Installing Blade; Tracking Blade; Upper Blade Guides - Craftsman 21419 - 9 in. Band Saw Operation Manual

• Lower the upper blade guide completely and unsnap
guide panel to access the blade (see Figure 6).
Figure 6 = Open upper Blade Guide to Access Blade
• Remove table locking insert located in the front of
the table slot, take out the released blade and
replace with another blade.
INSTALLING BLADE
• Although most of the adjustments are not changed
when blade is removed, every adjustment should be
checked prior to using a newly installed blade.
• Make sure blade teeth are pointing down towards
table. Turn blade inside out if necessary.
• Slip new blade into table slot and over the upper and
lower blade wheels. Slide blade in between blade
guards.
• Tension blade by turning blade tensioning lever
clockwise, as far as it will go (see Figure 5). This is a
spring loaded, tensioning mechanism and it will
automatically apply required tension to the blade.
• Use the tension knob to make fine adjustments to
blade tension
Close the doors and fasten latches.
NOTE: When closing doors, make sure that the edges
of the doors and frame are firmly fitted together before
attempting to secure door. This is necessary for proper
operation of dust collection system. The latches will not
pull the doors and frame together.
• Install table insert.
Track blade as described in the following sections.
TRACKING BLADE
Refer to Figures 5 and 11.
WARNING: Be very careful; improperly tracked blade
may spring out from wheels causing serious injury. Do
not perform tracking adjustment while band saw is
running.
• Disconnect band saw from power source.
• To check the blade tracking, rotate drive wheel by
hand in clockwise direction. View blade through
tracking window.
Proper tracking is achieved when drive and idler
wheels are aligned. Tracking knob (Key No. 11) on
the back of the tool frame is used to tilt upper wheel
and align blade wheels.
If blade rides away from cabinet, turn knob
clockwise. If blade rides toward cabinet, turn knob
counterclockwise.
When blade is tracking properly, secure position by
tightening nut (Key No. 13).
BLADE GUIDES
NOTE: Adjust blade guides only after blade has been
properly tensioned and tracked.
• Blade guides support blade at sides and rear of
blade, and prevent twisting or deflection.
Blade guides should not touch blade when no work-
piece is in contact with blade. Adjust guides as
described in following section.
UPPER BLADE GUIDES
= Upper blade guides employ guide pins for side
support and a ball bearing for rear support.
Loosen screws and adjust guide pins to sides of the
blade (see Figure 7). Use a feeler gauge to check
that guide pins are 0.002" away from blade.
Bearing
Guide Pin
Figure 7 = Upper Blade Guides
Lock adjustment by tightening screws.
6