Woodstock STEELEX ST1000 - Manual (Page 18)

-16- ST1000 14" Bandsaw
Blade Centered
on Peak of Crown
Blade
Centered
on Wheel
CENTER TRACKING
Figure 21. Center tracking profiles.
NOTICE
Changes in the blade tension may change the
blade tracking.
6. Loosen the lock nut on the tracking control
knob threads so that the tracking control knob
will rotate for adjustments.
7. Spin the upper wheel with one hand and
rotate the tracking control knob with the other
hand to make the blade ride in the center of
the bandsaw wheel tire.
Note: Turn the bandsaw ON to confirm the blade
is tracking properly.
8. Tighten the tracking control lock nut and close
the upper wheel cover.
Blade Tracking
The blade tracking is primarily affected by the tilt of
the upper wheel, also known as Center Tracking;
and the alignment of both wheels, also known as
Coplanar Tracking. (For Coplanar Tracking, see the
Wheel Alignment instructions on Page 37.)
The wheels on the Model ST1000 were aligned at the
factory, so Center Tracking is the only adjustment
that needs to be performed when the saw is new.
For the best performance from your saw, regularly
maintain the proper tracking of the blade.
To center track the blade:
1. UNPLUG THE BANDSAW!
2. Adjust the upper and lower guide bearings and
support bearings away from the blade.
3. Open the upper wheel cover.
4. Adjust blade tension until the mark on the
blade tension scale matches the size of the
installed blade.
The aluminum spokes may have sharp edges
and the blade teeth may extend beyond the
edge of the wheel, creating a laceration hazard.
Be careful when turning the wheels by hand.
5. Spin the upper wheel by hand at least three
times and watch how the blade rides on the
crown of the wheel. Refer to Figure 21 for an
illustration of this concept.
—If the blade rides in the center of the upper
wheel and is centered on the peak of the
wheel crown, then the bandsaw is already
tracked properly and no further adjustments
are needed at this time.
—If the blade does not ride in the center of
the upper wheel and is not centered on
the peak of the wheel crown, then continue
with the following steps.