Adjust the thrust bearing

Accurate bandsaw adjustments make all the difference between a so-so cut and one that requires little cleanup. During a visit to the shop of premier master craftsman, Michael Fortune, he shared with us how he uses his $350 bandsaw to get results you'd expect to see from a saw costing two or three times as much. Here's one of this shop-proven tips.Michael slips a 6" metal rule that measures 1/32" thick between the back edge of the blade and the thrust bearing, as shown, to establish proper clearance. He then locks the setting in place with a few turns on the hexhead bolt using a wrench. Make the same adjustment below the saw table. Spin the wheel by hand and do a visual check to ensure the correct clearance is established at both locations.