OPERATION

CUTTING CURVES

Turn the stock carefully so that the blade follows without twisting. For very abrupt curves, consider using a narrower blade, or a blade with more set. Another solution to this problem is to make relief cuts (Figure 16)

When you withdraw the workpiece or change the cut,

 

be careful not to accidentally pull the blade off of the

 

wheels. The preference is to turn the stock and saw out

 

through the waste material.

Figure 16

ADJUSTMENTS

ADJUSTING THE BLADE TENSION

Disconnect the machine from the power source before making any adjustments!

See Figure 17 (show set up as in sample to the rightCaption: A standard blade should have approximately 1/4" deflection on either side.)

Unless you have a tension meter, achieving optimum blade tension is a matter of trial and error. There are a number of suggested methods for achieving the proper tension.

Most blade manufacturers recommend 15,000 psi to 20,000 psi for a common carbon-steel blade. Stronger bimetal, spring-steel, and carbide-tipped blades generally require 25,000 psi to 30,000 psi. The tighter the blade is stretched, the more rigid it becomes and the less tendency it will have to deflect in the cut.

It should be noted that maximum blade tension is only required for the most demanding cuts, such as re-sawing dense hardwoods or stock of maximum thickness.

NOTE: DELTA® Timber Wolf® band saw blades are recommended as they are designed to operate with less tension, thus increasing their serviceable life. Follow the tensioning directions on the package

To check and adjust the blade tension on your DELTA® 14" Steel Frame Band Saw, do the following:

Disconnect the machine from the power source before making any adjustments!

Set the upper blade guide assembly about 6 in. off the table.

Use a moderate amount of pressure with your index finger to push the blade sideways in both directions. The blade should not deflect more than 1/4" in either direction.

If the blade deflects more than 1/4", increase the tension on the blade by tightening the blade tensioning knob at the top of the machine (refer to B in Figure 6, page 9).

If the blade does not deflect at all, it may be too tight. Loosen the blade tensioning knob slightly until there is a minimal amount of deflection.

Figure 17

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Delta 20-400 instruction manual Adjustments, Cutting Curves, Adjusting the Blade Tension