Band Saw General Information The band saw is a general purpose saw that is useful for cutting curved or irregular shapes as well as straight cuts. The saw name comes from the long steel blade that is welded at the ends to form oone continuous band. The size of a band saw is usually determined by the size of the wheels that rotate the blade. The distance between the blade and arm is another important dimension. This is often called the throat. Fences, miter-gauges, gauges, and various other jigs and fixtures make the band saw one of the most universal power tools. Band saws can be outfitted with blades for various uses and materials. Although the band saw is often used for general work, narrow blades wit with fine teeth can be used for delicate work. Generally, the thickness of a blade is related to the number of teeth per inch. How It Works The illustration at the right shows how the blade rotates on a band saw. The lower wheel is usually connected to the motor and is not adjustable. The upper wheel can be adjusted for proper blade tension and tracking. The tension of the blade varies depending upon its thickness. Most manufacturers include a scale next to the tension control knob that allows for quick adjustment. Tracking must be adjusted to keep the blade rotating on the center of the wheels. The tracking control knob tilts the upper wheel slightly. This should be adjusted by hand with the power disconnected. To do this, turn the upper wheel by hand and nd observe how the band is tracking on the upper wheel. If it is not riding on the center of the wheel, turn the tracking knob slowly until the blade is aligned. There are several blade guides attached to the blade guard that keep the blade from wandering during the cutting operation. These should be adjusted with the power off just like the tracking control knob. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for adjusting the guide pins and ball bearing blade support. Safety Guidelines General Procedures 1. Eye protection meeting current ANSI safety standards must be worn at all times while anyone is working in the lab. 2. Never make any adjustments to a machine while it is running. 3. Never walk away while a machine is still in motion. For example, when you turn the band saw off, the blade continues to move unless the break is applied. 4. Disconnect electrical power when changing blades, bits, etc. or anytime an injury could occur if the machine is accidentally turned on. Generally this requires that the machine be unplugged or the circuit breaker turned to the off position. Band Saw Fundamentals: 1. Set the upper blade guide so that it is approximately 1/8" above the stock to be cut. 2. Never place your hand or fingers directly in line with the blade. 3. Do not place your fingers closer than two inches from the blade. Safety Quiz 1. What determines the size of the band saw? 2. What distance, from the blade, should you always keep your fingers? 3. What is the distance between the blade and the arm called? 4. When putting a new blade on a band saw is there a standered tension setting for all blades? 5. What is the proper distance between your work and the upper blade guide? 6. If the blade is not riding in the center of the upper wheel, what do you turn to fix it?