Model SB1020 | O P E R A T I O N | For Machines Mfg. Since 8/09 |
Blade Tension
Proper blade tension is essential to avoid blade vibration, twist, or`slippage on the wheels. A correctly tensioned blade provides long life, straight cuts, and efficient cutting times.
The three major signs of incorrect blade tension are: 1) The blade stalls in the cut and slips on the wheels, 2) the blade frequently breaks, and 3) the bandsaw does not make straight cuts.
To tension the blade on the bandsaw:
1.Make sure the blade is tracking properly.
2.DISCONNECT BANDSAW FROM POWER!
3.Loosen and slide the blade guide as far out as it will go, then tighten it down again.
4.Turn the tension knob in Figure 23 clockwise to tighten the blade or clockwise to loosen the blade.
blade selection
Blade Breakage
Many conditions may cause a bandsaw blade to break. Some of these conditions are unavoidable and are the natural result of the stresses placed on the bandsaw; other causes of blade breakage are avoidable.
The most common causes of avoidable blade breakage are:
• Faulty alignment or adjustment of the blade |
guides. |
• Forcing or twisting a wide blade around a |
tight radius. |
• Feeding the workpiece too fast. |
• Dull or damaged teeth. |
• |
• Top blade guide assembly set too high above |
Tension
!
the workpiece. Adjust the top blade guide | |
assembly so that there is approximately | |
1 | 1 |
Gauge 
Blade
Tension
Knob
Figure 23. Adjusting blade tension.
5.Tighten the blade until the tension gauge moves into the green section.
⁄8"– ⁄4" between the bottom of the assembly |
and the workpiece. Understand that with |
smaller workpieces, this may not be possible. |
In these cases, simply adjust the blade guide |
as far down as possible. |
• Using a blade with a lumpy or improperly |
finished braze or weld. |
• Continuously running the bandsaw when not |
in use. |
• Leaving the blade tensioned when not in use. |
• Using the wrong blade pitch (TPI) for the |
workpiece thickness. The general rule of |
thumb is to have no fewer than three teeth |
in contact with the workpiece when starting |
a cut and at all times during cutting. |