How to Replace the Sliding Bracket Assembly on a Jet Band Saw
Finish Nailer Repair - Replacing the Driver Guide (Ridgid Part # 79004001022)
The sliding bracket assembly allows you to both track and tension your band saw's blade. The assembly consists of the sliding bracket, the knob and shaft, the tracking hinge and adjustment knob, the upper wheel axle, the tension spring, the indicator, and the adjustment nut. Common issues that can arise with the sliding bracket assembly are a cracked tracking hinge, loss of tension in the tensioning spring, or a bent wheel axle.
Let's get started.
REMOVING THE SLIDING BRACKET ASSEMBLY
1. Remove the blade.
a. Remove the table alignment pin.
b. Remove the table insert.
c. Loosen the blade tension.
d. Open the upper and lower wheel doors.
e. Remove the blade from the upper and lower tire/wheel assemblies.
f. Slide the blade through the slot on the table and away from the saw.
2. Remove the upper wheel.
a. Remove the nut securing the upper wheel to the axle shaft.
b. Pull the wheel away from the wheel shaft.
3. Remove the upper wheel guard.
a. Remove the screws and plates securing the blade guard.
b. Lift and pivot the rear portion of the blade guard to expose the plastic bolt beneath it.
c. Remove the plastic stud from the wheel guard.
d. Remove the two screws securing the (center of the) wheel guard to the sliding bracket assembly.
e. Lift the upper wheel guard away from the saw.
4. Remove the sliding bracket assembly.
a. Lift the sliding bracket assembly up-and-out of the upper metal casting.
INSTALLING THE NEW SLIDING BRACKET ASSEMBLY
5. Install the sliding bracket.
a. Align the tab on the indicator (on the new bracket) with the groove in the sliding bracket.
b. Install the new sliding bracket assembly into the upper metal casting.
REASSEMBLING THE UNIT
6. Reinstall the upper wheel guard.
a. Align the center of the upper wheel guard with the mounting holes on the new sliding bracket assembly.
b. Loosely install the screws securing the (center of the) upper wheel guard to the sliding bracket assembly.
c. Install and tighten plastic stud and the plastic hex bolt.
d. Tighten the screws securing the (center of the) upper wheel guard to the sliding bracket assembly.
e. Carefully slide the blade guard over the plastic stud, and secure it with the plate and screw.
7. Reinstall the upper wheel.
a. Install the upper wheel onto the upper axle shaft.
b. Secure the upper wheel with the nut.
8. Reinstall the blade.
a. Guide the blade through the slot in the table, and through the blade guides.
b. Fit the blade over the wheel tires and tension the blade.
c. Verify that the blade is properly aligned by rotating the blade and wheels.
d. Close the upper and lower blade cover doors.
e. Install the table insert.
f. Install the table alignment pin.