
.JET
EQUIPMENT & TOOLS
OPERATOR'SMANUAL
VBS-1408/1610 Metalworking Bandsaw
.JETEQUIPMENT a TOOLS.INC.
A WMH -Walter Meier Holding Company
(VBS-1610 shown)
P.O.BDX1349
AUBURN,WA98071-1349
[20BJ351-8a:D
FAX(206) 939-8001
No. M-414485 2/97

Important Information
1YEAR
LIMITED WARRANTY
JET offers a one year limited
warranty on this product
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Replacementpartsfor thistool are availabledirectlyform JET Equipment& Tools.
To place an order, call 1-800-274-6848. Pleasehavethe followinginformationready:
1. Visa, MasterCard,or DiscoverCard number
2. Expirationdate
3. Part number listed within this manual
4. Shippingaddress other than a Post Office box.
REPLACEMENT PART WARRANTY
JET Equipment & Tools makes every effort to assure that parts meethigh quality and durability standards
and warrants to the original retail consumer/purchaserof our parts that each such part(s) to be free from
defects in materials and workmanship for a periodof thirty (30)days from the date of purchase.
PROOF OF PURCHASE
Please retain your dated sales receiptas proofof purchaseto validatethe warranty period.
LIMITED TOOL AND EQUIPMENT WARRANTY
JET makes every effort to assure that its products meet high quality and durability standards and warrants to the
original retail consumer/purchaser of our products that each product be free from defects in materials and
workmanship as follows: 1 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON THIS JET PRODUCT. Warranty does not apply to
defects due directly or indirectly to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside our
facilities or to a lack of maintenance. JET LIMITS ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES TO THE PERIOD SPECIFIED
ABOVE FROM THE DATE THE PRODUCTWAS PURCHASEDAT RETAIL. EXCEPT AS STATED HEREIN, ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR MECHANTABILITY AND FITNESS ARE EXCLUDED. SOME STATES DO NOT
ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG THE IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY
NOT APPLY TO YOU. JET SHALL IN NO EVENT BE LIABLE FOR DEATH, INJURIES TO PERSONS OR
PROPERY OR FOR INCIDENTAL, CONTINGENT, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING FROM
THE USE OF OUR PRODUCTS. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF
INCIDENTALOR CONSEQUENTIALDAMAGES, SOTHE ABOVE LIMITATIONOR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY
TO YOU. To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned for examination, postage
prepaid, to an authorized service station designated by our Auburn office. Proof of purchase date and an
explanation of the complaint must accompany the merchandise. If our inspection discloses a defect, JET will either
repair or replace the product or refund the purchase price, if we cannot readily and quickly provide a repair or
replacement, if you are willing to accept such refund. JET will return repaired product or replacement at JET's
expense, but if it is determined there is no defect, or that the defect resulted from causes not within the scope of
JET's warranty, then the user must bear the cost of storing and returning the product. This warranty gives you
specific legal rights, and you have other rightswhich varyfrom stateto state.
JET Equipment &Tools. P.O. Box 1349,Auburn, WA98071-1349. (206)351-6000

