SHOPSMITH 11” BANDSAW
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Page 30
top, as shown in Fig. B-22. Do not secure
the guide blocks in place yet, but back the
left guide blocks out 1/4" away from the
blade.
Fig. B-22
Fig. B-23
5. Push the right guide blocks in until they
contact the blade, twist the blade slightly,
and push the back of the blade guide
housing, as shown in Fig. B-23. Adjust the
position of these guide blocks to allow 1/
16" clearance between the back of the blade
and the blade guide housing, then secure
them in place.
6. Push the left guide blocks in until they
contact the blade and twist it the full 30
degrees. Then back the blocks off slightly
and lock them in place. When all four
guide blocks are locked in place, the right
guide blocks should contact the blade to-
wards the back, and the left guide blocks
should contact the blade towards the front,
as shown in Fig. B-21.
7. Spin the idler wheel by hand to check that
the blade runs without interference. Don’t
worry if the wheels seem difficult to turn;
this is normal for an offset blade. How-
ever, if the blade is tight or binds in spots,
the guide blocks should be readjusted.
Also check that the back of the blade does
not rub against the blade guide housings
and that the teeth of the blade do not cut
into the guide blocks.
8. Replace the cover and table insert. Also,
secure the table leveling bolt.
9. Press a block of paraffin or soap against
the flat of the blade while it’s running.
This will lubricate the blade where it rubs
against the guide blocks An excellent al-
ternative is to install optional Cool Blocks.
WARNING
Do not run the Bandsaw for more than a few
minutes at a time when the blade is offset. Oth-
erwise, the blade will heat up and break.
Removing and Mounting Blades
When you mount a blade on the Bandsaw,
you must carefully adjust the blade guides
and the blade tension. This is critical.
WARNING
If the blade guides aren’t correctly aligned, the
blade will wander off the line every time you
make a cut. If the blade tension is too tight, the
blade will soon wear out and break. If It’’ too
loose, the blade will not track properly and may
slip off the wheels.
Follow these steps carefully each time you
change blades:
Removing Blades
1. Disconnect the power and slide the Mark
V headstock away from the Bandsaw
2. Unscrew the cover knobs and set the cover
aside. Then reach up under the table and
pop the table insert out.
3. Remove the table leveling bolt. (89).
