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SHOPSMITH 11” BANDSAW
555943
more toward the center, but be careful not
to stand on the right side of the blade.
5. Slowly feed the stock into the blade. Use
both hands to guide the work and keep it
pressed firmly down against the table.
WARNING
NEVER reach close to the blade or under the
Bandsaw table to make adjustments, clear away
chips, or for any reason whatsoever while the
machine is running. Turn off and unplug the
Bandsaw first and let the blade come to a com-
plete stop.
Always turn on the Bandsaw first and let it come
up to speed, then feed the workpiece into the
blade. NEVER turn on the machine with stock
pressed against the blade, or feed the work
before the machine is running at full speed.
As you work, watch out for several problems
that may cause the Bandsaw to bog down or
produce an inaccurate cut:
•
Feeding the work too fast
•
Side pressure (against the flat of the blade)
•
Trying to turn a radius too small for the blade
•
Excessive blade “lead”
•
Worn or dull blades
Don’t force the work, but you can feed fairly
rapidly since the machine cuts quickly. It’s all
right to pause in the cut for a moment, but try
not to remain stationary for too long. The
blade will heat up in the kerf, burning both
the wood and the blade. Feed the workpiece
Figure B-2
Figure B-3
directly against the teeth, even when cutting
curves.
If the blade continually wanders off the pat-
tern, there are several possible causes: The
blade guides may be improperly adjusted.
Or you could be pressing against the side of
the blade. You may also be trying to cut a
curve that’s too tight for the blade. If the blade
wanders or “leads” just to one side or the
other, the teeth are improperly set.
If the machine bogs down, stop a moment to
let the Bandsaw catch up. Check to see if the
blade is twisting in the guides. If it is, you
may be pressing against the side of the blade
or trying to turn a corner too tight for the
blade. If the blade is properly positioned in
the guides, you’re probably feeding the work
too fast. Once the Bandsaw is back up to
running speed, feed the work a little slower.
If the problem persists, check the blade to see
if it’s worn. Replace dull or worn blades
immediately.
If the blade jams on a scrap, turn off the
machine and unplug the power before you
attempt to clear the scrap. If the blade breaks,
move around to the left side of the machine,
turn off the machine, and disconnect the
power. Wait until the wheels come to a com-
plete stop before removing the cover to re-
move the broken blade.
If you mount a 1/16" or 1/8" blade after a 1/
2" or 5/8" blade has been mounted for an
extended period of time, the 1/16" or 1/8"
blade may have a tendency to drift off the
wheels. This situation is caused by long term
excessive force (high blade tension) on the
upper wheel to an incorrect angle. If this does
occur:
1. Turn off and unplug the machine, discon-
nect the power coupler, and remove the
Bandsaw cover.