&, WARNING
.
Read and understand the entire
instruction manual before operating
machine.
.
This manual is intendedto familiarize
you with the technical aspects of this the powersupply.
bandsaw. It is not, norwas it intended
to be, a training manual.
.
This machine is designed and intended
for use by properly trained and
experienced personnelonly. If you are
not familiar with the proper safe use of a
bandsaw, do not use this machine until
proper training and knowledge has been
obtained.
.
Always wear approved safety glasses/face
shields while usingthis machine.
.
Make certain the machine is properly
grounded.
.
Before operating the machine,removetie, if the procedure is not understood.
rings,watches, otherjewelry, and roll up
sleeves above the elbows. Removeall
loose clothing and confinelong hair. Do operation.
not wear gloves.
.
Keepthe floor around the machineclean
and free of scrap material, oil and grease.
.
Keep machine guards in place at all times
whenthemachineisinuse. If removedfor
maintenance purposes,use extreme during operation.
caution and replacethe guards
immediately.
.
Replacewarning labels if they become
obscuredor removed.
.
Make certain the motor switch is in the OFF
positionbeforeconnecting the machineto
.
Giveyourworkundividedaftention.
Lookingaround,carryingona
conversation,and"horse-play" are careless
acts that can result inserious injury.
.
Keepvisitors a safe distance from the work
area.
.
Use recommendedaccessories; improper
accessories may be hazardous.
.
Makea habitof checking to see that keys
andadjustingwrenchesareremoved
beforeturningon the machine.
.
Never attemptany operation or adjustment
.
Keepfingers away from the bladewhile in
.
Keepbelt guard in place and in working
order.
.
Never force the cutting action.
.
Do notattempt to adjust or remove tools
.
Always keep the blade sharp.
.
Do not over reach. Maintaina balanced
stance at all times so thatyou do not fall or
lean against bladesor other movingparts.
.
Make all machine adjustmentsor
maintenancewith the machine unplugged
from the power source.
.
Use the righttool. Don't force a tool or
attachment to do a job which it was not
designed for.
.
Always use identicalreplacement parts
when servicing.
.
Readand understandall warnings posted
on the machine.
.
Failureto comply with all of these warnings
may cause serious injury.

Specifications:
Stock Number .414483
Blade Speed (SFPM) 82-330
Maximum Capacity:
Height 8"
Throat 14"
Table Size 20" x 20"
Table Tilt:
Front and Back ... ... ......... ....,.... ...8°
Left 12°
Right 15°
Welder Capacity 1/2"
Blade Length(approx.) 114"
BladeWidth (max.) ... ...... ...... ... .................. ... 1/2"
Overall Height .68-1/2"
Table Height at 90° 39"
Floor Space Required 34" x 24"
Motor 1HP, 1Ph
115/230V,prewired 115V
NetWeight (approx.) 580 Ibs.
ShippingWeight (approx.) 685 Ibs.
VBS-1408
Specifications:
Stock Number .414485
Blade Speed (SFPM). .82-330(low)
...... ... ...... ...... ...... ......... 985-3950 (high)
Maximum Capacity:
Height 10"
Throat ...15-1/2''''
Table Size 22" x 24"
Table Tilt:
Front and Back.. ... ... ...... ... ...... ...... 8°
Left ... ......... ... ...... ...... ...... ... , 12°
Right 15°
Welder Capacity 5/8"
Blade Length (approx.) ..." .." , 123-1/2"
BladeWidth (max.) ... ...... ...... ...... .................. ..,.. 5/8"
Overall Height .72-1/2"
Table Height at 90° 40"
Floor Space Required 37" x 28"
Motor 2HP, 3Ph
230/460V, prewired 230V
NetWeight (approx.) 900 Ibs.
ShippingWeight (approx.) 1015 Ibs.
The specifications in this manualare given as general informationand are not binding. JET Equipment
and Tools reservesthe right to effect,at anytime and without prior notice,changes or alterationsto parts,
fittings, and accessory equipmentdeemed necessaryfor any reasonwhatsoever.
VBS-1610

Uncrating and Clean-Up
1. Finish uncratingthe bandsaw. Contactyour
distributor if any damagehas occurred during
shipping.
2. Remove any preservativewith keroseneor
diesel oil. Do not use gasoline, paintthinner, or
any cellulose-based product. Thesewill damage
painted surfaces.
3. Remove two hex cap screwsfrom leftside of the
vertical column. Attach shear assembly(A, Fig.
1) to column by inserting hex capscrews.
Installation
1. Remove three nuts and washers holdingthe
bandsaw to the shipping crate bottom.
2. Using the lifting ring, lift the bandsaw into it's
permanent location. For best performance,the
bandsaw should be boltedto the floor after a
level position has beenfound.
A
3. Using a square, adjust the table 90 degreesto
the blade bothfront to backand sideto side.
Loosen the hex cap screws belowthe tableto
move it and tighten to holdthe table inplace. If
necessary, adju'stthe pointersto zero should
they read different once the tableis
perpendicular to the blade inboth directions.
4. To level the machine, place a machinist'slevel
on the table and observe in bothdirections.
5. Use metal shims under the appropriate hold
down screw. Tighten screw and recheck for
level.
6. Adjust with additional shims, as required,until
the table is levelwhen all mounting screws (or
nuts) are tight.
Figure 1

