8.12Blade Tracking
Refer to Figures 21 and 22.
After proper tensioning, the blade must be tracked. “Tracking” refers to position of blade on the wheels while machine is in operation. Tracking should be checked periodically, and is mandatory after every blade change. Blade tracking is done by hand with machine disconnected from power.
1.Disconnect machine from power source.
2.Blade must be correctly tensioned (section 8.11).
3.Make sure blade guides and other parts of machine will not interfere with blade movement. Lower guide post until you can see blade through tracking window (C).
Figure 21
4.Set quick tension lever initially to “Partial
5.Open upper door to expose wheel.
6.Rotate wheel by hand, observing position of blade through tracking window. As you rotate wheel, move lever to “Full Tension” position. The blade should continue to ride upon center of tire (Figure 22).
Figure 22
7.If blade tends to move toward edge of wheel, set lever to “Partial
8.Loosen lock handle (D, Figure 21) and slightly rotate tracking knob (E) with your right hand while continuing to rotate wheel with your left. Observe blade through tracking window. Rotating knob clockwise will cause blade to move toward rear edge of wheel. Rotating knob counterclockwise will cause blade to move toward front edge of wheel.
IMPORTANT: This adjustment is sensitive; perform in small increments and give blade time to react to changes.
9.When blade is tracking in center of wheel, re- tighten lock handle (D), and close upper door.
10.Move tension lever to “Full Tension” position, and connect band saw to power. Turn it on for a brief time to observe the blade in action through tracking window.
11.If further adjustments are needed, disconnect from power and repeat above procedure.
NOTE: An interlock switch in the upper housing prevents operation of saw unless tension lever is in full tension position.
8.13Upper Blade Guides
The bearing guides should be set so that contact between blade and guides will occur only when blade is under pressure from a workpiece. To adjust upper bearing guides for proper blade control, proceed as follows.
Refer to Figures 23 through 24.
1.Disconnect machine from power source.
2.Blade must already be tensioned and tracking correctly. Place quick tension lever in “Full Tension” position.
3.Lower guide post until upper guide bearings are a few inches off the table. (The reason for this will be evident later in section 8.17)
4.Loosen lock knob (F, Figure 23).
Figure 23
5.Slide entire guide bracket until front of guide bearings are about 0.015” (1/64”) behind the
16
