Axminster AWESBS User manual

2003
200434
Axminster White Floor
Standing Bandsaw
Axminster Reference No: AWESBS
User Manual
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www.axminster.co.uk

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Index of Contents... Page No.
Safety Protection Symbols
SAFETY!!
!
The symbols shown on the cover of this
manual advise that you wear the correct
safety protection when using this machine.
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Index of Contents.................................................................................................................... 02
Declaration of Conformity ………….………........……..………….........................................03
What’s in the Box………….………........……..…………...........................................................04
General Instructions for 240v Machines............................................................ 05-06
Unpacking.................................................................................................................06
Cabinet Assembly...........................................................................................07-08-09
Assembling the Bandsaw to the Cabinet................................................................ 10
Initial Assembly......................................................................................... 11-12-13-14
Machine Specifications ….………....................................................................................... 14
Identification and Description....................................................................... 15-17-25
Illustration and Parts Description .......................... ............................. 16-24-26-27-28-29
Illustrated Parts Breakdown................................................................................18-19
Illustrated Parts List............................................................................................ 20-21
Illustrated Parts Breakdown & List..................................................................... 22-23
Setting Up the Saw...................................................................................................30
Setting the Fence......................................................................................................31
Setting the Blade Guides......................................................................................... 31
Operating Instructions ………........……..…………........................................................ 32-33
Changing the Saw Blade........................................................................................................ 33
Notes................................................................................................................... 34-35

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03
Declaration of Conformity...

FREEPHONE 0800 371822
The undersigned, F. Mocking authorised
by Laizhou City Fulin Electric Co., Ltd.
No. 275 Wenquan East Road Laizhou,
Shandong 261400 P.R. China
declares that this product:
Bandsaw
MJ343B
manufactured by Laizhou City Fulin Electric Co. is in
compliance with the following standards or standardisation
documents in accordance with Council Directives
EN 55014-1:2000
EN 61000-3-2:2000
EN 61000-3-3:1995+A1
EN 55014-2:1997
Copied from CE Certificate

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www.axminster.co.uk
Model Number: MJ343B
1 No. Bandsaw
1 No. Bandsaw blade
2490mm long 4 TPI Skip assembled in the saw...(not tensioned)
1 No. Saw table
1 No. Fence Guide & Extension
1 No. Mitre Guide
1 No. Packet containing the On/Off Switch Safety Shroud
1 No. Table Insert
Bandsaw Cabinet:
1 No. Base
2 No. Side Panels
1 No. Back Panel
2 No. Connecting Supports
1 No. Door
Plastic Bag Containing:
4 No. Rubber Feet with a M8 thread with two M8 Nuts & Washers
10 No. M8 Nuts
14 No. M8 x16 Bolts
14 No. M8 Washers
4 No. M8x55 Bolts with Nuts & Washers
1 No. Instruction Manual
1 No. Guarantee Card
Having unpacked your accessories(see overleaf) please dispose of any unwanted packaging
properly. The cardboard packaging is biodegradable.
Please read the Instruction Manual prior to using your new machine; as well
as the operating procedures for your new machine, there are numerous hints and tips
to help you to use the machine safely and to maintain its efficiency and prolong its
life. Keep this Instruction Manual readily accessible for any others who may also be
required to use the machine.
!

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05
General Instructions for 240v Machines...

