Craftsman 315.214490 - Manual (Page 15)

ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTING BLADE TENSION
See Figures 15, 16, and 17.
■ Turn off saw, remove switch key and unplug
saw.
WARNING: Failure to remove switch key and
unplug your saw could result in accidental
starting causing possible serious personal injury.
■ The tension adjusting knob is on the top of the
saw. Rotate the quick release knob (outer, larger
knob) 1/4 turn to the left or counterclockwise to
release blade tension. See Figure 15.
QUICK RELEASE KNOB
TO RELEASE
Fig. 15
■ Turn the tension adjusting knob (upper, smaller
knob) to the right or clockwise to increase
tension or raise the upper wheel. Turn it to the
left or counterclockwise to decrease tension on
blade or to lower upper wheel. See Figure 16.
Note: Adjustments of the blade tension can be made
at anytime. The quick release knob can be either
released or engaged while making adjustments with
the tension adjusting knob.
■ Rotate the quick release knob to the right or
clockwise 1/4 turn to engage tension before
using the band saw. See Figure 17.
■ To check the tension, raise the blade guide
assembly alt the way up exposing the blade.
■ Pushing the blade to the side with moderate
force, the blade should deflect approximately
1/8 in.
TENSION ADJUSTING KNOB
TO INCREASE
TENSION
TO DECREASE
TENSION
QUICK RELEASE KNOB
TO ENGAGE
Fig. 16
Fig. 17
Another method of checking the tension has to do
with the sound the blade makes when plucked like a
guitar string.
■ Pluck the back straight edge on the coasting side
opposite the blade guides while turning the
tension knob. Sound should be a musical note.
Sound becomes less flat as tension increases.
Sound decreases with too much tension.
Using either method to check tension requires knowing
your band saw and can be developed with practice.
■ Never tension the blade so tight as to completely
compress the spring. When completely com­
pressed, the spring can no longer act as a shock
absorber.
Note: Be careful not to over tension the blade. Too
much tension may cause the blade to break. Too little
tension may cause the blade to slip on the wheels.
TRACKING THE BLADE
See Figure 16.
Note: Blade tension must be properly adjusted before
tracking the blade.
■ Open the front cover of the saw. Slowly turn the
upper wheel to the right or clockwise by hand
and watch the blade on the upper tire. If the
blade moves away from the center of the tire, the
tracking must be adjusted.
TO ADJUST:
■ Remove 1/8 in. hex key located in the holder
inside the front cover.
■ Insert the 1/8 in. hex key into the tracking adjust­
ment screw located on the back of the saw
behind the upper wheel.
• If the blade moved toward the front of the saw '
turn the adjustment screw in (to the right or
clockwise) while turning the wheel by hand, until
the blade moves back and rides in the center of
the tire.
• If the blade moved away from the front of the
saw, turn the adjustment screw out (to the left or
counterclockwise) while turning the wheel by
hand, until the blade moves forward and rides in
the center of the tire.
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