How to Adjust Band Saw Blades
- 1). Unplug the saw. Open the top and bottom cabinets. Turn the top wheel by hand and check that the blade is tracking in the center of both the top and bottom tires. To adjust the tracking, turn the horizontal knob on the back of the upper wheel cabinet.
- 2). Raise the blade guard. Push the blade to the side and see how far the blade is deflecting. If the blade deflects more than 3/8 inch, tighten the tensioning knob (on the back side of the top cabinet).
- 3). Search for the blade guides below the table. These are small wheels that are just barely touching the blade. They should also ride just behind the teeth of the blade. If there is a gap between the blade and the wheels, or if the wheels are touching the teeth, adjust the guides with a Phillips screwdriver.
- 4). Find the blade guides above the table. These are typically a pair of metal blocks that are a dollar bill's width off the blade, situated just behind the teeth. Adjust these guides with a Phillips screwdriver as well.
- 5). Turn the wheels by hand and check that all of the adjustments are still correct. Turn on the saw and visually check all of the adjustments.
- 6). Close the saw cabinets and lower the blade guard. Make a few test cuts to verify that the saw is cutting squarely and on line.