laguna MBAND14BX110-175 Manual page 31

Close all the doors and ensure that all the guards are fitted.
Start the band saw and look at the blade from the front of the machine. Start to detension the
blade very slowly until the blade starts to flutter (wobble from side to side). Then start to
tension the blade until the blade stops fluttering and is running true. Increase the tension on
the blade by one complete turn on the tension handle. You may find that each size and type of
blade will need more or less additional tension. For example, a 1/16" blade will need less
additional tension than a 3/4" blade. Again, experience is the key, and with a little practice it
will become second nature.
The key to all tensioning is to get the blade to cut straight and true with the minimum amount
of tension. The less tension that you put on the blade, the longer the blade and the machine
will last.
Note. The upper flywheel has a spring that is used to keep a constant pressure on the blade
during use. As the blade cuts, heat is generated, which causes the blade length to expand.
The spring compensates for the change in length, and you must never bottom out the spring
while tensioning the blade.
Note. If you are not using the bandsaw for extended periods of time (overnight), remove the
tension on the blade. This will increase the life of your blade and the machine. If tension is left
on the machine, flats or grooves can be formed in the rubber of the wheels, which will detract
from the performance of the machine and in extreme cases cause vibration. Removing the
tension will greatly enhance the life of the machine, bearings and tires.
Label the machine "detensioned." On the label, mark the number of turns that you
detensioned; this way you will know how many turns that you have to put back on to have
your blade correctly tensioned.
Removing the blade from the bandsaw.
1. Disconnect the power to the bandsaw.
2. Remove the table split clamp that aligns the two table halves.
3. Remove all the guards.
4. Remove the table insert.
5. Remove the tension on the upper flywheel.
6. Open the doors and remove the blade from the wheels (use gloves and eye protection) and
gently slide the blade through the table slot.
Adjusting the blade guards.
Introduction.
Welcome to a new era in bandsawing. You have purchased a bandsaw with a revolutionary
blade guide system that is designed to give you years of safe, high-quality bandsawing. Most
blade guides are designed to support the blade on the sides and either above or below the
side guides at the back of the blade. This can allow the blade to twist as pressure from the
wood being cut pushes against the back blade guide. The Laguna Guide eliminates this by
31