Shop fox W1825, Owner'S Manual

Page: 26 / 76

-24-
Model W1825 (For Machines Mfd. Since 07/15)
SE
TU
P
Tensioning.Blade
A properly tensioned blade is essential for making
accurate cuts, maximizing the life of the blade, and
making other bandsaw adjustments. However, it will not
compensate for cutting problems caused by too rapid of
a feed rate, hardness variations between workpieces, and
improper blade selection.
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 are a combination of correct blade selection,
proper blade tension, and an appropriate feed rate.
10. Re-adjust blade guides as described in Adjusting
Blade Guide Bearings and Adjusting Support
Bearings on Pages 26–27.
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. Turn the bandsaw
OFF and disconnect the bandsaw
from power.
9. Look at what the tension gauge reads and use that
as a guide for tensioning that specific blade in the
future.
1. DISCONNECT BANDSAW FROM POWER!
2. Make sure the blade is properly center tracking as
instructed in the Blade Tracking on Page 20.
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.
The.Flutter.Method
Figure.29 . Front blade tensioning controls.
Blade
Tension
Scale
Blade Tension
Handwheel
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 performance at
the setting repeat this procedure.
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 procedures tension the blade
for operation.
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
operation.