30
Note.
Tensioning the blade is covered later in the manual.
2.
Refit the plastic blanking block.
Note:
The blade must be fully tensioned for final tracking
.
Note:
Never track the blade with the saw running
.
Note.
There is a window on the side of the bandsaw that
allows the blade on the upper flywheel to be viewed. This will
assist you while you are tracking the blade.
Tensioning the blade.
There are a lot of opinions on how to tension a blade and if you
should buy a blade tension gauge. Before you purchase a
blade tension gauge, note the following points:
Most blade tension gauges are fitted to the blade and measure
the amount the blade stretches when you tension it. Each
blade manufacturer uses a different type of steel with different
tensile strength. This means that each type of steel has a
different rate of stretch. For example, if you buy a tension
gauge from one blade manufacturer, it is designed for use on
their blades, or range of blades, and will not necessarily give
you accurate readings in lbs/square inch on another manufacturer
’s
blades because their blades stretch at a different rate. In reality,
there is nothing quite as quick or as accurate as experience.
Your machine is fitted with a blade tension indicator, which
measures the deflection of the tension spring on the upper flywheel.
We recommend that you use it only as a general guide and use one
of the following tensioning procedures to tension the blade.
Method 1.
Looking at the top wheel, place your finger at the 9 o'clock position.
Move your finger down 6", and, using moderate pressure with your
thumb, press on the flat of the blade. You should get 3/16" to 1/4" of
deflection. Refit all the guards and close the doors. Replace the
table insert and check that the blade moves freely
through the table insert. Check that all wrenches and
loose parts are removed from the machine.
Plug the machine into the power. Turn the machine on
for a second and switch off. Watch how the blade runs.
If the blade tracks well, then run the machine at full
power. If the blade tracking needs adjustment, repeat
adjustment.
Method 2.
Tension the blade as described in method 1.
Blade tension wheel
Quick action blade
tension lever (activated)
Blade tracking
window
Blade tension indicator
