14
ADJUSTING BLADE TENSION
A properly tensioned blade is critical to obtaining maximum performance from any bandsaw. A properly ten-
sioned blade will last longer and be much less likely to break prematurely.
If the blade tension is too loose you will notice that the blade will have a tendency to drift or slip off-line when
cutting and you will have more difficulty controlling your cuts. A blade that is tensioned too tightly will break pre-
maturely.
The following information can be used as a guideline or starting point to assist you in determining ideal blade ten-
sion. This bandsaw is equipped with a blade tension scale, which can be used as a reference for the ideal tension
with various blade widths.
To adjust the blade tension
1
. Lower the arm into the horizontal posi-
tion.
2
. Turn the handle
A
clockwise to ten-
sion the blade or counterclockwise to
loosen. The white mark
B
shoud be cen-
tered in the shaded zone
C
of the ten-
sion indicator.
3.
Make a test cut on a sample piece and
if needed, re-adjust the blade tension.
Note: To check the blade tension, apply gentle
finger pressure on the blade side facing you.
The blade should not move more than 0.004”.
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
C
A
B
MAKE SURE THE MACHINE HAS BEEN TURNED OFF AND UNPLUGGED FROM THE POWER SOURCE BEFORE PERFORM-
ING ANY MAINTENANCE OR ADJUSTMENTS.
ADJUSTING BLADE TRACKING
The upper wheel is aligned at the factory, but it may eventually be necessary to re-adjust the alignment after a
long period of use or after maintenance. This potential misalignment can be corrected by adjusting the tilt of the
upper wheel.
E
F
1.
Shut off the hydraulic downfeed control valve and
lift the arm into the vertical position. Loosen lock
knob
D
and slide the blade guard down as shown.
Remove the two lock knobs
E
and open the blade
cover.
2.
Loosen the two bolts
F
with a 14 mm wrench.
D