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21
Figure 34. Checking for coplanarity.
Figure 33. Dimensions of coplanarity gauge.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is one of the most critical fac-
tors for optimal performance from your bandsaw.
Heat, vibration, wandering, blade wear, tire
wear and overall bandsaw wear are considerably
decreased when the wheels are properly aligned
or “coplanar.”
Coplanar wheels automatically track the blade by
balancing it on the crown of the wheel’s tire.
This is known as coplanar tracking.
To check if your wheels are coplanar:
1. The body of the bandsaw does not allow you
to place a regular straightedge across both
wheels at the same time. We’ve found a sim-
ple way to overcome this situation. All you
need is a 49" x 2" x 4" board and a saw. After
you are certain that the board is straight
(this can easily be checked with a 4' level),
simply cut a 1
1
⁄2" notch out of the center.
Refer to Figure 33 for more details on how
to make this gauge.
2. After you’ve made your coplanarity gauge,
remove the fence and table, then open both
wheel covers.
3. Make sure the guide blocks and rear support
bearings are away from the blade. Tighten
your blade to the tension that it will be used
during operation.
4. Place your gauge up against both wheels in
the positions shown in Figure 34.
5. Adjust the tracking knob to get both wheels
parallel. If the wheels won’t go parallel to
each other, then move the lower wheel at
the adjustment hub so they line up.