Electrical Connections
The VBS-1408 bandsaw is ratedat 115/230Vand
comes from the factory prewired 115V.
The VBS-1610 bandsaw is ratedat 230/460Vand
comes from the factory prewired230V.
To switch to from 115Vto 230V (or 230Vto 460V)
operation,follow the wiring diagram foundon the
inside cover of the motorjunction box.
The bandsaw must be grounded. A qualified
electrician can make the proper electrical
connections and confirm the power on site is
compatible with the saw.
Before hooking upto the power source, makesure
the switch is in the off position.
Controls
Note: Pictures usedfor illustrationsshowthe VBS-
1610. The descriptions and functionsare the same
for the VBS-1408, exceptwhere noted.
Variable Speed Hand Wheel (A, Fig. 2)- located
belowwork table on rightside of machine base.
Turn clockwise to increase speed and counter-
clockwise to decrease speed. Caution: Do not turn
handlewhile machineis stopped. Adjust speed only
when machine isrunning.
Upper BladeGuide Lock Knob (B, Fig.2) - located
on right side of upperarm. Turn counter-clockwise
to loosen and clockwiseto tighten.
Work Lamp Switch (C, Fig. 2) - on top of lamp
shade; turns lamp on and off.
Main Motor Start Switch (0, Fig. 2) - located on
upper front column. Depress to start bandsaw.
Main Motor Stop Switch (E, Fig. 2) - located on
upper front column. Depress to stop bandsaw.
t
.
!
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. "-C
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B
A
Figure 2

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-- -- -
Gear Shift Lever (A, Fig.3 - VBS-1610only)-
located on the right side of the base under the table.
Move the lever towardthe front of the machineto
engage the lowrange setting. Movethe levertoward
the rear to engagethe high rangesetting. Change
gears only when the power is off. Turn variable
speed handwheel while changing speed rangesto
help the gears engage.
Grinder Toggle Switch (B, Fig.3) - locatedon
bladewelder panel found on column front. Flip
switch up to start grinder;flip downto stopgrinder.
Weld Button (C, Fig. 3) - locatedon bladewelder
panelfound on column front. Depressand hold to
start welding. Shutsoff automaticallywhenweld is
done. Releasewhen weld is completed.
-
H
Anneal Button (D, Fig. 3) - located on blade welder
panel found on column front. Depress and hold to
anneal blade, release to stop.
Blade Clamp Pressure Knob (E, Fig. 3) - located
on bladewelder panel found on columnfront. Turn
counter-clockwise to bring bladeclampscloser
together and clockwise to separate.
Blade Clamps (F, Fig. 3) - locatedon bladewelder
panelfound on column front. DOWN positionallows
insertionof blade intoclamp. UPpositionlocks
blade.
Blade Tension Handwheel (G, Fig. 3) - locatedon
underside of upper frame. Turnclockwiseto tension
blade;counter-clockwise to releasetension on blade.
Shear Lever (H, Fig. 3) - locatedon uppercolumn.
UP positionallows insertion of blade end into shear.
Pull lever DOWN to cut blade.
Blade Tension Indicator (I, Fig. 3 - VBS-1610only)
-located under the idlerwheel housingwith the
calibration scale visable from the rearof the
machine. Indicates bladetension relativeto the
width of the blade being used.
Figure 3
Figure 4
Table Tilt Mechanism - located under work table.
To tilt table left or right, loosen two hex cap screws
(A, Figure 4) at rear of mechanism. To level table
front to back, loosen four hex cap screws (A, Fig. 5)
on either side of mechanism.
Figure 5

