Using The Machines - STARTRITE 352E Original Instruction Manual

6. Using The Machine
6.1 PRINCIPAL MACHINE PARTS
1 Base
2 Upper band wheel
3 Lower band wheel
4 Switch
5 Blade tension wheel
6 Upper blade guide
7 Lower blade guide
8 Table
9 Rip fence
10 Table insert
ATTENTION!! DISCONNECT THE ELECTRICAL SUPPLY
BEFORE EVERY ADJUSTMENT
ATTENTION!! IN CASES OF BLADE BREAKAGE WAIT UNTIL
THE UPPER BAND WHEEL HAS COMPLETELY STOPPED
BEFORE OPENING THE DOOR.
6.2 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 and 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 band wheel 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 operation.
• Misalignment of the bandwheels due to unauthorized intervention of the regulating screws of the lower band wheel.
• Irregularity of bandwheels surface, e.g an accumulation of sawdust whilst cutting resinous materials.
Blade Length
Blade Length
Blade Width mm
Blade Width mm
6.3 STARTING THE MACHINE
Before attempting to start the machine, ensure the kickswitch is reset (i.e. pulled forward). For extra
safety a keyswitch is fitted to the control box (Fig 6.1) and must be set to the on position, with the key
vertical, The green 'on' switch can then be engaged.
502E 352E
602E 502E
3810mm 2845mm
4230mm 3810mm
10 - 35 6 - 25
10 - 35 10-35
2
5
4
9
3
352E
2845mm
6-25
FIG. 6.1
6
10
8
7
1
8 9