Craftsman 315.214490 - Manual (Page 18)

BASIC OPERATION
BASIC OPERATION OF THE BAND SAW
A band saw is basically a “curve cutting” machine. It
can also be used for straight-line cutting operations
such as cross cutting, ripping, mitering, beveling,
compound cutting, and resawing, it is not capable of
making inside or non through cuts.
This band saw is designed to cut wood and wood
composition products only.
For general type scroll cutting, follow the pattern lines
by pushing and turning the workpiece at the same
time. Do riot try to turn the workpiece white engaged
in the blade without pushing it; the workpiece could
bind or twist the blade. A cunred radius cut is best
performed by following the pattern line with the blade
while turning the workpiece. The blade should cut in
the middle of the pattern line since wood cutting band
saw blades are thin.
A WARNING: To avoid blade contact, adjust the
““ blade guide assembly to just clear the workpiece.
Failure to do so could result in serious personal
injury.
B Use both hands while feeding the work into the
blade. Hold the workpiece firmly against the
tabie. Use gentle pressure. Do not force the
work, but allow the blade to cut.
■ The smallest diameter circle that can be cut out
is determined by the width of the blade. A 1/4 in.
wide blade will cut a minimum diameter of
approximately 1-1/2 in. A 1/8 in. wide blade will
cut a minimum diameter of approximately 1/2 in.
Relief cuts are made when an intricate curve (too
small a radius for the blade) is to be cut. A relief cut is
made by cutting through the scrap section of work­
piece to curve in pattern line, then carefully backing
blade out. Several relief cuts should be made for
intricate curves, then follow pattern line as sections
are cut off of curve “relieving” blade pressure.
■ Avoid injury from unexpected saw move­
ment:
• Put the saw on a firm level surface with plenty of
room for handling and properly supporting the
workpiece.
Make sure table is level and saw does not rock.
• Bolt the saw to the support surface to prevent
slipping, walking or sliding during operations like
cutting long, heavy boards.
Turn saw off, remove switch key, and unplug
cord before moving the saw.
Avoid injury from jams, slips or thrown
pieces:
Choose right size and style blade for material
and the type of cut you plan to do.
USE ONLY RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES.
The use of improper accessories may cause risk
of injury to persons.
Make sure the blade teeth point downward,
toward the table.
Make sure blade guides and thrust bearings are
properly adjusted.
Make sure blade tension is properly adjusted.
Make sure table lock knob is tight and no parts
have excessive play.
Always adjust the blade guide assembly to just
clear the workpiece to avoid accidental blade
contact, minimize blade breakage and provide
maximum blade support.
Use extra caution with large, very small or
awkward workpieces:
Use extra supports (tables, saw horses, blocks,
etc.)
Never use a person as a substitute for a table
extension, or as additional support for a work­
piece that is longer or wider than the basic saw
table, or to help feed, support or pull the work­
piece.
When cutting irregularly shaped workpieces, plan
your work so it will not pinch the blade. For
example, a piece of molding must lay flat on the
table. Workpieces must not twist, rock, or slip
while being cut.
Properly support round material such as dowel
rods, or tubing. They have a tendency to roll
during a cut, causing the blade to "bite." To
avoid this, always use a “V" block or clamp
workpiece to a miter gage.
Cut only one workpiece at a time.
Clear everything except the workpiece and
related support devices off the table before
turning the saw on.
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