15 Parts of the Band Saw
Drive wheel
The lower wheel is connected to the motor with a belt and pulley to power the band saw. Both the drive and upper wheels are slightly crowned, which keeps the blade running true and helps to keep it from running off the wheel. The wheels have a hard rubber tire that covers the surface that the blade contacts. The tire provides some cushion between the metal surfaces and prevents damage to both. When the blade breaks during operation, shut the machine off as quickly as possible to prevent the blade from damaging the tires.
Upper wheel
The upper wheel is an idler wheel, meaning it is not powered but spins when the tensioned blade is being driven by the lower wheel. The upper wheel can be raised and lowered as well as tilted. These adjustments allow for changing and tensioning the blade as well as tracking.
Column or arm
Every part of the bandsaw above the table is attached to the column. It provides rigidity to the machine between the two wheels. The blade travels up the front of the column which had a guard to cover it.
Table, blade slot
The table is made of cast iron, and should be flat and true. Many band saws have a mitre slot machined into the table for use with a mitre gauge, the slot can also be used to secure various jigs and hold downs such as featherboards. In order to change the blade, the table must have a slot to allow it to be positioned in the centre. A removable round pin is used to keep the halves of the table in alignment. It should be kept in position unless the blade is being changed.
Squaring and tilt adjustment
The table is attached to a trunnion assembly that is secured to the band saw cabinet or casting. The mechanism is located directly underneath the table, and is usually secured with a ‘T’ handle. The table may be tilted for cutting bevels and angles, the same adjustment is used to square the table with the blade. The table-tilt mechanism allows you to tilt the table from 0 – 45°. and has a positive stop at 90°. Because the blades are flexible and every blade will sit in a slightly different position on the tire, the table should be checked for square every time the blade is changed.
Motor and drive belts
Depending on the saw, the motor may be exposed or housed in the saw cabinet. The dive belts should always be guarded for safety. Some machines (especially larger ones) may have more than one belt to prevent slippage and transfer more power to the wheel. Larger saws and motors may also have a soft start, meaning they take a few seconds ramping up to full speed. This reduces strain on the motor and the connected machine parts. Always allow any electric motor with a soft start to come up to full speed before applying any load.
Tension control
The upper wheel is designed to move vertically in order apply tension the blade. Tension is exerted via a strong spring, the adjustment is usually controlled via a handwheel located directly above or below the upper wheel. In order to change the blad