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.
We trust you will find this video to be beneficial. Please feel free to reach out to us HERE if you have any questions on how to adjust blade guides and support bearings.