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G0640X 17" Wood/Metal Bandsaw
-19-
A properly tensioned blade is essential for making
accurate cuts and is required before making many
bandsaw adjustments. (Every time you replace
the blade, perform this procedure because all
blades tension differently.) The numbers on the
tension scale are arbitrary, but help you keep
track of different tensions for different blades.
To tension the bandsaw blade:
1. Complete the Test Run procedure and make
sure the blade is tracking properly.
2. Raise the upper blade guide assembly as
high as it will go, and adjust the upper and
lower blade guides at least a
1
⁄4" away from
the blade.
Note: This procedure will NOT work if the
blade guides are close to the blade.
3. Engage the quick tension lever to the tight-
ened position and turn the blade tension
handwheel until the tension scale is at 5.
4. Turn the bandsaw ON.
5. Slowly release the tension one quarter of a
turn at a time. When you see the bandsaw
blade start to flutter, stop decreasing the ten
-
sion.
6. Now, slowly increase the tension until the
blade stops fluttering, then tighten the tension
another quarter turn.
7. Look at what the tension gauge reads and
use that as a guide for tensioning that blade
in the future.
Note: Always untension the blade after use
to increase bearings and blade lifespan
.
8. Re-adjust the blade tracking as instructed on
Page 17.
Blade Tensioning
NOTICE
To reduce blade stretching, remove tension
from the blade when not in use.
—If the blade is positioned in the center of
the wheel, continue to the next step.
— If the blade is positioned near the edge of
one side of the wheel, then the tracking
needs to be adjusted before continuing.
Disconnect the saw from power and repeat
the Blade Tracking instructions on Page
17.
9. Turn the bandsaw ON and watch the blade
through the blade tracking window. SLOWLY
adjust the tracking knob until the blade rides
in the center of the wheel, then tighten the
lock lever attached to the blade tracking
knob.
10. Turn the variable speed to the FAST direction
to make sure the blade speed increases, then
return the variable speed dial all the way to
the SLOW position.
11. Turn the machine OFF by pressing the STOP
button.
Note: The power key switch is provided to
restrict unauthorized users from operating
the bandsaw. It is not intended as a way for
stopping the bandsaw during regular opera
-
tion.
12. Turn the power key switch to the OFF posi-
tion.
13. Test the power key switch by pressing the
START button. The bandsaw should not
operate while the power key switch is in the
OFF position.
Note: Although the power key switch pre-
vents the machine from starting, it will not
completely cut all power to the machine. Do
not rely on the power key switch to discon
-
nect the bandsaw from power for service,
adjustments, or maintenance. Instead, you
must physically unplug the power cord to dis
-
connect the machine from power.
If the previous tests were successful, the Test
Run procedure is complete.