-24-
For Machines Mfg. Since 8/09
Model SB1020 OpERAtiON
blade selection
Blade tension
Proper blade tension is essential to avoid blade
vibration, twist, or`slippage on the wheels. A
correctly tensioned blade provides long life,
straight cuts, and efficient cutting times.
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 23
clockwise to tighten the blade or clockwise to
loosen the blade.
5. Tighten the blade until the tension gauge
moves into the green section.
Figure 23. Adjusting blade tension.
Blade
tension
Knob
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.
• Over-tensioned blade.
• Top blade guide assembly set too high above
the workpiece. Adjust the top blade guide
assembly so that there is approximately
1⁄8"–1⁄4" between the bottom of the assembly
and the workpiece. Understand that with
smaller workpieces, this may not be possible.
In these cases, simply adjust the blade guide
as far down as possible.
• Using a blade with a lumpy or improperly
finished braze or weld.
• Continuously running the bandsaw when not
in use.
• 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.
!
tension
gauge