FREEPHONE 0800 371822
The following suggestions will enable you to observe good working
practices, keep yourself and fellow workers safe and maintain your
tools and equipment in good working order.
Good Working Practices/Safety
General Advice
WARNING!!
!
KEEP TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT OUT
OF THE REACH OF YOUNG CHILDREN
Mains Powered Tools
Primary Precautions
These tools are supplied with a moulded 13 Amp. plug and 3 core power cable. Before
using the tool inspect the cable and the plug to make sure that neither are damaged. If any
damage is visible have the tool inspected/repaired by a suitably qualified person. If it is
necessary to replace the plug, it is preferable to use an ‘unbreakable’ type that will resist
damage on site. Only use a 13 Amp plug, and make sure the cable clamp is tightened
securely. Fuse as required. If extension leads are to be used, carry out the same safety
checks on them, and ensure that they are correctly rated to safely supply the current that is
required for your machine.
Work Place/Environment
Make sure when the machine is placed that it sits firmly on the floor, that it does not rock, that it is
sufficiently clear of adjacent obstacles so that cutting operations will not be impeded. Check you have
adequate clearance both in front of, and behind the machine when cutting long stuff. If you are liable
to be processing unwieldy or awkward work pieces, it is suggested that you consider fastening the
machine down to the floor.
The machine is not designed for sub-aqua operation, do not use when or where it is liable to get wet.
If the machine is set up in the open, and it starts to rain (unusual though this would be in U.K.), cover
it up or move it into the dry. If machine has got wet; dry it off as soon as possible, with a cloth or
paper towel.
Do not use 240Va.c. powered machines anywhere within a site area that is flooded or puddled, and
do not trail extension cables across wet areas.
Keep the machines clean; it will enable you to more easily see any damage that may have occurred.
Clean the machine with a damp soapy cloth if needs be, do not use any solvents or cleaners, as
these may cause damage to any plastic parts or to the electrical components.
Keep the work area as uncluttered as is practical, this includes personnel as well as material.

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!
(Under no circumstances should CHILDREN be allowed in work areas).
It is good practice to leave the machine unplugged until work is about to commence, also
make sure to unplug the machine when it is not in use, or unattended.
Always disconnect by pulling on the plug body and not the cable. Once you are ready to commence
work, remove all tools used in the setting operations (if any) and place safely out of the way. Re-connect
the machine.
Carry out a final “tightness” check e.g. guide fence, table tilt, etc.., check that the ‘cutting path’ (in this
case; the path that the work piece will travel) is unobstructed.
Make sure you are comfortable before you start work, balanced, not reaching etc..
If the work you are carrying out is liable to generate flying grit, dust or chips, wear the appropriate
safety clothing, goggles, gloves, masks etc., and if the work operation appears to be excessively noisy,
wear ear-defenders. If you wear your hair in a long style, wearing a cap, safety helmet, hairnet, even a
sweatband, will minimise the possibility of your hair being caught up in the rotating parts of the tool,
likewise, consideration should be given to the removal of rings and wristwatches, if these are liable to
be a ‘snag’ hazard. Consideration should also be given to non-slip footwear, etc..
Do not work with cutting tools of any description if you are tired, your attention is wandering or
you are being subjected to distraction. A deep cut, a lost fingertip or worse; is not worth it!
Do not use this machine within the designated safety areas of flammable liquid stores or in
areas where there may be volatile gases. There are very expensive, very specialised machines
for working in these areas, THIS IS NOT ONE OF THEM.
Check that blades are the correct type and size, are undamaged and are kept clean and sharp, this will
maintain their operating performance and lessen the loading on the machine.
Above all, OBSERVE…. make sure you know what is happening around you, and USE YOUR
COMMON SENSE.
Your saw is packed in the box partially assembled. Unfortunately this is more of an exercise to ensure
that the components are inserted in the correct positions than a shortening of the build time. e.g. the
blade is fitted, the securing bolt for the tilt mechanism is inserted in the tilt quadrant with the washer
and the locking butterfly nut threaded on to the bolt, etc..
Please make careful note of the positions of the various components if you have cause to disassemble,
whilst putting the machine together. ( Now there’s an oxymoron)s
Take all the easily removable items out of the box, tip the box up so that the base of the saw is to the
ground, remove all the polystyrene packaging from around the saw (open both sides of the box?) then
“corner walk” the saw out of the box. If this is still awkward, split the top of the box, fold the box
material flat on the floor, and “wriggle” the saw off the cardboard. (The best method of moving the saw
is with a ‘hug’ lift through the neck of the saw, holding the saw back against your body and lifting by
straightening your legs).
Unpacking...

