Grizzly G0736, Owner'S Manual

Page: 21 / 72

Model G0736/G0737 (Mfd. Since 3/14)
-19-
Tensioning &
Tracking Blade
Blade tension directly affects blade tracking so it
is important to adjust them together.
Tensioning Blade
Proper blade tension maximizes the life of the
blade and bandsaw components, improves cut-
ting performance, and reduces the risks related to
blade breakage.
When tensioning the blade, avoid the urge to over-
tension it. Too much tension reduces the life of the
bandsaw bearings and the blade.
To tension the blade:
1. DISCONNECT BANDSAW FROM POWER!
2. Open the upper wheel door.
3. Use the guide post handwheel (see Figure 15)
to raise the upper blade guides to the highest
position.
Approximately
3
/
8
"
Blade Deflection
Figure 16. Proper amount of blade deflection.
4. Check the deflection of the blade by pushing
it with moderate pressure midway between
the upper blade guides and the table (see
Figure 16). The proper amount of deflection
is approximately
3
⁄
8
".
Note: The most accurate way to check blade
tension is to use a tensioning gauge. Grizzly
offers the Model H5408 Blade Tensioning
Gauge (refer to
Page 39).
5. Use the blade tensioning handwheel (see
Figure 15) to make adjustments until the
blade is properly tensioned.
Note: Turn the handwheel counterclockwise
(as viewed from underneath it) to decrease
tension and clockwise to increase tension.
Tracking Blade
Blade "tracking" refers to how the blade rides on
the wheels as they rotate.
A blade that is tracking correctly runs cool-
er, reduces wear-and-tear on the machine, and
increases cutting performance. When tracking
correctly, the blade rides next to, but not against,
the wheel flange (see
Figure 17).
Blade tension affects the blade tracking. It
is important to make sure the blade is prop-
erly tensioned before tracking the blade.
Figure 15. Guide post and blade tensioning
handwheels.
Blade Tensioning
Handwheel
Guide Post
Handwheel
Figure 17. Back edge of blade next to wheel
flange.
Blade
Wheel Flange