Walter Meier is consistently adding new products to the line. For complete, up-to-date product information, check with your local Walter Meier distributor, or visit jettools.com. WARRANTY JET products carry a limited warranty which varies in duration based upon the product (MW = Metalworking, WW = Woodworking). WHAT IS COVERED? This warranty covers any defects in workmanship or materials subject to the exceptions stated below.
Warning 1. Read and understand the entire owner's manual before attempting assembly or operation. 2. Read and understand the warnings posted on the machine and in this manual. Failure to comply with all of these warnings may cause serious injury. 3.
20. Make your workshop child proof with padlocks, master switches or by removing starter keys. 21. Give your work undivided attention. Looking around, carrying on a conversation and “horse-play” are careless acts that can result in serious injury. 22. Maintain a balanced stance at all times so that you do not fall or lean against the blade or other moving parts.
Introduction This manual is provided by Walter Meier (Manufacturing), Inc., covering the safe operation and maintenance procedures for a JET Model VBS-18MW Band Saw. This manual contains instructions on installation, safety precautions, general operating procedures, maintenance instructions and parts breakdown. This machine has been designed and constructed to provide years of trouble free operation if used in accordance with instructions set forth in this manual.
115 Volt Operation available or should be used with the 230V plug. The VBS-18MW band saw is wired from the factory for 115 volt operation. The power cord has a plug that looks like A, Figure 1, and is used in an outlet that looks like B, Figure 1. A...
Assembly Handwheel Attach the handle (A, Fig. 4) to the handwheel (B, Fig. 4). Mounting the Table Important: The table is heavy. The assistance of a second person is strongly recommended. Referring to Figures 5 and 6: Figure 4 1. Remove the table insert (A) and tapered pin (B).
Chip Tray Referring to Figure 8: Insert two 1/4” x 1/4” pan head screws through the holes in the rear rail and into the table edge, leaving the screw heads protruding slightly. Mount the chip tray onto the screws as shown. Dust Collection Figure 8 If cutting wood on the band saw, attach the hose of...
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Fence Adjustment 5. Place the fence assembly onto the guide rail (D, Figure 11) and against the edge of the miter slot (C, Figure 11). The hook at the rear of the fence should fit under the rear rail (see Figure 14).
Adjusting Clearance between Fence and Table Referring to Figures 13 and 14: Check the clearance between the table and the fence. The fence should not rub against the table surface but be slightly above it. This gap should be the same at the front of the table as it is at the rear. Figure 13 If the gap between fence and table is not consistent, loosen either of the hex nuts on the...
Adjusting 90 Degree Table Stop Referring to Figures 17 and 18: Blade tension must be properly adjusted prior to adjusting 90 degree stop. Refer to the Adjusting Blade Tension section. 1. Loosen lock knobs (C) and tilt the table until it rests against the table stop bolt (B);...
Installing/Changing Blades Referring to Figures 21 and 22: The band saw is provided with a 10-TPI metal cutting blade, 137”L x 3/4”W x 0.025”Thk. Disconnect machine from power source. Blade teeth are sharp, use care when handling the blade. Failure to comply may cause serious injury.
Initially, set the blade tension to correspond to the width of your blade. The VBS-18MW comes with a 3/4" metal working blade, so the tension should be set at 3/4" on the metal working scale when using this blade.
Overview – Bearing Adjustments A Thrust (back support) bearing is located behind the saw blade and provides support to the back of the blade when the saw is in operation. Guide bearings are located on either side of the saw blade and provide stability for the blade when the saw is in operation.
Lower Bearing Adjustments Unplug the machine from power source before making any adjustments! Blade teeth are sharp – use care when working near the saw blade. Failure to comply may cause serious injury. Note: Blade tension must be properly adjusted prior to bearing guide setup.
Blade Lead Blade drift (also known as lead or fence drift) is a problem that may occur when the blade begins to wander off the cutting line even when the band saw fence is being used. Figure 28 shows an example of blade lead.
Replacing the V-Belt Disconnect machine from power source before making any adjustments. Referring to Figures 29 and 30: 1. Release blade tension as described in the Blade Tension section. 2. Release belt tension by loosening the handle (A) and lifting up on the lever (B). Re-tighten the handle.
Failure to comply may result in loss of property and/or serious injury. VBS-18MW is rated at 1-3/4 HP, 1Ph, 115/230V, prewired 115V. The band saw comes with a 115V plug. If you switch to 230V, a UL/CSA listed plug needs to be purchased for the band saw that matches the 230V outlet you intend to use.
Ripping Operation Ripping cutting lengthwise down workpiece, and with the grain (of wood stock). General Procedure See Figure 33. 1. Make sure the blade and upper and lower bearings are properly adjusted for tension and tracking. 2. Adjust blade guide assembly so that the guide bearings are just above the workpiece (about 3/16”) allowing minimum exposure to the blade.
Resawing the tip of the tooth. Generally, wider blades are used for ripping or making straight cuts; Resawing is the process of slicing stock to narrower blades are often used when the part reduce its thickness, or to produce boards that being cut has curves with small radii.
A special type of saw lower wheel housings. Vacuum out frequently. blade is made from "high speed steel"; these Connect the band saw to a JET dust collection should not be used on band saws with low rates system.
4. Clean the surface of the drive wheels. Use a Replacing Tires solvent such as mineral spirits as required to achieve a clean, dry surface for the new The rubber tires that cover the drive wheels tires. protect the wheel from blade damage and provide a high friction drive force on the 5.
Blade Selection Guide Identify the material and thickness of your work piece. The chart will show the recommended PITCH, blade TYPE, and FEED RATE. Key: H – Hook L – Low S – Skip M – Medium R – Regular H –...
Troubleshooting Trouble Probable Cause Remedy Saw stops or will not Saw unplugged. Check plug connections. start. Fuse blown, or circuit breaker tripped. Replace fuse, or reset circuit breaker. Cord damaged. Replace cord. Does not make Check blade with square and adjust Stop not adjusted correctly.
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Trouble Probable Cause Remedy Excessive blade Material loose in vise. Clamp work securely. breakage. Refer to charts on pages 25-26 or check Machinist’s Handbook for Incorrect speed or feed rate. speed/feed appropriate for the material being cut. Check Machinist’s Handbook for Teeth too coarse for material.
Replacement Parts Replacement parts are listed on the following pages. To order parts or reach our service department, call 1-800-274-6848, Monday through Friday (see our website for business hours, www.waltermeier.com). Having the Model Number and Serial Number of your machine available when you call will allow us to serve you quickly and accurately.
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