-24-
G0555LX
(Mfg. Since 3/13)
the deflection method is much more subjective
than the flutter method. each blade will deflect
differently and every user will determine what
"moderate pressure" means. the following are
general guidelines for tensioning the blade with
this method.
to tension the bandsaw blade:
1. disConneCt bandsaW FroM poWer.
2. Make sure the blade is properly tracking as
instructed in the
blade tracking subsection
on
page 19.
3. raise the guide post all the way and move
the upper and lower guide bearings away
from the blade.
4. engage the blade tension quick release lever
to apply tension to the blade.
5. using moderate pressure, push the center of
the blade sideways.
—if the blade deflects approximately
1
⁄
4
" it is
properly tensioned. proceed to
step 7.
—if the blade deflects less than
1
⁄
4
" it is over-
tensioned. turn the blade tensioning knob
counter clockwise two full turns and repeat
step 6.
—if the blade deflects
1
⁄
4
" or more, the blade
is not properly tensioned. apply tension to
the blade incrementally and repeat
step 6
until properly tensioned.
6. re-adjust blade guides as described in
adjusting blade support bearings and
adjusting blade guide bearings on pages
25– 26.
When using different size blades, the blade
tensioning system may need to be reset for
correct operation. refer to Blade Tensioner
on Page 52 for detailed instructions.
note: Tensioning the blade according to the
blade tension scale before the
Test Run was an
approximate tension. The following procedures
fine-tunes the blade tension.
1. disConneCt bandsaW FroM poWer.
2. Make sure the blade is properly center track-
ing as instructed in the
blade tracking sub-
section previous on
page 19.
3. raise the guide post all the way and move
the upper and lower guide bearings away
from the blade.
4. engage the blade tension quick release lever
to apply tension to the blade.
10. re-adjust blade guides as described in
adjusting blade support bearings and
adjusting blade guide bearings on
pages 25– 26.
9. disconnect the bandsaw from power.
5. Connect the bandsaw to power, and turn the
bandsaw
ON.
6 . using the blade tension adjustment knob,
slowly decrease blade tension until you see
the blade start to flutter.
7. slowly increase the tension until the blade
stops fluttering, then tighten the blade tension
adjustment knob and additional
1
⁄
8
to
1
⁄
4
of a
turn.
8. look at what the tension gauge reads and
use that as a guide for tensioning that specific
blade in the future.
note: Do not rely on this setting for other
blades or for long periods of time because all
blades require specific tensioning and stretch
with use. If you notice a decrease in perfor-
mance at the setting repeat this procedure.
With extended use, the blade tensioning sys-
tem may need to be reset. Refer to
Resetting
Blade Tensioner in the Service section in
this manual for details.
the flutter method
the deflection method
