For Machines Mfg. Since 8/09 | O P E R A T I O N | Model SB1019 |
Blade Tension
Proper blade tension is essential to avoid blade vibration, twist, or wheel slippage. A correctly tensioned blade provides long life, straight cuts, and efficient cutting.
The three major signs of incorrect blade tension are: 1) The blade stalls in the cut and slips on the wheels, 2) the blade frequently breaks, and 3) the bandsaw does not make straight cuts.
To tension the blade on the bandsaw:
1.Make sure the blade is tracking properly.
2.DISCONNECT BANDSAW FROM POWER!
3.Loosen and slide the blade guide as far out as it will go, then tighten it down again.
4.Turn the tension knob in Figure 22 clockwise to tighten the blade or clockwise to loosen the blade.
!
Tension Indicator
Blade
Tension
Knob
Figure 22. Adjusting blade tension.
5.Tighten the blade until the tension indicator moves into the green or center section of the indicator.
blade selection
Blade Breakage
Many conditions may cause a bandsaw blade to break. Some of these conditions are unavoidable and are the natural result of the stresses placed on the bandsaw; other causes of blade breakage are avoidable.
The most common causes of avoidable blade breakage are:
•Faulty alignment or adjustment of the blade guides.
•Forcing or twisting a wide blade around a tight radius.
•Feeding the workpiece too fast.
•Dull or damaged teeth.
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•Top blade guide assembly set too high above the workpiece. Adjust the top blade guide assembly so that there is approximately
•Using a blade with a lumpy or improperly finished braze or weld.
•Continuously running the bandsaw between operations.
•Leaving the blade tensioned when not in use.
•Using the wrong blade pitch (TPI) for the workpiece thickness. The general rule of thumb is to have no fewer than three teeth in contact with the workpiece when starting a cut and at all times during cutting.
•Air in the hydraulic system, causing the headstock to "hop" on the workpiece.
•Stacking workpieces for multiple cuts at once.