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07
Cabinet Assembly...
Step 1
Step 2
Rubber foot bolt
M8 bolt and washer
Base support plate
Base support plate
13mm Spanner
Both side support
panels assembled
Locate the four rubber foot bolts, remove the first M8
nut and washer (A) and Introduce the rubber foot bolt
through the underside of the base support plate and secure
in place using the M8 nut and washer you remove earlier
(B). (DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN) Assemble the remaining
foot bolts.
Offer up both side support panels to the pre-drilled holes in the
base plate and using four M8x16 bolts & washers secure in place
using a 13mm spanner (DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN).
A
B

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Slide the back panel in place then secure to the side
support panels using six M8x16 bolts, nuts & washers. Then
tighten all bolt but DON’T OVER TIGHTEN.
loosely secure the two connecting supports to the side
support panels using four M8x16 bolts, nuts and washers.
Connecting
supports
Step 3
Step 4
Back panel
13mm spanner
M8 bolt, nut & washer
13mm spanner

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Cabinet Assembly...
Line up the door with the two hinge
pins and lower in place.
Bandsaw cabinet fully assembled
Step 5
Hinge pin
Door fastener

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Lift the saw on to the cabinet, and secure using the 4 M8x55 bolts nuts and washers. ( Insert the bolts
through the base of the saw, through the floor cabinet and fit the washers and nuts on the underside).
WARNING
!
When mounting the unit, we strongly advise you get the assistance
of another person because of the weight of the machine.
Cabinet
Bandsaw
M8x55 bolt
Please Note: the Illustrations above show the
table already assembled to the bandsaw for clarity

Preparing the saw table for fitting:
1.The saw table can be fitted without removing the blade, however, if you would feel more comfortable
not having to manoeuvre the table around the blade (the table is quite heavy), remove the blade by
opening the top and bottom covers, release the tension on the blade by backing off the tensioning
wheel (See fig 06), and remove the blade, taking care as it is manoeuvred clear of the guides and the
safety guards.
2. Put a small pencil ‘X’ on the front of the tilt quadrant body. (It will save you working out which way
round it fits). Turn the table upside down, locate the 4 No. bolts securing the tilt quadrant to the table,
loosen and remove them and their washers, (you will need an 13mm spanner). Lift the tilt quadrant
away from the table. Note. There are normally spacing washers fitted between the table and the feet of
the tilt quadrant. Don’t loose them.
3. The securing bolt for the tilt mechanism (an M8x50 coach bolt) is pre-fitted into the tilt quadrant.
Remove the butterfly nut and the washer and fit the tilt quadrant into the tilt housing. Ensure that the
bolt is correctly inserted through the slot and that the little rib cast on the tilt housing corresponds to
the groove in the tilt quadrant. Check that the square under the bolt head is correctly located in its
recess in the casting and refit the washer and the butterfly nut. Before tightening, check that the tilt
mechanism functions correctly. If it doesn’t, something is probably slightly mis-aligned, slacken off the
butterfly nut, re-position the quadrant and try again. When everything is satisfactory, set the tilt
quadrant so that the mounting feet are horizontal and tighten.
5. Place the 4 spacing washers over the holes in the tilt quadrant feet and lift the table into position.
Insert the washered bolts through the feet, the spacing washers, and screw into the table. (As you
insert each bolt and establish a turn or turn and a half into the table I would suggest you leave the
bolts as slack as possible to enable you to manoeuvre the table around to achieve the fitting of the
other bolts). Make sure that you don’t displace the spacing washers during this manoeuvring. When
all the bolts are inserted, tighten firmly. DO NOT OVER -TIGHTEN. Remember this is a casting, if you
drastically over-tighten you could strip the threads.
6. Replace the blade, slipping it through the slot in the table, through the guards and the guides and
over the wheels; apply some tension to the blade to hold it in place. Replace the guide fence rail.
7. If you wish to be able to isolate the saw physically, to prevent unauthorised or unsupervised usage,
a switch shroud is provided. The shroud and the integral dust cover are fitted over the On/Off switch
and secured with two small screws though holes in the outer bezel of the switch plate. It is suggested
that you mount the shroud so that the cover hinge is at the top, i.e. the cover pivots upward. Although
when the hinge becomes more flexible, this sometimes requires the cover to be lifted out of the way
to operate the ON button; in an emergency, a quick slap of the hand will close the cover and switch
the machine Off. With the cover closed a small padlock can be fitted to prevent the cover being lifted
and access to the ON button is denied.
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Initial Assembly...

