Jet VBS-18MW Operating Instructions And Parts Manual

Also see for VBS-18MW: Specifications Brochure

Jet VBS-18MW Operating Instructions And Parts Manual Manual pdf 18 page image

18Blade LeadBlade drift (also known as lead or fence drift) is aproblem that may occur when the blade begins towander off the cutting line even when the band sawfence is being used. Figure 28 shows an exampleof blade lead.Blade lead can be caused by a number of factors,and these should all be checked and corrected ifnecessary:! Fence is not parallel to miter slot andblade.! Blade is not tensioned correctly.! Blade is dull.! Teeth have too much “set” on one side ofthe blade.If replacement of the blade is not currently anoption, the blade lead can be compensated for byskewing the fence. Proceed as follows:1. Cut a scrap piece of wood about the samelength as the band saw table, and joint oneedge along its length, or rip it on a table saw togive it a straight edge.2. Draw a line on the board parallel with thejointed, or straight edge of the board.3. Move the band saw fence out of the way, andcarefully make a freehand cut along your drawnline on the board. Stop about midway on theboard, and shut off the band saw (allow theblade to come to a complete stop) but do notallow the board to move.4. Clamp the board to the table.5. Slide the band saw fence over against theboard until it contacts the straight edge of theboard at some point. Lock the fence down.6. Loosen the four hex cap screws at the top ofthe fence (see Figure 11) and shift the fenceuntil it is parallel to the board along its length.7. Re-tighten the four hex cap screws.Note: Skewing the fence to correct blade lead iseffective for that particular blade; when a new bladeis installed, the fence will probably need re-adjustment.Figure 28