ASSEMBLY
TO ADJUST BLADE TENSION
See Figures 13 - 14.
nUnplug the saw and remove the switch key.
nMake sure RapidSet™ Blade Tension Lever is in the locked position. See Figure 14.
nBefore using the band saw, turn the blade tension knob on the top of the saw clockwise to engage tension.
Check blade tension by the sound the blade makes (similar to plucking a guitar string).
nPluck the back straight edge on the coasting side opposite the blade guides while turning the tension knob. Sound should be a musical note. Sound becomes higher pitched as tension increases.
nNever increase blade tension so tight as to completely compress the spring. When completely compressed, the spring can no longer act as a shock absorber.
NOTE: Too much tension may cause the blade to break. Too little tension may cause the blade to slip on the wheels or not track properly. The wider the blade, the more tension must be used.
TO TRACK THE BLADE
See Figure 14.
TO DECREASE | TO INCREASE |
TENSION | TENSION |
BLADE TENSION KNOB
Fig. 13
BLADE
TENSION
KNOB
SPRING
TO LOCK BLADE
TENSION
NOTE: Adjust blade tension properly before making tracking adjustments. Check that the blade guides are not interfering with the blade.
To Adjust:
nOpen the front cover by releasing the upper and lower latches. Watch the blade’s position on the upper tire as you slowly turn the upper wheel clockwise by hand. If the blade moves away from the center of the tire, the tracking must be adjusted.
If the blade has moved left or right of center:
NOTE: It may be necessary to loosen the hex nut for a larger range of adjustments. Be sure to retighten after adjusting.
nLoosen hex nut. Turn the tracking knob (clockwise if blade has moved left and counterclockwise if blade has moved right) while turning the wheel by hand until the blade moves back and rides in the center of the tire. Retighten hex nut.
nCheck the position of the blade on the lower tire. The blade should be completely on the tire. If not, adjust the tracking until the blade is on both tires.
nRotate the upper wheel by hand in a clockwise direction for a few more turns. Make sure the blade stays in the same location on the tires. Readjust, if necessary, until blade is tracking properly.
nClose front cover and relatch.
Page 16
TO UNLOCK BLADE
TENSION
RAPIDSET™
BLADE TENSION
LEVER
TRACKING
VIEW
WINDOW
BLADE ON
WHEEL
BLADE 
TENSION
KNOB
RAPID SET™ 
BLADE TENSION
LEVER
HEX NUT
TRACKING
KNOB
Fig. 14