General 90-200 M1, Setup & Operation Manual, Page: 19 / 40

To adjust blade tension proceed as follows:
Note: Always verify the level of blade tension before pulling the bla-
de tension quick release lever down. Refer to the blade tension gau-
ge
. The indicated level of tension must correspond to the width
of the blade installed on your bandsaw. Pulling the tension lever
down with the blade too tensioned will force and damage the bla-
de tension mechanism.
1. Pull the tension lever down for quick blade tensioning.
2. Refering to the blade tension gauge set the blade ten-
sion to correspond with the width of the blade installed on
your bandsaw. Adjust the blade tensioning by turning the
blade tension knob
:
a) Clockwise to tighten
b) Counter-clockwise to loosen the blade tension.
3. With the saw turned off, press against the side of the blade
to test the tautness of the blade
. For ideal results with
most blade widths and cutting applications the blade
should flex in no more than 1/4" to 3/8".
4. Make a test cut on a sample piece of wood and if needed re-adjust the blade tension.
Note: To prolong the life of the blade whenever the bandsaw is not in use for prolonged periods (more than 24
hours), release the blade tension lever to remove tension from the blade, Over time, maintaining tension on a
blade that is not in use will cause the blade to deform, by taking the shape of the wheels at both extremities. This
can weaken the blade and cause premature breakage.
ADJUSTING BLADE TRACKING
Blade tracking means centering the blade on the wheels.
Ideally, the blade should stay relatively centered on both the
upper and lower wheels
.
Due to natural variations in castings, blade thickness or density
and tire wear, absolute perfect centering alignment is rarely
attainable. A slight misalignment of the blade on the wheels is
inevitable and as long as it is kept to a minimum (following the
steps listed below) will not hinder the performance of the saw.
This misalignment is controlled and kept to a minimum by a-
djusting the tilt angle of the upper wheel.
When adjusting blade tracking to center the blade on the wheels and assuming that perfect centering is not attain-
able, it is preferable to have the blade slightly off-center towards the front of the wheels rather than towards the rear
because the teeth on most bandsaw blades have alternating hook (one inner, one outer) – therefore if the blade is
centered too far back on the wheel (or if the blade tension is too tight), inner hooked teeth will dig into the wheel
tire and cause premature wear of the tire.
Nonetheless, to avoid having the blade come off of the wheels on it’s own during operation, the front edge of the
blades teeth should never be any closer than 3 mm (1/16”) from the front edge of the wheel
.
BLADE CLEARANCE
Note: As previously stated, when performing blade installation, removal, tensioning or tracking, maximum clearance
between the blade and both upper and lower bearing assemblies is required to minimize friction, which would be
damaging to the blade. Refer back and follow the instructions for “blade clearance” before performing blade track-
ing adjustments.
19
3 mm - 1/16"