The G0919 bandsaw is a heavy-duty industrial resaw with dual 20 HP motors, hydraulic blade tensioning, and independent digital blade height controls, designed for continuous production resawing. It features a fixed forward-feed conveyor, robust dust collection, and supports workpieces up to 11-3/4" wide and 10" thick. Electrical setup requires a qualified technician, and blade tension must be verified with a Lennox gauge. Upgrades include ceramic guides, safety switches, and amp meters. Daily cleaning and proper maintenance ensure optimal performance.
Q: What is the G0919 bandsaw designed for?
A: The G0919 is a heavy-duty industrial resaw with dual 20 HP blade motors, a fixed conveyor table, hydraulic blade tensioning, and independent digital blade height controls. It’s built for continuous production resawing with consistent feed, accurate thickness control, and robust dust collection.
Electrical & Setup
Q: What power does the G0919 require?
A: The G0919 ships prewired for 220V, 3-phase and can be upgraded to 440V, 3-phase.
- Minimum circuit size: 130A @ 220V, 70A @ 440V
- Main blade motors (x2): 20 HP, 220V/440V (prewired 220V), 51A/26A
- Blade elevation motors (x2): 1/4 HP, 1A/0.5A
Q: Do I need a qualified electrician?
A: Yes. It is essential to have a qualified electrician/technician perform the electrical setup and verify proper motor rotation (starting with the hydraulic motor). Incorrect rotation can cause improper tensioning and feed operation.
Q: How do I verify motor rotation?
A: After power-up (with guards in place and no cutting), visually confirm the hydraulic pump rotation and ensure that the hydraulic systems (tension and conveyor) respond correctly. Reverse leads on the motor (by a qualified technician) if a rotation is incorrect.
Hydraulics & Tensioning
Q: What systems are powered by hydraulics?
A: Hydraulics power:
- Blade tensioning (upper/lower assemblies)
- Conveyor feed system
Q: How is hydraulic tension controlled?
A: The hydraulic system uses a two-stage motor and separate pressures for different subsystems. The tensioner is adjusted at the regular screen located to the right of the hydraulic pump (see Operator’s Manual, p. 39 for details).
Q: What hydraulic pressure should I use for blade tension?
A: A general setting is ~900 psi to the tensioner; however, final tension must be validated with a Lennox tension gauge and adjusted based on blade type and yield strength.
- Do not equate hydraulic pump PSI directly to blade tension unless you have established the correlation using a Lennox gauge during tensioning.
- Blade tension by type (Yield Strength):
- Bi-metal: 15K–20K PSI (YS × 1000)
- Lennox blades: 25K–32.5K PSI (YS × 1000)
Q: How often should blade tension and tracking be checked?
A: Periodically—especially in continuous-use environments. Always verify with a Lennox tension gauge and check tracking during shifts or after blade changes.
Blade, Guides & Lubrication
Q: What are the blade specifications?
A: Blade size: 168" × 2"
Blade speed: 6700 FPM
Recommended guide clearance: Set guides within 1 mm of the blade—no friction. Guides are fixed once set.
Q: Are there upgrades for blade guides?
A: Yes—ceramic blade guides and an intrinsic safety switch for the blade guide enclosure doors.
Q: Where should blade lubrication lines be routed?
A: Outside the blade enclosure to prevent damage in the event of a blade break.
Q: How long do blades last?
A: In constant-use production, it’s not unusual to go through blades within a few days. Blade life depends on wood species, feed rate, tooth pattern/TPI, and wood moisture content.
- General TPI guidance for wood:
- Fewer TPI: Faster, rougher cuts
- More TPI: Smoother, slower cuts
- Avoid overfeeding: Too-fast feed causes loading (poor chip evacuation) and can burn or dull teeth quickly.
Q: Are there blade motor load meters?
A: Amp meters for blade motor load are available as an upgrade to help prevent overfeeding.
Conveyor & Workpiece Handling
Q: Is the conveyor adjustable or reversible?
A: The conveyor is a fixed table that feeds forward only. Speed is adjusted at the feed end.
Q: What are the gate locations?
A: Infeed and outfeed gates are located on the conveyor.
Q: What workpiece sizes can the G0919 handle?
