Blade Tension &
Tracking
Proper blade tension is essential to long blade life, straight cuts, and efficient cutting. The Model G0561 features a blade tension indicator to assist you with blade tensioning.
Two major signs that you do not have proper blade tension are: 1) the blade stalls in the cut and slips on the wheels, and 2) the blade frequently breaks from being too tight.
NOTICE
Loosen blade tension at the end of each day to prolong blade life.
To tension the blade on the bandsaw:
1.Turn the blade tension handle clockwise to tension the blade.
2.Tension the blade until the blade tension guide indicator is in the green zone (Figure 46).
3.To fine tune blade tension, use a blade tensioning gauge, like the one found in SECTION 5: ACCESSORIES on Page 28. Please follow the instructions included with your gauge and the blade manufacturer's recommendations on blade tension.
The blade tracking has been properly set at the factory. The tracking will rarely need to be adjusted if the bandsaw is used properly.
To adjust the blade tracking on the bandsaw:
1.UNPLUG THE BANDSAW!
2.Position the bandsaw in the vertical position.
3.Open the wheel access cover.
4.Loosen, but do not remove the lower hex bolt in the blade wheel tilting mechanism (Figure 46).
Blade Tension Guide |
Lower Hex Bolt |
Tracking Set Screw |
Figure 46. Blade tension guide.
5.Relax the blade tension.
6.Adjust the set screw with a 4mm hex wrench shown in Figure 46, then tighten the hex bolt loosened in Step 4.
—Tightening the set screw will move the blade closer to the shoulder of the wheel.
—Loosening the set screw will move the blade away from the shoulder.
7.Tension the blade.
8.Reconnect the power and turn ON the bandsaw.
—If the blade tracks along the shoulder of the wheel (without rubbing), the blade is tracking properly and this adjustment is completed.
—If the blade walks away from the shoulder of the wheel or hits the shoulder, repeat Steps 4-7 until the blade tracks properly.
9.Turn OFF the bandsaw.
10.Replace the blade guard and wheel access cover.
G0561 7" x 12" |