Adjustment Overview; Blade Tracking - Grizzly G0803Z Owner's Manual

Adjustment
Overview
The bandsaw is one of the most versatile wood-
working machines. However, it has multiple com-
ponents that must be properly adjusted for the
best cutting results.
For practical and safety reasons, some adjust-
ments and test operations must be performed
before performing other necessary adjustments.
Below is an overview of all the adjustments and
the order in which they should be performed:
1.

Blade Tracking

2.
Dust Collection
3.
Test Run
4.
Tensioning Blade
5.
Adjusting Blade Support Bearings
6.
Adjusting Blade Guide Bearings
7.
Aligning Table
8.
Aligning Fence
Model G0803Z (Mfd. Since 12/18)
Blade Tracking
"Tracking" refers to how the blade rides on the
bandsaw wheels. Proper tracking is important
for maintaining bandsaw adjustments, achiev-
ing correct blade tension, and cutting accurate-
ly. Improper tracking reduces cutting accuracy,
causes excess vibrations, and places stress on
the blade and other bandsaw components. The
shape of the wheels and the orientation of the
wheels in relation to each other determine how
the blade tracks.
Bandsaw wheels are either flat or crowned and
both shapes track differently. The G0803Z has
crowned wheels. As the wheels spin, a properly
tracking blade naturally tracks at the center of the
wheel (see Figure 18).
PROPER TRACKING
Blade
Wheel
Centered
on Wheel
Figure 18. Blade centered on crown of wheel.
The bandsaw wheels must be aligned for optimal
machine performance. Properly aligned wheels
are parallel and coplanar (see Figure 19).
Improper blade tension and cutting practices can
negatively affect blade tracking. Familiarizing
yourself with the ideas and conditions described
in Figure 19 will help you recognize when your
wheel alignment may need to be adjusted (refer
to Wheel Alignment on Page 45 for detailed
instructions on adjusting the tracking).
Blade Centered
on Wheel
-17-