Craftsman 351.214140 Operator's Manual page 8

• Release the tension by slowly revolving the knob
(Key No. 12 counterclockwise.
• Remove the blade.
REPLACING THE BLADE
• Make sure the outer guide bearings are loose.
• Make sure the teeth are pointing in the right direction
(see Figure 8).
Figure 8 - Blade Direction
• Place the blade around the wheels and between the
guide bearings.
• Hold the blade in position and apply tension.
• Push the blade against the wheel flange.
• Tighten the blade until it is properly tensioned. A prop-
erly tightened blade will ring slightly when the back of
the blade is plucked (like a string of an instrument).
• Adjust the outer guide bearings.
• Check for proper tracking (See Tracking Adjustment).
TRACKING
Proper tracking is achieved when the drive wheel and
idler wheel are aligned. A blade that is not tracking cor-
rectly can come off the blade wheels. Although adjust-
ment is rarely required, tracking should be checked fre-
quently.
CAUTION: Turn motor off and disconnect power to
check tracking.
CHECK TRACKING
Refer to Figure 9.
• Raise the head. Open the wheel cover.
• Insert a piece of paper between the blade and the
left side of the idler wheel.
• Lift the belt cover and rotate the blade by turning the
motor pulley.
• Let the blade grab the paper. Rotate the pulley so
the paper goes around the wheel.
• Refer to Figure 9 to determine if an adjustment is
needed.
TRACKING ADJUSTMENT
Refer to Figures 9 and 16, pages 8 and 16.
The tracking is adjusted by tilting the tracking wheel.
The tilting is done with the set screw (Key No. 21) only
if the upper socket head bolts (Key Nos. 9 and 19) are
loose.
• Loosen the two socket head bolts.
• Adjust the tilt with set screw. For correct tracking,
refer to Figure 9. Turn 1/,revolution at a time.
• Check the blade tension and adjust if necessary.
• Recheck the tracking.
• Once the proper position has been found, tighten the
bolts securely.
A sharp fold indicates
proper tracking.
Cut or ripped paper
indicates that the
blade is riding against
the flange of the
wheel. Adjusting screw
needs to be turned
counterclockwise.
No fold indicates the
blade will ride off the
wheel. Adjusting screw
should be turned
clockwise.
Figure 9 - Tracking Adjustments
BLADE SPEED
Refer to Figure 11, page 9.
• Choosing the proper blade speed is important for
extending the life of the blade. The speed determines
the available cutting force.
Harder materials require more force and are cut at a
slower speed. Softer materials are cut with less force at
higher speeds to ensure the proper removal of the
chips. The speed and corresponding force are related to
the power supplied to the blade. Three speeds are
available.
CHANGING SPEEDS
When using your band saw always change the blade
speed to best suit the material being cut. The chart
below gives suggested settings for several materials.
MATERIAL SPEED BELT GROOVE USED
MOTOR DRIVEN
Tool, Stainless or 80 FPM Small Large
Alloy Steel
Bearing Bronzes
Mild Steel, Hard 120 FPM Medium Medium
Brass or Bronze
Soft Brass, 200 FPM Large Small
Aluminum, other
light materials
HELPFUL CUTTING HINTS
• Never use a new blade to complete a previous
started cut.
• When possible, do not start a cut on sharp corners.
• After installing new blade, check tension after a few
cuts.
• For correct blade tension, snap your finger against
the blade. A slight "ring" will sound if blade tension is
correct.
• The harder the material the slower the cutting speed.
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