Adjusting Blade Tension; Tracking The Blade - Delta 28-280 Instruction Manual

ADJUSTING BLADE TENSION

On the back of the upper wheel slide bracket, there is a series
of graduations. These indicate the proper tension for various
widths of blades. With the blade on the wheels, turn the knob
(A) Fig. 18, to raise or lower the wheel, until the red fiber
washer (B) is in line with the proper graduation for the size of
blade being used.
The graduations will be found correct for average work, and
are not affected by rebrazing of the saw blade. We urge you to
use these graduations until you have become familiar enough
with the operation of the Band Saw to vary the tension for dif-
ferent kinds of blades or work. Over-straining is a common
cause of blade breakage and other unsatisfactory blade per-
formance. Release the tension when the machine is not in use.
Fig. 19
Fig. 20

TRACKING THE BLADE

IMPORTANT: Before tracking the blade, make sure the blade
guides and blade support bearings are clear of the blade so as
not to interfere with the tracking adjustment.
After tension has been applied to the blade, revolve the wheels
slowly forward by hand and watch the blade (A) Fig. 19, to see
that it travels in the center of the upper tire. If the blade begins
to creep toward the front edge, loosen the wing nut (B) Fig. 20,
and tighten the thumb screw (C). This will tilt the top of the
wheel toward the back of the machine and will draw the blade
toward the center of the tire. If the blade creeps toward the
back edge, turn the thumb screw in the opposite direction.
Adjust the thumb screw (C) Fig. 20, only a fraction of a turn at
a time. NEVER TRACK THE BLADE WHILE THE MACHINE
IS RUNNING. After the blade is tracking in the center of the
tires, tighten the wing nut (B) Fig. 20.
8
Fig. 18