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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2021
    Location
    Rockies
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    2

    Default Upper guide gap variation

    Hello all - I just purchased a Jet JWBS-14SFX bandsaw (14"). After tensioning and tracking the blade (centered on upper wheel), and squaring the table to the side of the blade, I checked the upper guide gap between the guide bearings and the blade at top and bottom of the cutting height range (using a Jet 1/2" 4 tpi blade). Here are the gaps:
    * Upper thrust bearing: 0.0025" (at approx 1/4" cutting height); 0.044" (at 13" cutting height)
    * Upper lateral guide bearing (I only checked the 'front' one): 0.007" at 1/4" cutting height; 0.035" at 13"

    These are as near as I can measure with feeler gauges. I'm concerned that I'm going to have to adjust the guides when I change the cutting height, but I don't have a lot of experience with bandsaws. Is this a normal condition? There is nothing in the manual that addresses adjusting the rod/post that guides the upper guide bearings throughout the cutting height range. I suppose I could call Jet, but so far my experience with their technical support has not been stellar. I can probably adjust the blade tracking to minimize the thrust bearing gap variation, but will that cause the blade to drift (so far it doesn't)..? Also, this would not affect the gap variation for the lateral guide bearing(s).

    Thanks for any advice!

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2018
    Location
    Melbourne
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    Default

    Welcome Lando

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    blue mountains
    Posts
    4,882

    Default

    Welcome to the forum Lando.
    First off I would just see how it cuts at a range of heights before worrying about the actual measurements.
    To be honest I have never checked that on my saw. I usually set the bearings with the height adjusted about mid range and look for the thrust guide to spin when the blade begins to cut wood using a scrap test piece. Side bearings I use a folded bit of paper as a spacer to set them close to the blade being sure they are not too far forwards to foul the teeth. If it cuts right then its fine.
    Regards
    John
    PS this is the guy most of us look to for bandsaw wisdom.
    alex snodgrass bandsaw set up - Google Search

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Brisbane (Macleay Is)
    Posts
    268

    Default

    Hi Lando
    Welcome to the forum.
    When I read your request my interpretation is that your guide post is not exactly parallel to your blade so that as you raise and lower the guide post, the guides move closer or further away from the blade . Do I have this correct?

    If so I have a Jet JWBS-20-M Saw. While not the same saw as yours it is one of the current models. This saw has built in adjustments for the guide post. If you look at the back of the saw around the guide post locking knob there are 4 bolts and 4 grub screws. Loosening the bolts allows you to adjust the guide post so that it moves exactly parallel to the blade both backwards and forwards and side to side. Adjust the grubs screws by trial and error before tightening the locking bolts again.
    I have attached a picture of my saw

    IMG_0344.jpg


    Hope this assists
    Ron
    Attached Files Attached Files

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2021
    Location
    Rockies
    Posts
    2

    Default

    Thanks for the welcome, and for the advice!

    Orraloon, I've been trying to follow Alex Snodgrass's method of adjusting the guides, and (if I understand correctly) that is basically to set them as close to the blade as possible without them touching it. That's what led to my concern as I saw the thrust bearing and front lateral guide bearing drifting away from the blade when I raised the guides up from the bottom of the cutting height range. Adjusting the guides at the middle of the cutting height range sounds like a better idea. I think in my case I will have the thrust bearing and 'front' lateral bearing running into the blade at the bottom of the cutting height range, and the 'back' lateral bearing running into the blade near the upper limit, but I will try it! At this point I'm still sorting out what I will be using the saw for, so maybe I won't need the guides to stay in adjustment for the full height range anyway... I just wonder if this is normal for a bandsaw or if I possibly got a 'lemon'?

    Ronboult, Thank you for the information from your saw. It looks like mine is not quite as sophisticated; I have the four bolted fasteners around the guide rod position locking handle, but I don't have any grub screws. I think I will call Jet and ask what they suggest; the only thing I can think of is to try to shim the rack/pinion assembly at the four bolted fasteners, which looks like a fairly involved process that I may not want to tackle...!

    Thanks again to everyone.

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