Blade Tension
Blade tension is set with the blade tension handwheel (A, Fig. 19) 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 19:
1.Set the blade tension by rotating the handwheel according to the arrow directions in Figure 19.
2.The gauge (B) indicates the approximate tension according to the width of the blade in inches. Initially, set the blade tension to correspond to the width of your blade.
The
Note: The tension gauge can also be seen from the front of the saw through the wheel when the upper door is open.
As you become familiar with the saw, you may find it necessary to change the blade tension from the initial setting.
Keep in mind that too little or too much blade tension can cause blade breakage and/or poor cutting performance.
Tip: When the band saw is not being used, slightly release the tension on the blade – this will prolong the blade’s life. Make a note of the specific tension setting for that particular blade, as shown on the gauge (B). The tension can then be
Blade Tracking
Tracking refers to the position of the saw blade on the wheels while the machine is in operation. Tracking has been
Disconnect machine from power source before making any adjustments.
Important: The blade must be properly tensioned before adjusting blade tracking (see previous section). Make sure the blade guides and other parts of the machine will not interfere with the movement of the blade.
To inspect and adjust tracking, proceed as follows:
1.Open upper front door to expose the wheel. Rotate the wheel clockwise by hand and observe the position of the blade on the wheel
16
Figure 19
through the window (E, Fig. 19). The blade should ride upon the center of the wheel (Figure 20).
2.If the blade tends to move toward the edge of the wheel, loosen the wing nut (D, Fig. 19) and slightly rotate the knob (C, Fig. 19). Rotating the knob clockwise will cause the blade to move toward the rear edge of the wheel. Rotating the knob counterclockwise will cause the blade to move toward the front edge of the wheel.
Note: This adjustment is sensitive; perform it in small increments and give the blade time to react to the changes as you continue to rotate the wheel.
3.When the blade is tracking properly in the center of the wheel,
4.Close the upper front door.
Figure 20