Axminster Trade AT1854B, Manual

Page: 27 / 44

Changing the Blade Speed
27
Variable Speed Control (BS11-INV ONLY)
Fig 67-68
To the left side of the bandsaw, just above the on/off switch
there is variable speed control dial, see fig 67-68. Turning the
dial you will increase or decrease the bandsaw blade speed
from 42-660m/min in low gear or 64-1001m/min in high gear.
NOTE: This will depend on where the drive belt has been
positioned on the drive pulley, see previous page for
repositioning the drive belt.
This gives you better control of the blade speed and allows you
to adjust the speed for cutting different materials.
The blade speed is subjective to a variety of factors, the type
and thickness of the material being cut, the type of blade to be
used, the feed rate and the quality of finish. Personal experience
is another factor.
NOTE: Experiment on some scrap material before
commencing on your actual workpiece.
Below is some general guidelines when selecting/adjusting
the blade speed:
• For best results when cutting, always select the speed you are
comfortable with based on experience and skill level.
• Generally, harder or denser material requires slower blade
speed.
• Some woods and plastics could start to burn at higher speeds.
To avoid this, reduce the blade speed and the feed rate, thus
reducing the risk of your workpiece being damaged.
Wood and Plastics
Steel and Aluminium
When cutting mild steel or aluminium which is a harder/denser
material, will require a very slow blade speed. Adjust the speed
control dial until the speed is sufficiantly set so the blade is
cutting and not generating heat.
WARNING! DO NOT SET THE BLADE SPEED TO
HIGH OTHERWISE THE BLADE WILL START TO
GENERATE HEAT WHICH WILL REDUCE THE
BLADES LIFE SPAN AND COULD DAMAGE THE
INTERNAL COMPONENTS.
WARNING! FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY DO NOT
ADJUST THE SPEED CONTROL WHILE CUTTING,
ALSO KEEP A FIRM GRIP ON THE WORKPIECE AT
ALL TIMES.