14
by observing chip formation. See
section 11.4,
Evaluating cutting efficiency.
9.5
Counterbalance spring
The counterbalance spring helps control the
amount of weight the saw bow puts on the
workpiece when the hydraulic control valve is
fully open. The hydraulic cylinder will not
compensate for improper counterbalance.
If the spring is not set properly, one can expect
poor performance, crooked cuts, tooth stripping,
stalling, and/or the blade running off the wheels.
Spring tension has been set by the
manufacturer, and should not require
adjustment. If future problems arise, indicating
improper counterbalance, adjust spring as
follows:
1. Disconnect machine from power source.
2. Turn ON hydraulic cylinder valve and place
saw bow in horizontal position.
3. Turn feed rate valve on hydraulic cylinder
counterclockwise until it stops.
4. Place a weigh scale (such as a spring or
hanging scale) beneath blade tension
handle, and lift saw bow. Scale should
indicate approximately 5 to 6 kg (11-13 lb).
5. If adjustment is needed, loosen one nut and
tighten the other (A, Figure 18) on the eye
bolt, until scale indicates 5 to 6 kg.
Figure 18
9.6
Blade installation/replacement
This band saw is designed
for use with blades that are 3/4" wide by
0.032” thick x 93” long. Use of blades with
different specification may cause inferior
performance.
A general-use variable-tooth blade is provided
with this band saw.
The choice of blade pitch is governed by the
thickness of the work to be cut: the thinner the
workpiece, the more teeth advised. A minimum
of three teeth should engage the workpiece at all
times. If the teeth of the blade are so far apart
that they straddle the work, severe damage to
the workpiece and to the blade can result.
To replace a blade:
1. Disconnect machine from power source.
2. Raise bow to vertical position, and secure in
place by turning off hydraulic cylinder.
3. Remove red blade guard by removing two
screws (A, Figure 19).
Red blade guard must be
reinstalled after new blade is fitted.
Figure 19
4. Remove brush assembly (B, Figure 19) by
removing two screws.
5. Loosen blade tension by turning handle (C,
Figure 20) counterclockwise.
Figure 20
6. Open back cover by loosening two lock
knobs.
7. Carefully
remove
old
blade.
NOTE: Leather
gloves are recommended when handling
saw blades.
8. Install new blade first between bearing
guides. Make sure blade teeth face same
