Bandsaw Alignment Process

[allsas]

I was trying to align the bandsaw blade after replacing the guide bearings and experiencing thehard to move guide block adjusting screws problem. After adjusting the two pairs of screws for an hour and half, I still was not getting the the last 1/16 " of misalignment out of the set up.

I was readjusting the bandsaw which BIL accepted with a reconditioned MK V 500 Goldie. He's already a woodworker with top of the line TS, BS, Jointer, planer, DP,,,etc,, so getting it right was required.

Finally, I got really disgusted. No !@#$%^&*() , because I can't waste the energy. I took the Guide post (70) off to tighten the blade guide lock. This was on an older 1980's Model bandsaw with a screw that tightens the guide lock spring. It was stuck too tight to turn with a screw driver because the interference from the bandsaw wheel. Taking it off to use the slot on the head of the screw was the only option.

After the first adjustment, I tried backing the the Headless Slot Setscrews out, making a half turn on the Guide Lock Screw(73) to add more tension. The Vertical Alignment of the blade guide arm was achieved with the upper guide hex bolts((64) having corrected the 1/16" side to side difference between the upper and lower positions and fit into the gap between the guide blocks all the way up and down. The setscrews were turned in to touch the guide post. The roller now followed the tensioned blade through the 6 " vertical travel.

Although the tension was a lighter near the top, it was adequate and the blade cut straight and cut tight circles.

When I got my original Bandsaw(different Bandsaw), it came with the Blade guide w/o any tension on the lock and it was setting on the Bandsaw tsble. I added tension for the Blade Guide Lock by turning the setscrews (68) in.

That was probably the wrong thing to do. The setscrews should be turned out to bring the guide post in contact with the machined surface of the Guide Column Bracket. The guide lock spring brought close to the Height lock Handle(86). Then start the Adjusting the Upper Blade Guide's Roller Bearing adjustments.

This seems to place the guide bar in the original machining of the Bracket and allow you to have tension on the Height Lock Handle. Lubricating the screw that tensions the Guide Lock Spring may allow you to tension it after the Adjusting the Upper Blade Guide's Roller Bearing adjustments have been started. .?.

[jimthej]

My first reaction was, "HUH?" After second read, I understood what you accomplished, now I want to see a video. Please!

[dusty]

I am very glad that you got this job done to your satisfaction. I sympathize with anyone who does this. The bandsaw works great once these adjustments are done correctly but they interact so much that it is almost impossible to put together good, detailed, step-by-step instructions.

Someone once said, "Patience, Grasshopper". Very appropriate.