This document is the Owner's Manual for the RIKON 14" Professional Bandsaw, models 10-350 and 10-350BAL. It provides comprehensive information on the assembly, operation, adjustments, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the device.
Function Description
The RIKON 14" Professional Bandsaw is a power tool designed for cutting various materials, primarily wood, with precision. It utilizes a continuous down-stroke blade for cutting. The bandsaw is capable of making both straight cuts and curves, with specific features to aid in resawing operations. Its design emphasizes safety and ease of use for professional applications.
Important Technical Specifications
The manual provides detailed specifications for both models:
Model 10-350:
- Throat Width: 13-9/16" (345 mm)
- Max. Cutting Depth: 13-15/16" (356 mm)
- Blade Length: 124" (3150 mm)
- Blade Width: 1/4" - 1" (6-25 mm)
- Table Size: 21-1/16" x 19-1/16" (535 mm x 485 mm)
- Table Tilt: Left-10° Right-45°
- Blade Speeds: 2132 ft/min or 4101 ft/min (two pulley speed ranges)
- Motor: 2.5 HP (RIKON)
- Amps/Speed: 10A/1700 RPM
- Volts: 220V
- Net Weight: 308 lbs
Model 10-350BAL:
- Throat Width: 13-9/16" (345 mm)
- Max. Cutting Depth: 13-15/16" (356 mm)
- Blade Length: 124" (3150 mm)
- Blade Width: 1/4" - 1" (6-25 mm)
- Table Size: 21-1/16" x 19-1/16" (535 mm x 485 mm)
- Table Tilt: Left-10° Right-45°
- Blade Speeds: 2163 ft/min or 4162 ft/min (two pulley speed ranges)
- Motor: 3 HP (Baldor)
- Amps/Speed: 12.5A/1725 RPM
- Volts: 230V
- Net Weight: 315 lbs
Both models are shipped with a table, owner's manual, and two parts packages. The 10-350BAL model is shipped in two cartons.
Usage Features
The RIKON 14" Professional Bandsaw incorporates several features to enhance usability and precision:
- Table Assembly and Tilting: The work table can be assembled and leveled, with a 90° table stop for accurate square cuts. The table can also be tilted from Left-10° to Right-45° using a lock handle and tilting knob, with an angle indicator scale for precise adjustments. Micro-adjustment screws on the trunnion allow for fine-tuning the table's 90° alignment to the blade.
- Rip Fence Assembly: A rip fence is provided for straight cuts and can be adjusted for parallelism with the blade and for 90° to the table. A resaw bar can be attached to the fence for correcting blade wandering during resawing operations, acting as a pivot point for following a reference line.
- Blade Tension and Tracking: The bandsaw features a quick release blade function for fast blade changing and tensioning. Blade tension is adjusted via a handwheel and monitored through a tension indicator window, corresponding to the blade width. The blade tracking knob allows centering the blade on the wheels. The blade tension indicator can be adjusted for blades of varying lengths.
- Blade Guides: Upper and lower blade guides, including side roller guides and rear thrust roller guides, are adjustable to be approximately 1/16" behind the gullet of the blade and within 1/32" of the blade sides. This adjustment is crucial for blade life and cutting accuracy. The bottom edge of the guide bearings should be approximately 1/4” above the workpiece.
- Cutting Height Adjustment: The guide post/upper blade guide assembly can be raised or lowered to the desired cutting height using a handwheel and locked in place with a knob.
- Blade Speed Settings: Both models offer two pulley speed ranges (low and high) to accommodate different materials and cutting requirements. The belt is adjusted between pulleys using a handwheel to change speeds.
- Switch Control Station: A key-on safety feature locks out unauthorized users. The control station includes a green light to indicate readiness, a "START" button, and a "STOP" button.
- Foot Brake: The foot brake not only slows the blade to a stop but also simultaneously shuts off the bandsaw, providing an additional safety measure, especially for large workpieces.
- LED Work Light: A flexible gooseneck LED work light illuminates the work surface on both sides of the blade, with adjustable positioning to prevent washing out reference lines.
- Dual Door Safety Switches: Both upper and lower blade wheel doors are equipped with safety switches that prevent the saw from operating if opened and cut power to the motor if opened during operation. The saw can only be restarted after both doors are closed and the "START" button is pressed.
- Blade Changing: The manual outlines a detailed procedure for safely changing the bandsaw blade, including releasing tension, opening guards, and proper blade orientation.
Maintenance Features
The manual emphasizes regular maintenance for optimal performance and longevity:
- Cleaning: The table should be kept clean for accurate cutting. The exterior of the machine should be cleaned to ensure smooth operation of moving parts. Ventilation slots of the motor must be kept clean to prevent overheating. The inside of the machine (near the saw blade) should be cleaned to prevent dust accumulation.
- Grounding: The machine must be properly grounded to reduce the risk of electric shock. Replacement of the power supply cable should only be done by a qualified electrician.
- Blade Tension Release: Releasing blade tension when the saw is not in use for extended periods helps prolong blade life.
- Tire Changing: Instructions are provided for changing the bandsaw tire, including removal of the old tire, cleaning the groove, and installing a new, pre-soaked tire to ensure flexibility and proper fit.
- Troubleshooting Guide: A comprehensive troubleshooting section helps diagnose and remedy common issues such as the machine not starting, blade not moving, blade not cutting straight, slow cutting, sawdust buildup, incorrect table angles, and improper blade positioning. This includes advice on checking power supply, switch, blade tension, blade tracking, blade condition, and guide adjustments.
- Adjusting Upper Blade Guide Bearings: Detailed steps are provided for adjusting the upper blade guide bearings to be parallel to the blade and ensuring they track close to the blade, which may involve loosening hex bolts and using micro-adjustment screws.
The manual also includes a "How-To's for all Band Saw Blades" section, offering guidance on choosing the correct blade width and number of teeth per inch (TPI) based on material and cut type, calculating blade surface speed (SFM), and diagnosing common blade-related problems like premature wear, vibration, loading, stalling, breakage, and cutting inaccuracies.
The warranty information states a 5-year limited warranty for defects in materials and workmanship for the original retail consumer/purchaser, excluding misuse, abuse, negligence, accidents, repairs, alterations, lack of maintenance, normal wear and tear, and commercial/industrial/educational use. It also excludes accessory items.
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