Craftsman 351.226121 Operator's Manual page 7

calculated. The thickness average should be used when
choosing a blade for the optimum number of teeth in
contact, however, the three teeth rule should be applied
to the minimum thickness, not the thickness average.
Keeping a selection of sharp blades on hand will yield
better cuts. The blades may last longer because they
are less likely to be misused when the proper blade is
available.
Every band saw should have at least one replacement
blade of each type used. Blade breakage is unpre-
dictable. Consult a blade manufacturer for detailed infor-
mation about available blades for specific uses.
REMOVING BLADE
Refer to Figure 10, page 16.
• Raise the head and open the blade cover.
• Loosen the outer guide bearings on the upper and
lower guide assemblies. No other guide bearings
should be moved.
• With one hand, pinch the blade and the tracking
wheel together to protect against the possibility of
the blade popping off when tension is released.
• Release the tension by slowly revolving the knob
(Key No. 40) 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 4).
Figure 4 - 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 5.
• 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 5 to determine if an adjustment is
needed.
TRACKING ADJUSTMENT
Refer to Figures 5 and 10, page 7 and 16.
The tracking is adjusted by positioning the tracking
wheel shaft (Key No. 36). The positioning is done with
the set screw (Key No. 30) only if the upper socket
head bolts (Key No. 29) are loose.
• Loosen the two socket head bolts.
• Adjust the tilt with set screw. For correct tracking,
refer to Figure 4. Turn 1/4 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 5 - Tracking Adjustments
BLADE SPEED
Refer to Figure 11, page 18.
• 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.