Grizzly G0555 Tensioning Blade, Adjusting Support Bearings, To tension the bandsaw blade

Tensioning Blade

A properly tensioned blade is essential for mak- ing accurate cuts and is a prerequisite before making many bandsaw adjustments.

To tension the bandsaw blade:

1.Make sure you have performed the ÒTest RunÓ instructions on the previous page and that the blade is tracking properly.

2.With the blade tension lever in the down (engaged) position, adjust the blade tension so that the mark on the blade tension scale matches the size of blade that is installed on the bandsaw. Because each blade is differ- ent and all blades stretch, this scale can only be considered as a general guide.

3.Turn the bandsaw ON.

4.Release the tension one quarter of a turn at a time. Do this very slowly. When you see the bandsaw blade start to flutter, stop decreasing the tension.

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

6.Look at what the tension gauge reads and use that as a guide for tensioning that blade in the future. However, do not rely on this measurement for long periods of time because the blade will stretch with use.

NOTICE

All bandsaw blades will stretch. To reduce this stretching, remove the tension from the blade when not in use.

NOTICE

After blade tension and tracking are set cor- rectly, properly adjust the upper and lower support bearings and guide-block assem- blies into position before cutting operations.

Adjusting

Support Bearings

The support bearings are positioned behind the blade and support the back of the blade during cutting operations. Proper adjustment of the sup- port bearings is an important part of making accu- rate cuts and also keeps the blade teeth from coming in contact with the guide bearings while cutting.

To adjust the support bearings:

1.Make sure that the blade is tracking properly and that it is correctly tensioned.

2.Unplug the bandsaw!

3.Familiarize yourself with the support bearing controls shown in Figure 20.

Assembly

Lock Bolt

Knurled

Knob

Support

Bearing

Thumbscrew

Figure 20. Support bearing controls.

4.Loosen the assembly lock bolt.

-20- G0555 14" Ultimate Bandsaw