M1113 18" Wood/Metal Bandsaw
Blade Tracking
"Blade Tracking" is how and where the blade rides on the wheels. When tracking correctly, the blade rides on the peak of the wheel crowns. Blade tracking is primarily con- trolled by adjusting the upper wheel tilt, also known as "Center Tracking."
Another way to track the blade is known as "Coplanar Tracking." Coplanar tracking involves positioning the wheels so they are parallel and aligned (see Wheel Alignment on Page 42). When wheels are coplanar, vibra- tion and heat are reduced during operation. The wheels on the Model M1113 are factory aligned, but should be checked to ensure optimum results.
To center track the blade:
1.DISCONNECT BANDSAW FROM POWER!
2.Adjust the upper/lower blade guides and support bearings away from the blade.
3.Open the upper wheel cover.
4.Rotate the blade tension lever to adjust the blade tension until the indicator on the blade tension scale matches the size of blade installed (see Page 19).
5.Spin the upper wheel by hand at least three times to see how the blade rides on the crown of the wheel. Refer to Figure 21 for an illustration of this concept.
—If the blade rides on the peak of the upper wheel crown, then the bandsaw is already tracked prop- erly and no additional adjustments are needed.
Skip to Step 9.
—If the blade does not ride in the peak of the upper wheel crown, then continue with the next step.
6.Loosen the lock nuts on the blade tracking knob threads so the knobs will rotate for adjustments.
7.Spin the upper wheel with one hand and rotate the blade tracking knobs evenly with the other hand to make the blade ride on the center of the bandsaw wheel tire.
8.When the blade consistently rides on the center of the wheel, tighten the knob thread lock nuts.
9.Close the upper wheel cover.
NOTICE
Changes in the blade tension may change the blade tracking.
Blade Centered
on Peak of Crown
Blade
Centered on Wheel
CENTER TRACKING
Figure 21. Center tracking profiles.
SETUP
