Blade Tension | Squaring the Blade | |
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Proper blade tension is essential to long blade life, straight cuts, and efficient cutting times.
Two major signs that you do not have the correct blade tension are: 1) the blade stalls in the cut and is slipping on the wheels, and 2) the blade frequently breaks from being too loose.
To tension the blade on the bandsaw:
1.Make sure the blade is tracking properly.
2.UNPLUG THE BANDSAW!
3.Loosen and slide the blade guides as far apart as they will go then tighten them down again.
4.Turn the tension knob in Figure 46 clockwise to tighten the blade as tight as you can get.
5.Using moderate finger pressure, push against the side of the blade. The blade should not move more than 0.004".
6.Another option is to use a blade tensioning gauge, like the one found in ACCESSORIES on Page 25. If you use this option please follow the instructions included with your gauge.
It is always a good idea during the life of your saw to check and adjust this setting. This adjustment will improve your cutting results and extend the life of your blade.
To square the blade to the bed of the table:
1.UNPLUG THE BANDSAW!
2.Lower the head of the bandsaw all the way until it contacts the horizontal stop.
3.Place a square on the table bed and against the edge of the blade (Figure 47), and check different points along the length of the table between the blade guides.
4.Loosen the hex bolt shown in Figure 47, and rotate the seat until the blade is vertical to the bed, then tighten the hex bolt.
Hex Bolt
