Tensioning Blade - Grizzly G0803Z Owner's Manual

Tensioning Blade

A properly tensioned blade is essential for mak-
ing accurate cuts, maximizing the blade life, and
making other bandsaw adjustments. However, a
properly tensioned blade will not compensate for
cutting problems caused by excessive feed rate,
hardness variations between workpieces, and
improper blade selection.
Optimal cutting results for any type of workpiece
are achieved through a combination of correct
blade selection, proper blade tension, properly
adjusted blade guides and other bandsaw compo-
nents, and using an appropriate feed rate.
Improper blade tension is unsafe, produces inac-
curate and inconsistent results, and introduces
unnecessary wear on bandsaw components.
Over-tensioning the blade increases the chance
of the blade breaking or wheel misalignment.
Under-tensioned blades wander excessively
while cutting and will not track properly during
operation.
The method used to tension the blade is often
a matter of preference. This manual describes
two methods: the flutter method and the deflec-
tion method. Either method will help you properly
tension the blade. Experience and personal pref-
erence will help you decide which method you
prefer.
Note: Tensioning the blade before the Test Run
was an approximate tension. The following proce-
dures fine-tune the blade tension.
Model G0803Z (Mfd. Since 12/18)
The Flutter Method
Using the flutter method, you intentionally loosen
the blade until it just passes the point of being
too loose (when it begins to flutter). Then you
gradually tighten the blade until proper tension is
reached.
To tension bandsaw blade using flutter
method.
1.
DISCONNECT MACHINE FROM POWER!
2.
Make sure blade is properly tracking as
instructed in Blade Tracking section on
Page 17.
3.
Raise guide post all the way, and move upper
and lower guide bearings away from blade.
4.
Engage blade tension quick-release lever to
apply tension to blade.
5. Connect bandsaw to power, then turn it ON.
6.
Using blade tension adjustment knob, slowly
decrease blade tension until you see the
blade start to flutter.
7. Slowly increase tension until blade stops flut-
tering, then tighten blade tension adjustment
knob an additional
8. DISCONNECT MACHINE FROM POWER!
9. Adjust blade guides as described in Adjusting
Blade Support Bearings and Adjusting
Blade Guide Bearings on Pages 22–23.
⁄ to ⁄ of a turn.
1 1
8 4
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