Using The Machine - STARTRITE 352SB Instruction Manual

4. Using The Machine

4.1 PRINCIPAL MACHINE PARTS
1 Base
2 Upper bandwheel
3 Lower bandwheel
4 Blade upward portion
5 Blade downward portion
6 Upper blade guide
7 Lower blade guide
8 Blade guide height adjustment
9 Table
10 Bandwheel door guard
11 Adjustable blade guard
12 Table insert
13 Rip fence
ATTENTION!! DISCONNECT THE ELECTRICAL SUPPLY
BEFORE EVERY ADJUSTMENT
ATTENTION!! IN CASES OF BLADE BREAKAGE WAIT UNTIL
THE UPPER BANDWHEEL HAS COMPLETELY STOPPED
BEFORE OPENING THE DOOR.
4.2 CHOICE AND MAINTENANCE OF BLADES
The table below defines the blade length and maximum width, depending on the type of the machine.
Selection of width and type of tooth depends upon the materials to be cut and the type of operation, narrow blades are suitable for
cutting curved lines, profiles etc.., wide blades are best for straight cutting.
It is advisable to use finer teeth for hard woods or thin material and coarser teeth for softwoods or deep material. In every case, the
distance between each tooth should be sufficient to clear the sawdust produced during the cutting operation. If the clearance is not
correct this can cause overheating and jamming of the blade, causing subsequent breakage .
Do not use flawed or deformed blades.
It is highly recommended that the blade be changed regularly. Use a specialised saw doctor for welding, sharpening and re-setting
blades. The use of high quality blades is also recommended
Causes of blade breakage:
• Excessive blade thickness in relation to the bandwheel size.
• Defective welding
• Incorrect tension, particularly if the blade is over tensioned the tension spring no longer fulfils its function
• Overloading the blade caused by using a badly ground or badly set blade, or by not slackening the tension
• After use it is recommended to slacken the tension, especially overnight, (placing a visible notice of this operation on the machine).
Re-tension before next next operation.
• Misalignment of the bandwheels due to unauthorized intervention of the regulating screws of the lower bandwheel.
• Irregularity of bandwheels surface, e.g an accumulation of sawdust whilst cutting resinous materials.
Blade Length (Min)
Blade Length (Max)
Blade Width mm
352SB* 401S
3560 / 141" 3850 4060
mm
3640 / 143" 4170
mm
6 - 30 6 - 30
Blade Length
Blade Width mm
440R 501S
/ 160" 4170 / 165" 4610
mm mm
/ 164" 4280 / 168" 4680
mm mm
6 - 50 6 - 35
401E
3850
mm
6 - 30
581S 681S 781S
/ 182" 5100 / 201" 5750
mm mm
/ 184" 5150 / 203" 5820
mm mm
6 - 35 6 - 40 6 - 45
/ 227"
mm
/ 229"
mm