Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Blade Support and Guide Bearings
Safety First:
- Always unplug your bandsaw before performing any maintenance.
Adjusting Support Bearings:
- Remove the blade guard: This will give you a clear view of the support bearing for adjustment.
- Check guidepost bracket alignment: Ensure the support bearing is roughly square with the blade.
- Loosen the thumb screw: This secures the support bearing adjustment shaft.
- Adjust support bearing position: Use the knurled knob to move the support bearing approximately 1/64 inch behind the blade. You can use a feeler gauge or a dollar bill folded four times for precision.
- Tighten the thumb screw: Secure the support bearing in its new position.
- Repeat for lower support bearing: Follow the same steps for the lower support bearing.
Adjusting Blade Guide Bearings:
- Loosen the thumb screw: This secures the blade guide bearing adjustment.
- Position blade guide bearings: Move the bearings forward or backward until the face of the bearing is slightly behind the gullet of the blade. There should be a small gap.
- Tighten the thumb screw: Secure the blade guide bearings in place.
- Loosen cap screw: Adjust the guide bearings with the eccentric shafts so they are slightly touching the blade but still able to turn.
- Tighten cap screws: Secure the guide bearings in place.
- Adjust lower blade guides: Repeat the process for the lower blade guides.
- Reinstall the blade guard: Once all adjustments are complete, reattach the blade guard.
Note: The goal is to protect the blade teeth from contacting the bearings while allowing the bearings to provide support. Proper adjustment will improve cutting accuracy and blade life.
Tip: Always refer to your bandsaw's manual for specific instructions and recommendations.
In this video, we'll show you how to adjust blade support bearings and guide bearings for accurate cuts on a bandsaw using the steps above.