-28-
M1048 10" x 18" Metal Cutting Bandsaw
SERVICE
Blade Change
Blades should be changed when they become dull, dam-
aged, or when you are using materials that require a
blade of a certain type or tooth count.
To change the blade on the bandsaw, do these steps:
1. DISCONNECT THE BANDSAW FROM POWER!
2. Raise the bow of the bandsaw about six inches then
close the feed control valve by turning the knob to
the right.
3. Loosen and slide the both blade guides toward the
center of the bow as shown in Figure 31.
4. Remove the two screws to open the upper blade
guard (see Figure 32).
5. Open both wheel covers and clean out all the chips
and shavings.
6. Loosen the blade tension handle in Figure 31 and
slip the old blade off of the wheels then out of the
blade guide roller bearings.
7. Install the new blade into front and rear blade guide
roller bearings, as shown in Figure 33, then around
the bottom and top wheels.
Note: It is sometimes possible to flip the blade
inside out, and the blade teeth will be pointing in
the wrong direction. Make sure the blade teeth are
facing toward the workpiece, as shown in Figure
34, before mounting on the bandsaw.
8. Apply a light amount of tension to hold the blade
in place. Work your way around the blade to adjust
the position so the back of the blade is against the
flange of the wheels.
9. Complete the blade change by following the steps in
the next section—Blade Tension & Tracking.
Figure 31. Tension handle and blade.
Tension Handle
Figure 32. Opened upper blade guard.
CUTTING HAZARD! Blades are sharp! Wear heavy
leather gloves when handling blades to prevent
cuts.
Figure 33. Installing the blade.
Blade Guard
Upper Blade Guard