21
Adjusting Blade Tension 1. Disconnect machine from power source.
2. Place tension lever in the highest positi on, as
shown in Figure 25. Turn blade tension knob
(B, Fig. 25) clockwise to tension blade. A
gauge on the upper wheel slide bracket (C,
Fig. 25) indicates the approximat e t ension
according to the width of the blade. Init i ally,
set the blade tension to correspond to blade
width.
3. As you become familiar with the saw, you
may find it necessary to change the blade
tension from the initial sett i ng. Changes in
blade width and the type of material bei ng c ut
will have an effect on blade tension. Keep in
mind that too little or too m uch blade tension
can cause blade breakage.
IMPORTANT: If the band saw is to sit idle f or a
period of time, place the lev er in the middle
position; this will help prevent blade fatigue and
wheel deformation.
WARNING
Disconnect machine from the power sou rce!
Never adjust blade tracking with the mach ine
running!
Failure to comply may cause serious inj u ry!
How the blade is situated upon the wheels while in
motion is called “tracking”. T he bl ade should track
in the center of both wheels.
1. Blade must be properly tensioned before
adjusting blade tracking. Make sure blade
guides and blade bearings do not interfere
with the blade.
2. Open the upper wheel guard on the band saw.
Rotate the wheel forward and observe the
position of the blade on the wheel. It should
be in the center.
3. If adjustment is necessary, loosen wing nut
(D, Fig. 25) and slightly tighten knob (E , Fig.
25) to move blade toward the rear of
machine. Slightly loosen knob (E, F i g. 25) to
cause the blade to track toward the front of
the machine.