Tensioning The Blade - Hafco Woodmaster BP-430A Operation Manual

4.8 TENSIONING THE BLADE.

A properly tensioned blade is essential for making accurate
cuts and is necessary before making other band saw
adjustments. (For blade change instructions see Page 20)
To tension the blade:
1. DISCONNECT THE MACHINE FROM THE POWER SUPPLY
2. Raise the upper blade guide assembly as high as it will go,
(Fig.4.13) and adjust the upper and lower guide blocks
approximately 0.5mm away from the blade. (Fig. 4.14)
3. Ensure the blade tension quick-release lever is in the tighten
position
4. Adjust the blade tension hand wheel. Turning the tension
hand wheel clockwise will increase the blade tension and
tuning the tension hand wheel counter-clockwise reduces
the blade tension.
NOTE: This procedure will not work if the guide blocks have any
contact with the blade.
5. Check the tension by pushing with a finger against the side
of the blade, halfway between table and upper guide, (the
blade should flex approximately 6mm)
6. Turn the band saw ON, and very slowly release the tension
one quarter of a turn at a time. When you see the band saw
blade start to flutter, stop decreasing the tension.
7. Now, slowly increase the tension until the blade stops
fluttering, then tighten the tension another quarter of a
turn.
8. Note what the tension gauge reads. Use that as a guide for
tensioning that specific blade in the future.. (Fig. 4.15)
WARNING: Too much tension can cause the band saw blade to
break. Too little tension can cause the driven band saw wheel to
slip and the saw blade to stop.
9. Re-adjust the blade guides as described in Blade Guide
Adjustment beginning on Page 22
OPERATION MANUAL
15
b t
laDe ension
hanD wheel
Fig. 4.13
Fig. 4.14
Fig. 4.15