-29-
G8144Z/G8145Z/G8146Z
Vertical Metal Cutting Bandsaw
6. Position the back edge of the blade so that
it is next to, but not against, the flange of the
top wheel (see Figure 22).
Note: Excessive blade contact with the wheel
flange during operation could lead to blade
and wheel damage.
Figure 22. Back edge of blade next to wheel
flange.
7. Rotate the top wheel by hand several times
to make sure the blade tracks evenly without
wandering across the wheel surface.
Note: If the blade does wander across the
wheel and away from the flange, the wheel
alignment may need to be adjusted. Refer to
Wheel Alignment on Page 42 for detailed
instructions.
8. Re-tension the blade (refer to Blade
Tensioning on this page).
9. Check the upper and lower blade guides for
clearance (refer to Adjusting Blade Guides
on Page 31).
Note: Generally if the replacement blade is
the same gauge, width, and type, blade guide
adjustment is not necessary. Otherwise, you
must adjust the blade guides.
10. Close and secure the upper and lower wheel
doors.
Blade Tensioning
Proper blade tension reduces the risk of blade
breakage and improves cutting performance.
To correctly tension the blade:
1. DISCONNECT BANDSAW FROM POWER!
2. Open the upper wheel door, and raise the
blade post and upper blade guide assembly
to the highest position.
3. Check the side-to-side deflection of the blade
midway between the upper blade guide and
the table. The proper amount of deflection
should be approximately 3⁄8" when moderate
pressure is applied (see Figure 23).
Note: The quickest and easiest way to
check blade tension is to use the Model
H5408 Blade Tensioning Gauge to reach a
blade tension of 25,000–30,000 PSI (refer to
Page 36)
NOTICE
To prolong blade life, release the tension on
the blade if the machine will be idle for an
extended period of time.
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Figure 23. Blade deflection when correctly
tensioned.
blade tensioning
Wheel
Flange
Blade