Adjustments
WARNING
Blade Tensioning
1. Raise upper blade guide by looseninglock knob
(A, Fig. 6) and lifting blade guide handle(B, Fig.
6) to it's highest position.
2. Apply finger pressureto the blade. Travel from
vertical should beapproximately3/8"eachway.
3. To tighten blade, turn handwheel (C, Fig. 6)
clockwise.
.....................
A
B
4. To loosen blade, turn handwheelcounter-
clockwise.
5. Use the blade tension indicator(0, Fig. 6 - VBS-
1610 only) as referenceonly. Bladeshould be
tensioned usingthe finger pressure method.
Blade Tracking Alignment (VBS-1408)
Bladetracking has been adjustedat the factory. Run
the bandsaw and observe the blade on thewheels.
The blade should run nextto but notagainstthe
flange at the rear. If adjustment is necessary:
1. Slightly loosen all four hex capscrews (A, Fig. 7)
found at the rearof the machine at the top.
2. Tighten two top set screws (8, Fig.7) slightlyto
shift blade toward the front. Conversely,tighten
two set screws (C, Fig. 7) to shift blade toward
the rear. Once blade istracking properly,slightly
tighten other two set screws and then tightenall
four hex cap screws.
Blade Tracking Alignment (VBS-1610)
Figure 6
Figure 7
!'
~O
"
.
1. Open the idler wheel door and observethe
positionof the bladeon the wheel.
2. Turn the Idler wheel adjustment knob (A, Fig. 8)
clockwise or counter-clockwise untilthe blade
runs nextto, but not against, the wheel flange.
Figure 8
A
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10
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Blade Guide Adjustment
Blade guide adjustment has been set at the factory.
Should adjustment be necessary:
1. Loosenthe upper bladeguide lock knob, raise
the guide assembly to halfway betweentable
and head,then tighten lock knob.
2. Loosen two set screws (A, Fig. 9) and adjust
guide so that blade guides are in back of the saw
teeth. Bladeguides must beadjustedfar
enough back to clear saw blade even during the
cutting operationwhen the blade is deflected
toward the rear.
3. Tighten two setscrews (A, Fig. 9).
4. Open the upper access door and rotatethe
bladewheel by hand untilthe weld portionof the
blade is between the two fingers.
5. Loosen two hex cap screws (B, Fig.9)and
adjust each finger toward the blade. They
should not touch the blade. Adjust for .010"
clearance on either side.
6. Tighten two hex cap screws (B, Fig. 9) once
proper adjustment has been made. Besure that
adjustmentfor air nozzle has not changedand it
directs the flow of air to the cut.
Figure 9
7. Adjust lower bladeguide inthe same manner.
See Fig. 10.
8. Even properlyadjusted blade guideswill show
wear after continual use. Re-adjustas
necessary.
Figure 10

Top Guide Adjustment
Always positionthe top guide to within an 1/8"of the
top surface of the workpiece. This minimizes
exposure of the operator's hands to the saw blade.
Changing Saw Blades
1. Disconnect saw from the power source.
2. Move the upper bladeguide to its highest
position and lock in place.
3. Open bothwheel doors. Turn the tension
adjustment knob counter-clockwiseto loosen
tension on the blade.
4. Remove the bladefrom bothwheels and
maneuver itaroundthe bladeguardon the
column and protective shield on the upperblade
guide.
5. Install new blade bymaneuveringaround blade
guard on the columnand protectiveshield on the
upper bladeguide.
6. Place it between the fingersof bothbladeguides
and onto bothwheels. Positionnext to both
wheel flanges. Make sure teeth pointdown
toward the table.
7. Retentionthe saw blade byturningtensionhand
wheel. Rotatethe wheel by hand and makesure
the blade is properly seatedinthe bladeguides.
Blade guideswill haveto be adjusted if the
replacement bladeis a differenttype andwidth.
8. Turn on the sawand check bladetracking.
Adjust tracking if necessary.
Blade Selection
Proper blade selection is just as important to band
saw operation as is blade speed and material feed.
Proper blade selection will impact blade life,
straightness of cut, cut finish, and efficiency of
operation. Excess blade breakage, stripping of
teeth, and waviness of cut are some of the results of
improper blade selection.
Blades are classified by material composition, tooth
shape, pitch of teeth, and type of set, gage of the
band material, and kerf of the set (width of cut).