Page 8
G0513 Series Bandsaws
-33-
Tensioning Blade
A properly tensioned blade is essential for mak-
ing accurate cuts, maximizing the life of the
blade, and making other bandsaw adjustments.
However, it will not compensate for cutting prob-
lems caused by too rapid of a feed rate, hardness
variations between workpieces, and improper
blade selection.
Improper blade tension is unsafe, produces
inaccurate and inconsistent results, and
introduces unnecessary wear on bandsaw
components. Over-tensioning the blade
increases the chance of the blade breaking
or wheel misalignment. Under-tensioned
blades wander excessively while cutting
and will not track properly during opera-
tion.
Tensioning the blade according to the blade
tension scale before the Test Run section
gave an approximate tension for completing
the bandsaw setup. The following proce-
dures tension the blade for operation.
Blade tensioning method is a matter of preference.
The flutter method and the deflection method are
described below. Either method safely tensions
the blade. Experience and personal preference
will help you decide which method your prefer.
Optimal cutting results for any workpiece results
from a combination of correct blade selection,
proper blade tension, and a light and even feed
rate.
Flutter Method
1.
DISCONNECT BANDSAW FROM POWER!
2.
Make sure the blade is properly center track-
ing as instructed in the
Initial Blade Tracking
on
Page 28
.
3.
Raise the guide post all the way, and move
the upper and lower blade guides away from
the blade.
4.
Engage the blade tension quick-release lever
to apply tension to the blade (see
Figure 43
).
7.
Slowly increase the tension until the blade
stops fluttering, then turn the blade tension
adjustment knob an additional
1
⁄
8
to
1
⁄
4
of a
turn.
8.
Turn the bandsaw
OFF
and disconnect it
from power.
9.
Note what the tension gauge reads. Use that
as a guide for tensioning that specific blade
in the future.
10.
Re-adjust blade guides as described in
Adjusting Blade Guides
beginning on
Page
36
for your model bandsaw.
Figure 44.
Blade tension handwheel.
Blade Tension
Handwheel
5.
Connect the bandsaw to power, and turn the
bandsaw
ON
.
6.
Using the blade tension handwheel
(
Figure 44
), slowly decrease blade tension
until the blade starts to flutter.
Figure 43.
Blade tension quick-release lever
(G0513X2 shown).
Blade Tension
Quick-release
Lever
