2. Miter gauge out of adjustment. Adjust miter gauge. See page 12.
Trouble Probable Cause Remedy Excessive blade breakage. Material loose in vise. Clamp work securely. Incorrect speed or feed rate. Refer to charts on pages 25-26 or check Machinist’s Handbook for speed/feed appropriate for the material being cut. Teeth too coarse for material. Check Machinist’s Handbook for recommended blade type. Incorrect blade tension. Adjust blade tension to point where the blade just does not slip on the wheel. Blade rubs on the wheel flange. Adjust blade tracking.
17.0 Replacement Parts Replacement parts are listed on the following pages. To order parts or reach our service department, call 1-800-274-6848, Monday through Friday (see our website for business hours, www.jettools.com). Having the Model Number and Serial Number of your machine available when you call will allow us to serve you quickly and accurately.
17.1.
17.1.2 Parts List: Upper Wheel Assembly Index No. Part No. Description Size Qty 1.......... VBS18MW-101G .............. Saw Body ........................................................................................ 1 2.......... TS-0152011 ...................... Carriage Bolt ..................................................5/16-18x1 ................. 6 3.......... JWBS18DX-103 ................ Upper Wheel Bracket (Right Side) ................................................... 1 4..........
17.2.
17.2.2 Parts List: Lower Wheel and Motor Assembly Index No. Part No. Description Size Qty 1.......... JWBS18-201N .................. Bearing Base................................................................................... 1 2.......... JWBS20-62....................... Adjusting Bolt .................................................................................. 4 3.......... TS-0720091 ...................... Lock Washer ..................................................3/8 ....................
Index No. Part No. Description Size Qty 51 ........ TS-081C032 ..................... Screw .............................................................#10-24x1/2 ............... 2 52 ........ TS-1550031 ...................... Flat Washer....................................................M5 ............................ 2 53 ........ TS-0560071 ...................... Hex Nut ..........................................................#10-24 ...................... 2 54 ........ JWBS18DX-254 ...............
17.3.
17.3.2 Parts List: Blade Guide Assembly Index No. Part No. Description Size Qty 1.......... TS-0051051 ...................... Hex Cap Screw ..............................................5/16-18x1 ................. 4 2.......... TS-0720081 ...................... Lock Washer ..................................................5/16 .......................... 4 3.......... TS-0680031 ...................... Flat Washer....................................................5/16 .......................... 8 4......
Index No. Part No. Description Size Qty 57 ........ JWBS18DX-357 ................ Bearing Bracket ............................................................................... 1 58 ........ 6295293............................ Locking Handle ............................................................................... 1 59 ........ JWBS18DX-359 ................ Locking Handle ............................................................................... 1 60 ........ JWBS18DX-360 ................
17.4.
17.4.2 Parts List: Table and Fence Assembly Index No. Part No. Description Size Qty 1.......... JWBS18-401..................... Lock Handle .................................................................................... 1 2.......... TS-0680021 ...................... Flat Washer....................................................1/4 .......................... 11 3.......... JWBS18-403..................... Miter Gauge Body ...........................................................................
Index No. Part No. Description Size Qty 57 ........ TS-0051091 ...................... Hex Cap Screw ..............................................5/16-18x2 ................. 2 58 ........ 40-0260 ............................ Wrench ........................................................................................... 1 59 ........ JWBS18DX-459 ................ C-Ring............................................................S-10 ......................... 1 60 ........ JWBS18DX-460 ................
