Blade Selection; Removing/Installing The Blade; Blade Clearance - General International 90-290 Setup & Operation Manual

BLADE SELECTION

There are a variety of different types of bandsaw blades on the market to suit various cutting applications. Your
results may vary based on usage, experience and personal preference.
Ask your local tool dealer for suggestions for bandsaw blades in 1/4" to 1 1/4" widths, based on what is available
in your area. Ideal blade length for model 90-290 is 145 5/8" and 171 1/4" for model 90-380.
Note: Generally speaking, because the upper wheel height is somewhat adjustable (to allow for blade tensioning), a
blade length variation of plus or minus 1/2" from the "ideal blade length" can be accommodated.
Some general guidelines to consider when choosing bandsaw blades:
• Wider blades with fewer teeth per inch are best suited to cutting straight lines, re-sawing and for sweeping
curves, but will not turn tight radius curves. They will cut quickly and aggressively but do have a tendency to
bind (or get stuck in the cut) if turned too sharply.
• Narrower, thinner blades with more teeth per inch will cut more slowly but can turn much tighter corners for
cutting more intricate work.
Common causes of blade breakage:
• Poor blade guide or support bearing alignment and adjustment.
• Forcing or twisting a wide blade around a short radius.
• Feeding the workpiece too quickly.
• Dull teeth.
• Too much blade tension.
• Setting blade guard assembly too high above the work-piece.
• Lumpy or improperly finished braze or weld on the blade.
• Continuous running of the blade when not cutting.
REMOVING/INSTALLING A BLADE
BEFORE REPLACING OR ADJUSTING THE BLADE, MAKE SURE THE SWITCH IS IN THE "OFF" POSITION AND THAT THE
POWER CORD IS UNPLUGGED.

BLADE CLEARANCE

When performing blade installation, removal, tension-
ing or tracking, maximum clearance between the bla-
de and both upper and lower blade guides/support
bearing assemblies is required to minimize friction,
which would be damaging to the blade.
Upper assembly:
Using a 6 mm Allen key, loosen the cap screw A on the
upper blade guides / support bearing assembly shaft.
Then move the assembly along the elongated hole in
it's shaft, going back as far as possible for maximum
blade clearance. Tighten the cap screw to lock the
assembly in place.
Lower assembly:
Repeat with the lower blade guides / support bearing
assembly.
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A