The correct adjustment of a band saw blade is critical. Band saws have settings that precisely control the angle, tension and tracking of the blade. If any one of these settings gets too far off, the blade can come off and injure you. If the blade gets slightly off balance, out of tension, or the table is out of square to the blade, the band saw will be unable to cut straight along a line and will cut poorly in general. Take a few minutes and adjust your band saw before operating to stay safe and make sure your cuts are as accurate as possible.
Step One
Turn off the band saw and unplug it. If you are working in a shop with other workers, a lock will have to be placed on the electrical box to prevent anyone from turning on the saw without your permission.
Step Two
Turn the wheel on the very top of the band saw case counterclockwise until the blade begins to get slack. Test it with your fingers; you should be able to move it back and forth 1 inch.
Step Three
Clean the wheel with the putty knife, removing any clumps of dust or debris that has accumulated on the wheel. Spin the wheel several times going around the perimeter scraping it. When the wheel is clean, take the blade by both hands and gently slip it back over the large wheel. Close the case, close the locking lever and plug the saw back in. The blade will not adjust unless the wheel is clean.
Step Four
Clean the wheel with the putty knife, removing any clumps of dust or debris that has accumulated on the wheel. Spin the wheel several times going around the perimeter scraping it. When the wheel is clean, take the blade by both hands and gently slip it back over the large wheel. Close the case, close the locking lever and plug the saw back in. The blade will not adjust unless the wheel is clean.
Step Five
Turn the big wheel on top clockwise with your right hand to tighten the blade. Pluck the blade as you go with your left hand. It should sound like a guitar string when it's tight, and move side-to-side no more than 1/2 to 1/4 inch.
Step Six
Plug in the saw. Turn the saw off and on quickly, letting the wheel coast. The blade should stay steady between the two guide roller bearings. If it moves out of the bearings, turn the large wheel on the BACK of the band saw clockwise two times, the tilt adjustment. Turn the saw of and on quickly. If the blade contacts the bearings on the inside, turn the tilt wheel counterclockwise. Repeat this until the blade balances directly in the middle of the bearings.
Step Seven
Unplug the saw. Place a tri-square on the table and slide it up to the blade. If the blade is not square to the table, reach underneath the table and release the lever that controls table tilt. Bring the table into square with your right hand, watching as the table and the blade square themselves together as you move the table in the direction required. Lock the lever back down.
Step Eight
Adjust the height of the roller guides to the thickness of the wood by loosening the dial on the side of the roller guide shaft. Move the shaft up or down by hand depending on wood thickness. The guide bearing should be approximately 1/2 inch above the surface of the wood. Lock it back down when finished adjusting. Plug in the saw.