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-17-
Model W1706 (Mfg. Since 8/10)
SETUP
Tensioning Blade
A properly tensioned blade is essential for making
accurate cuts, extending the life of the blade, and
making many other bandsaw adjustments. For instance,
every time you replace the blade, you must perform this
procedure because all blades tension differently.
Note: Before you performed the Test Run, you set the
blade to its approximate tension. The following procedure
fine-tunes the blade tension to ensure accurate cutting
results.
To correctly tension the bandsaw blade, do these steps:
1. DISCONNECT BANDSAW FROM POWER!
2. Move the upper and lower guide/support bearings
as far away from the blade as possible (refer to
Adjusting Blade Guide Bearings on Page 24 for
detailed instructions).
Note: This procedure will NOT work correctly if
the guide/support bearings are in contact with the
blade.
3. Move the blade tension quick release lever all the
way right (as viewed from the rear of the machine)
to apply tension to the blade (see Figure 17).
4. Use the tension knob on top of the bandsaw to
bring the upper edge of the indicator block to the
appropriate blade tension scale mark for the blade
width (see Figure 17).
5. Re-connect the bandsaw to power, then turn it ON
and wait for the blade to reach full speed.
6. Decrease blade tension very slowly by rotating the
tension knob counterclockwise (as viewed from
above) until the blade just starts to flutter or
vibrate, then stop decreasing the tension.
7. Now, increase the tension by rotating the knob in
the opposite direction (clockwise) until the blade
stops fluttering, then rotate the knob another
1
⁄4
turn clockwise.
8. Turn the bandsaw OFF.
9. Re-adjust the blade tracking (refer to Page 14) and
the blade guides (refer to Pages 22 and 24).
Figure 17. Example of tension control
settings
Quick Release
Lever
Tensioned for
a
3
⁄8" Blade
NOTICE
When not in use, move the tension
quick release lever to the left to
release blade tension, which will
increase blade life and reduce machine
wear.