Blade Tensioning; The Flutter And Deflection Method - Craftex CX Series User Manual

factors such as improper feed rate,
hardness, variations between work pieces,
and improper blade selection affect the
performance of the machine in a negative
way.
To achieve the best results on any type of
work piece are achieved by proper blade
selection, tension, proper blade guide
adjustment, along with proper feed rate.
Improper blade tension is not only an
unsafe condition but produces inaccurate
and inconsistent results. This also can cause
unnecessary wear on the band saw
components. Over-tensioning increases the
chance of blade breakage or wheel
misalignment. Under-tensioned
wander excessively and will not track
properly during operation.
Blade tensioning methods can be a matter
of preference. We will describe two
methods here: the flutter method and the
deflection method, both of which will aid in
properly tensioning the blade. As you gain
experience you can decide which you find
preferable.
Note:
Tensioning the blade during the test run
was an approximate tension. The following
procedures fine-tune the blade tension.
The Flutter Method
With this method, you will loosen the blade
until it just passes the point of being too
loose (it will begin to flutter). Then you
gradually tighten the blade until the proper
tension is reached.
1. DISCONNECT THE POWER FROM
THE MACHINE
2. Check that the blade is tracking
properly
section)
3. Raise the guide post all the way then
move upper
bearings away from the blade.
4. With the quick-release lever, engage
the tension on the blade
5. Connect the band saw to the power
and turn it ON.
6. Turn the blade tension knob to
slowly decrease the blade tension
blades until you see it start to flutter.
7. Slowly increase the tension until the
fluttering stops. Then turn the knob
an additional 1/8 to ¼ of a turn.
8. DISCONNECT THE MACHINE FROM
POWER
9. Adjust the guides as described in
Adjust Blade Support Bearings /
Adjusting Blade Guide Bearings
sections.
The Deflection Method
Band saw blades vary in width and
thickness therefore this method is more
subjective than the flutter method. The
user will
"moderate pressure" means.
1. DISCONNECT THE MACHINE FROM
THE POWER
17
(see Blade Tracking
and lower
have to determine
guide
what