Woodstock STEELEX ST1000 - Manual (Page 19)

ST1000 14" Bandsaw -17-
Once the assembly is complete and you have read
through Safety section, test run the machine before
continuing with the setup.
If, during the test run, you cannot easily locate the
source of an unusual noise or vibration, stop using
the machine immediately, then contact our Technical
Support for further assistance.
Test Run
Wear safety glasses during
the entire test run process.
Failure to comply may
result in serious personal
injury.
Tensioning Blade
A properly tensioned blade is essential for making
accurate cuts and is a prerequisite before making
many bandsaw adjustments.
To tension the bandsaw blade:
1. Make sure you have performed the Test Run
instructions on this page and that the blade is
tracking properly.
2. Raise the upper blade guide assembly as high
as it will go, and adjust the upper and lower
guide blocks as far away from the blade as pos-
sible.
Note: This procedure will not work if the guide
blocks have any contact with the blade.
3. Adjust the blade tension knob until it matches
the blade size on the bandsaw.
Note: This scale can only be considered as a gen-
eral guide, follow these steps to accurately set the
blade tension.
4. Turn the bandsaw ON.
5. Release the tension one quarter of a turn at
a time. Do this very slowly. When you see the
bandsaw blade start to flutter, stop decreasing
the tension.
6. Now, slowly increase the tension until the blade
stops fluttering, then tighten the tension anoth-
er quarter turn.
7. Look at what the tension gauge reads and use
that as a guide for tensioning that blade in the
future.
Note: Always detension the blade after use
to increase blade life and reduce strain on the
bandsaw components.
NOTICE
After blade tension and tracking are set cor-
rectly, properly adjust the upper and lower sup-
port bearings and guide-block assemblies into
position before cutting operations.
To test run the machine:
1. Make sure that you have performed the Blade
Tracking instructions.
2. Make sure that the blade guides are moved
away from the blade and that the blade is not
touching the table or table insert.
3. Plug the machine into the power source.
4. Turn the bandsaw ON to allow it to reach full
speed, then turn the bandsaw OFF.
—The bandsaw should run smoothly with little
or no vibration or rubbing noises. Disconnect
power to troubleshoot any problems before
continuing.
5. Remove the switch safety key.
6. Try to turn the bandsaw ON with the key
removed.
— If the bandsaw starts with the key removed,
disconnect power immediately and call
Technical Support.
— If the bandsaw does not start with the key
removed then it is operatig properly.