9.
Try moving blade by hand to make sure it is
secure. Pluck the blade with your finger, as you
would a guitar string – it should emit a clear note
if properly tensioned.
TIP: If changing a blade while cutting fretwork, you
may first push blade through table slot and
workpiece, then install blade to saw. See Figure 9-
4. This prevents having to raise the arm for the first
cut.
Figure 9-4: installing blade with workpiece
9.3 Adjusting blade tension
If blade refuses to be clamped tightly according to
the above steps, one or both of the following
adjustments may be needed (Figure 9-5):
Upper clamp spring pressure can be adjusted
by lifting blade tension lever (D) to vertical
position. Rotate lever clockwise to increase
pressure, then push lever into clamping
position. Note: Too much lever rotation will
prevent clamping.
Turn set screws (G) with 3mm hex wrench
clockwise to reduce gap between clamping
surfaces.
Figure 9-5: tension adjustment
Either of the above steps should resolve blade
tension problems. If problem still exists:
Rotate arm adjustment knob (Figure 9-6)
clockwise by hand. This will raise arm and apply
more tension to blade.
IMPORTANT: Rotating arm adjustment knob
for tension purposes should only be done if
absolutely needed, as it will affect later blade
oscillation settings (sect. 9.7).
Figure 9-6: arm adjustment knob
9.4 Material hold-down
Refer to Figure 9-7.
Adjust material hold-down as close to workpiece as
possible without impeding workpiece movement.
For vertical adjustment, loosen knob (H, Figure 9-7)
and slide hold-down to position. Tighten knob.
For forward/back movement and angling to table,
loosen socket head screw (J) and adjust. Tighten
screw.
Figure 9-7: material hold-down
9.5 Speed control
Refer to Figure 6-1.
Rotate speed control knob while saw is running –
clockwise to increase blade strokes per minute,
counterclockwise to decrease.
9.6 Squaring blade to table
Refer to Figures 9-8 and 9-9.
The blade may get out of alignment with the table
over time, depending upon how often the saw is
used, and frequent use of the tilt mechanism.
Periodically check squareness of blade to table as
follows.
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