Getting the Bandsaw Running

[Jeff W]

I adopted the big cutoff bandsaw at CAFAC as a project.  I started working on it Jan 15th.  Here is a link to the project log in Google Docs.  I'm planning on working on it Wed Feb 2.  I can use some help that night.  I'll post the tasks planned for that night as it approaches.  Let me know if there is some part of it that you want to work on.  I think getting it running will be a big help for some other projects planned around CAFAC.

Jeff

[Jeff W]

I'm planning to be at the Shop Night on Wed 2/2 by no later than 6:30.

Here's the list I'm going to try to accomplish. I can use your help.

1. Build a puller to remove pulley so cover can be installed. I have
a simple design in mind and plan to build one. I'll bring threaded
rods, nuts, and washers. Need to cut some bars and drill some holes.

2. Repair broken wire sheath between motor and junction box. I want
to make sure the wire hasn't worn through before applying power. If
the wire is OK, then just shorten the cover a little and reattach.
Will need to rewire a little if the wire insulation is damaged.

3. Wire new plug and get phases right so motor spins right direction.
Wire up the new plug and then run the motor, if wrong direction switch
2 wires.

4. Shim left side blade guide so blade parallel to bed. Just a pop
can shim, with some retention features so you don't lose the shim when
adjusting guide position. If Ryan has the cast iron welding going we
could potentially do something classier.

5. Install belt and run the machine, listen, adjust tension, and if
things go really well, try to cut something.

We could use a grease gun to grease a couple of fittings and a fish
scale (or some other pull gauge) to set the down force if you have
one.

[Jeff Whaley]

Really good progress Wed (2/2/11) night.  Fixed the wire shroud, wired plug, ran it and cut metal!  The puller was a failure, the pulley is stuck tighter than I thought it would be.  Going to try again today (2/5/11) with a stiffer design.  Also planning on filing or grinding the blade guide that isn't aligned.

[Jeff Whaley]

Planning to be there tonight, probably about 6:30.  Working on setting down force, checking lube gear box, and starting on a manual.

[Jeff Whaley]

Planning to do a couple things on bandsaw tonight.  I have a new blade to install and would like to measure for replacements for the bad bearings on the blade guide.  Jaana did a good first draft on basic instructions, its hard to describe what the controls are so I'm thinking of color coding, for example: instead of - to tighten the clamp turn the wheel on the lower left, instruction could be - to tighten clamp turn the blue wheel.