Maintenance

Before doing maintenance, disconnect machine from electrical supply by pulling out the plug or switching off the main switch! Failure to comply may cause serious injury.

Clean the band saw regularly to remove any resinous deposits and sawdust. Keep the miter slot in the table free of dust and debris. Keep the guide bearings clean and free of resin.

Grease the rack and pinion system of the guide bar.

Oil any pins, shafts, and joints. Do not get oil on the pulleys or belts.

Bearings on the band saw are sealed for life and do not require lubrication.

Check that the cleaning brush over the lower wheel is working properly; adjust if necessary.

Remove any deposits from the band wheels to avoid vibration and blade breakage.

The table surface must be kept clean and free of rust for best results. If rust appears, use a mixture of household ammonia, a good commercial detergent and 000 steel wool. (Alternatively, commercial rust removers can be found at many hardware stores.) Then wash table down with hot, soapy water, rinse and dry thoroughly.

Apply a light coat of paste wax to the table. Or, some users prefer talcum powder applied with a blackboard eraser rubbed in vigorously once a week; this will fill casting pores and form a moisture barrier. This method provides a table top that is slick and allows rust rings to be easily wiped from the surface. Important also is the fact that talcum powder will not stain wood or mar finishes as wax pickup can.

If the power cord is worn, cut, or damaged in any way, have it replaced immediately.

Tire Replacement

1.Disconnect machine from power source.

2.Remove the blade from the machine.

3.Insert a flat head screwdriver beneath the lip of the tire. Pry up the tire and pull it off the wheel. If this proves difficult, insert a wood wedge or dowel into the opening (see Figure 38), and continue to pry around the perimeter of the wheel until the tire comes off the wheel.

Figure 38

4.Clean the rim of the band wheel before installing the new tire.

5.The new tire can be installed without removing the band wheel from the machine; or, you can remove the band wheel (see “Band Wheel Replacement” for removal instructions) and place it on a workbench, using a home-made jig to secure it while installing the new tire.

6.Place part of the new tire over the band wheel and work it onto the rim of the band wheel. If needed, insert a wood dowel beneath the tire and move the dowel around the perimeter of the band wheel to guide the tire on.

NOTE: Although the tire may look too small, it will stretch around the band wheel with the proper exertion, and will form a tight fit. Unlike rubber tires for many older model band saws, the tires for the 2013 and 2415 will not require trimming, equalizing, etc., nor do they require an adhesive. Rather, they are ready to use immediately after installation.

Band Wheel Replacement

The cast iron band wheels are heavy; use care when removing them.

Disconnect machine from power, and remove the blade. Loosen and remove the hex nut and flat washer at the wheel’s hub. Carefully pull off the wheel by hand or with a “wheel puller.”

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Powermatic 2415, 2013 operating instructions Maintenance, Tire Replacement, Band Wheel Replacement