How to Adjust the Blade Guide Arm – Instructions and Tips
Proper adjustment of the blade guide arm is key to ensuring stability, precision, and even cutting on a band sawmill. This article provides detailed instructions for adjusting the blade guide on the LT40 model produced since 2021, along with maintenance tips and advice on avoiding common issues. Check out this guide to optimize the performance of your sawmill!
The primary function of the blade guide arm is to stabilize the blade during cutting. The cutting head is designed with one fixed blade guide roller, while the other is mounted on the guide arm, which moves it closer to or away from the log. This allows the operator to adjust the distance between the guide rollers according to the width of the material being processed.
It is important to ensure that the guide roller remains close to the log during cutting, ideally at a distance of 5-10 cm. Using a switch, the operator controls the roller's position from the control panel.
The new type of blade guide is also used in the LT40WIDE sawmill and the LT70 with the standard and wide sawhead. The newly modified arm features a reinforced construction and easy adjustment. The base for mounting the guide to the sawhead is thick and sturdy, the guide is built on a square rod, the adjustment screws are easily accessible, the electric motor is mounted vertically, and the guide arm rollers are positioned horizontally.
The advantage of the new design is that it is easier to adjust. The user now has easy access to the adjustment screws both horizontally and vertically. Before starting the adjustment, the securing screw for the guide mounting base on the sawhead must be loosened, and after completing the adjustment, it must be tightened. Then, the user proceeds to adjust the guide.
Important! The guide must always move parallel to the blade in both planes. Otherwise, this will result in cutting accuracy issues, premature wear of the guide rollers, and increased blade wear.
How to adjust the blade guide arm:
1. Before adjusting the guide arm, loosen the blade guide rollers. The rollers must not exert pressure on the blade.
2. Next, install the blade and tension it. It is essential to adjust the guide to the tensioned blade. The blade sets the baseline level from which measurements begin.
3. Vertical Adjustment: Move the rollers closer together—they should be at the same level. Measure the distance between the blade and the fixed blade guide roller and the distance to the movable roller. The distance should be equal on both sides. Repeat this process with the extended guide; the distance should remain the same.
If the values differ, adjustment is required. First, loosen the lower securing screw, then use the horizontal adjustment screws. Finally, tighten the lower securing screw.
4. Horizontal Adjustment: First, measure the distance between the blade and the flange of the fixed (passive) blade guide roller. It should be 3-4 mm. The exact distance should be achieved on the movable roller when the guide is moved inward (rollers close together) and when the guide is extended outward.
If the values differ, adjustment is required. First, loosen the lower securing screw, then use the vertical adjustment screws. Finally, tighten the lower securing screw.
Note! Ensure that the distance between the blade guide roller flange and the blade edge is not less than 3 mm. If the blade edge rubs against the flange, it may cause blade waviness or cracking.
5. The guide rollers of the guide arm wear out during operation, so they should be checked and adjusted regularly using the adjustment screws. Gaps may also occur, for example, from the guide striking the log during withdrawal or when the sawhead rides up to the log.
Another factor negatively affecting the proper operation of the guide rollers is contamination, such as ice, sand, resin, and sawdust, which must be removed regularly from the rollers. The guide rod is also regularly inspected and should be kept clean.
A 12V electric motor drives the blade guide arm. The brushes of this motor should be inspected regularly.
Don't hesitate to contact your local Wood-Mizer representative or Customer Service support if you have any questions or concerns.
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