A:
- Maximum workpiece dimensions (W × H): 11-3/4" × 10"
- Minimum workpiece dimensions (W × L): 1-3/4" × 15-3/4"
- Cut height range: 1/4" min to 6-3/4" max (blade elevation control range)
Note: “Max workpiece thickness” refers to the piece the conveyor can support in height. “Cut height” refers to the blade elevation set for resawing.
Controls, Measurement & Memory
Q: How is blade height set and tracked?
A: The G0919 includes two CH-525 digital height controllers—one for the upper blade and one for the lower blade.
- Each controller can store up to 10 blade height measurements for repeatability.
Dust Collection & Cleanliness
Q: How many dust ports does the G0919 have?
A: Three dust ports, each 4" diameter:
- Two on the right side cabinet
- One on the bottom left side
Q: How often should the machine be cleaned?
A: Daily—clean and vacuum the cabinet and machine at the end of each day of use to maintain performance and safety.
Cabinet & Mechanical Layout
Q: Does the saw have independent cabinets?
A: Yes—3-part cabinet with upper and lower saw assembly cabinets that move independently.
Q: How is tracking adjusted?
A: Tracking is adjusted via the drive wheels. There is no canter adjustment on the tension wheels.
Q: Is there an observation window?
A: Window door enclosures are available to observe blade operation (upgrade).
Q: Is there a hydraulic oil filter?
A: Yes—an oil filter is available as an upgrade and should be changeable for maintenance efficiency.
Specifications (Quick Reference)
- Main blade motors (x2): 20 HP, 220V/440V* (prewired 220V), 3-phase, 51A/26A
- Blade elevation motors (x2): 1/4 HP, 1A/0.5A
- Minimum circuit size: 130A @ 220V, 70A @ 440V
- Max. workpiece width: 11-3/4"
- Max. workpiece thickness: 10"
- Minimum cut height: 1/4"
- Max cut height: 6-3/4"
- Blade size: 168" × 2"
- Blade speed: 6700 FPM
- Floor-to-table height: 35-3/4"
- Conveyor feed rate: 10–90 FPM
- Conveyor table size: 107-1/4" L × 11-13/16" W
- Dust ports: 3 × 4"
- Overall dimensions: 89-1/2" W × 108" D × 73" H
- Approx. shipping weight: 3661 lbs
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Features: Independent digital blade height controls and DROs, hydraulically driven feed conveyors, powered saw elevation, hydraulic blade tensioning with gauge, adjustable HSS blade guides, quick blade changes.
Upgrades & Options
Q: What upgrades are recommended or available?
A:
- Ceramic blade guides
- Intrinsic safety switch for blade guide enclosure doors
- External blade lubrication lines routing (outside enclosure)
- Hydraulic changeable oil filter
- Window door enclosures for blade observation
- Blade motor amp meters (load monitoring)
Maintenance & Best Practices
Q: What are best practices for blade life?
A:
- Maintain lubrication while cutting.
- Check blade tension and tracking periodically.
- Match TPI to the material and desired finish.
- Avoid overfeeding; use amp meters to monitor blade load (if installed).
- Consider wood species and moisture content; both impact blade wear.
Q: Any daily tasks?
A: Yes—clean and vacuum the cabinet and machine after each day of operation.
Troubleshooting (Quick Answers)
Q: My blade is wandering—what should I check?
A: Verify tracking via drive wheel adjustments, confirm guide clearance (≤1 mm, no contact), and ensure proper blade tension using a Lennox gauge.
Q: The cut is burning or rough—why?
A: Likely overfeeding or incorrect TPI. Reduce feed rate (within 10–90 FPM range), increase chip evacuation, and review blade condition/lubrication.
Q: The conveyor isn’t reversing—can it?
A: No—the conveyor feeds forward only by design.
Q: Hydraulics feel weak—what should I do?
A: Verify pump rotation, check hydraulic pressure at the tensioner (around 900 psi as a baseline), and ensure proper oil filtration (if equipped), then re-validate tension with a Lennox gauge.
Safety Reminders
- Electrical setup must be performed by a qualified electrician/technician.
- Always verify motor rotation, especially the hydraulic motor, before production use.
- Keep lubrication lines outside the blade enclosure to avoid damage during blade breakage.
- Confirm guards, safety switches, and emergency protocols before operation.