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M1113 18" Wood/Metal Bandsaw
SERVICE
When wheels are aligned, or coplanar, the bandsaw cuts
straighter, with much less vibration, heat, and blade wear
because the blade is automatically balanced on the wheel.
See Figure 55 to better understand coplanarity.
If your bandsaw develops tracking problems that can't be
fixed by adjusting the upper wheel tracking knobs, then
check the
wheel alignment before taking any other steps.
Verifying Upper/Lower Wheels are Coplanar
1. DISCONNECT BANDSAW FROM POWER!
2. With the blade on and properly tensioned, hold
a straightedge or a self-made "coplanarity gauge"
(Figure 55) close to the center of both wheels. Make
sure the straightedge or gauge fully extends across
the wheels as shown in
Figure 55.
— If the wheels are coplanar, the straightedge will
evenly touch the top and bottom of both wheels.
— If the wheels are not coplanar, place the straight-
edge on the lower wheel first (ensuring that it
touches both the top and bottom rim), then adjust
the upper wheel tracking knob to make the upper
wheel parallel with the lower wheel
.
— If the straightedge does not touch both wheels
evenly, the upper wheel needs to be shimmed or
the lower wheel needs to be adjusted.
Shimming Upper Wheel
1. DISCONNECT BANDSAW FROM POWER!
2. Make sure the top wheel is adjusted parallel with
the bottom wheel.
3. With the straightedge touching both points of the
wheel that does not need to be adjusted, measure
the distance away from the incorrect wheel with a
fine ruler (see
Figure 56).
4. Remove the blade from the saw, then remove the
wheel that needs to be shimmed.
5. Determine how many shim washers you need to com-
pensate for the distance measured in Step 3 and
place them on the wheel shaft.
6. Replace the wheel, the original washers, and the
securing nut.
Wheel Alignment
Figure 56. Measuring wheel difference.
Coplanar
Parallel, Not
Coplanar
Not Parallel
Not Coplanar
Adjust
Tracking Knob
Coplanarity Gauge
Contacts Top
And Bottom of
Both Wheels
Coplanarity Gauge
Figure 55. Coplanar diagram.