Woodstock M1113 owner manual Blade Tensioning, To tension the bandsaw blade

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M1113 18" Wood/Metal Bandsaw

Blade Tensioning

A properly tensioned blade is essential for making accu- rate cuts and is a prerequisite for making many bandsaw adjustments. The blade tension is adjusted by rotating the blade tension lever.

To tension the bandsaw blade:

1.Make sure you have performed the Test Run instruc- tions on the previous page and you are certain that the blade is tracking properly.

2.With the blade tension lever in the down (engaged) position, adjust the blade tension until the indicator on the blade tension scale (Figure 23) matches the size of blade installed on the bandsaw.

Note: Because each blade is different and all blades stretch, this scale is only an approximation. Always measure blades from the tip of the tooth to the back of the blade.

3.Turn the bandsaw ON.

4.Release the tension one quarter of a turn at a time. When the bandsaw blade starts to flutter, stop decreasing the tension.

5.Now, slowly increase the tension until the blade stops fluttering, then tighten the tension one more quarter of a turn.

6.Turn the bandsaw OFF and read the tension gauge. Use the reading as a guide when tensioning that blade in the future.

Note: Do not rely on this measurement for long periods of time because the blade will stretch with use, making the tension gauge slightly inaccurate.

Blade Tension

Lever

Blade Tension Scale

Figure 23. Blade tension scale.

NOTICE

To reduce blade stretching, remove the tension from the blade when not in use.

NOTICE

After blade tension and tracking are set correctly, properly adjust the upper/ lower support bearings and guide-block assemblies into position before operat- ing machine.

SETUP

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Contents WOOD/METAL Bandsaw Page Contents Woodstock Technical Support IntroductionIntroduction Introduction Controls and Features Standard Safety Instructions SafetyAlways Lock Mobile Bases if Used Before Operating Machinery Additional Safety for Bandsaws Electrical Electrical Specifications220V Operation Extension CordsSetup InventoryMain Components Figure Qty Cleaning Machine Machine PlacementTo lift and move the bandsaw with a forklift, do these steps Lifting & MovingBolting to Concrete Floors Mounting to Shop FloorTo assemble the bandsaw, do these steps AssemblyInstalling fence onto rails Recommended CFM at each Dust Port Dust CollectionTo center track the blade Blade TrackingTo test run the machine, do these steps Test RunTo tension the bandsaw blade Blade TensioningAdjustment To adjust the support bearings, do these stepsSupport Bearing To adjust the upper and lower blade guides, do these steps Blade Guide AdjustmentTable Tilt Scale Calibration Table Stop AdjustmentFence Alignment Table AlignmentOperations GeneralBasic Controls Choosing wood without embedded foreign objects embedded Workpiece Inspection WoodWorkpiece Inspection Metal Cutting Overview Table TiltBasic Cutting Tips Guide Post Rip CuttingTo make a rip cut, do these steps Resawing CrosscuttingTo make a 90˚ crosscut, do these steps To resaw a workpiece, do these stepsCutting Curves Stacked CutsTo complete a stacked cut, do these steps Blade Length Blade Characteristics Wood CuttingBlade Width Tooth StyleBlade Care Tooth PitchBlade Breakage Most common causes of blade breakage areTo select the correct blade TPI, do these steps Blade Selection Metal CuttingTo replace the blade, do these steps Blade ChangesTo calibrate the scale, do these steps Fence Scale CalibrationAccessories Model D3096 Shop Fox FeatherboardModel D3122 Shop Fox Push Stick Cleaning MaintenanceSchedule Table & BaseAccessing V-Belts ServiceServicing V-Belts Checking V-BeltsFollow all previous instructions for Accessing V- Belts Tensioning/Replacing V-BeltsStep Shimming Table Blade LeadTo shim the table, do these steps To skew your fence, do these steps Wheel Alignment Verifying Upper/Lower Wheels are CoplanarShimming Upper Wheel To adjust the lower wheel, do these steps Adjusting Lower WheelMotor junction box wiring Electrical Component WiringWiring Diagram Motor & Electrical TroubleshootingMiscellaneous Cutting OperationsWood/Metal Bandsaw PART# Description Bandsaw Body Parts ListTable & Guides Breakdown Table & Guides Parts List Fence Breakdown Label Placement M1113 18 Wood/Metal Bandsaw Comments Warranty RegistrationBOX BELLINGHAM, WA