Southbend SB1019 Blade Guide Bearings, Squaring the Blade, To adjust the blade guide bearings

For Machines Mfg. Since 8/09 S E R V I C E Model SB1019

Blade Guide Bearings

The blade guide bearings must support the blade correctly to make cuts that are perpendicular to the table surface. One bearing on each assembly has an eccentric shaft that can be adjusted to properly support the blade. The bearings are secured in place by a hex nut and lock washer, as shown in Figure 40.

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Support Bearing

Eccentric

ShaftHex Nut &

Lock Washer

Figure 40. Blade guide adjustments.

To adjust the blade guide bearings:

1.DISCONNECT BANDSAW FROM POWER!

2.Lift the headstock and close the downfeed valve to stop it in the uppermost position.

3.Loosen the hex nuts that secure the eccentric shafts attached to the guide bearings.

4.Adjust the eccentric shaft as necessary so that it pushes against the blade just enough to hold the blade flat between the bearings.

Note: Since the bearings twist the blade into position, it is acceptable if there is 0.001"–0.002" gap between the blade and the front or back of the bearing. Just make sure not to squeeze the blade too tightly with the bearings. After the guide bearings are set, you should be able to rotate the guide bearings (although they will be stiff) with your fingers.

5.Adjust the support bearing in the same manner, but leave a gap between 0.002– 0.003" from the back of the blade.

Squaring the Blade

A blade that is perpendicular to the table surface provides the best cutting results with minimal side loading and blade wear. Frequently check and adjust this setting.

To square the blade to the table:

1.DISCONNECT BANDSAW FROM POWER!

2.Separate the blade guides as far as possible, then lower the bandsaw all the way until it contacts the downfeed stop bolt.

3.Place a square on the table bed and against the edge of the blade, as shown in Figure 41, then check different points along the length of the table between the blade guides.

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Cap Screws

Figure 41. Squaring the blade.

4.If the blade is not square to the table, loosen the cap screws shown in Figure 41 and rotate the blade guide bearing assemblies as necessary until the blade is perpendicular to the bed, then re-tighten the hex bolts.

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