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Fitting the guide fence assembly
Assemble the back rail to the rear of the table by inserting the three Phillips screws through the
predrilled holes in the extrusion. Because of the off-centre hole the back rail cannot be fitted the
‘wrong’ way. (See fig 1)
Using the four butterfly bolts and washers supplied screw them loosely into the casting. (See fig 2)
Then mount the fence rail by sliding the tongue under the edge of the table, with the cut-outs between
the bolts. Make sure the fence rail is against the edge of the table then tighten the 4 butterfly bolts
securely. (See fig 3)
(DO NOT Over tighten, remember this is a casting, over-tightening could cause the threads to
strip).
Fig 1
Fig 2 Fig 3
Back rail
Table
Butterfly bolt Fence rail
Phillips screw
driver

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Initial Assembly...
Fitting the guide fence
Fit the guide fence by clipping the rear clamp over the back rail first and dropping the front clamp
over the fence rail. (See fig 4) Push down on the lock lever, and ensure the fence clamps up correctly.
(See fig 4a) If not, adjust the clamping system by tightening or loosening the nut on the end of the
torsion rod at the rear end of the guide fence blade. (See fig 4b)
Check the guide fence is set parallel to the blade. Any slight discrepancy can be taken out by
loosening the 4 No. butterfly bolts that secure the blade of the guide fence to the clamping body,
adjust and re-tighten. Larger discrepancies may require that the fence rail is angled slightly.
The dimensioning scales have adjustable index plates set in the fence guide front clamp body to
enable the scales to be zero read. (See fig 4c)
Fig 4 Fig 4a
Fig 4b Fig 4c
Lock lever
Torsion rod Dimensioning scale
Guide fence Fence rail

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Machine Specification...
Axminster No. 200434 (AWESBS)
Motor 240V a.c, 50Hz, 1400rpm, 1.5hp
Wheel Diameter 350mm
Blade Speeds (Off Load) 12-10m/s
Max Cutting Depth.(Throat) (Upright) 200mm
Max Reach (Neck) (Table Flat) 335mm
Blade Length 2490mm
Blade Widths 6-15mm
Table Tilt Right 0-45˚
Weight 80 kgs
Overall Size (On Floor Cabinet) Length 760mm, Width 720mm, Height 1700mm
Dust Extraction Nozzle Diameter 98mm
Cable Length 1.5 Meters
Fig 5 Fig 5a
Fitting the Guide fence Extension
Locate the guide fence extension casting and the two M6 coach bolts. Slide the coach bolts into the
‘T’ slot in the side of the fence casting. (See fig 5) Then slide the fence extension assembly into the
predrilled holes in the slide of the guide fence and secure in place with two plastic M6 knobs and
washers. (See fig 5a)
‘T’ slot
M6 Coach bolt
Fence extension
M6 Knob and washer

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Identification and Description...
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FREEPHONE 0800 371822
Main saw frame The main body of the machine that all the other parts are mounted upon.
(See fig 6)
Upper and lower The two doors that cover the upper and lower saw wheel compartments.
cover doors There are interlocks fitted to both doors so that the machine cannot
(See fig 6) operate if either door is left open.
Upper saw The upper saw wheel is mounted on double bearings on an axle that is
wheel mounted to a tilting plate. (To provide the fore and aft tilt movement that
(See fig 8) controls the blade tracking). The tilting plate is hinged to a base plate
that is mounted in slides in the upper saw wheel compartment.
(The base plate slides up and down allowing increasing or decreasing of
the blade tension). The saw wheel is fitted with a rubber tyre to give
better grip to the saw blade, and smoother running. It also allows the
blade to be tracked in the centre of the wheel; unlike the bad old days
when the blade had to be tracked off the front edge of the wheel to
safeguard the teeth.
Blade tensioning The blade tensioning wheel, at the top of the machine, is connected
wheel to a threaded rod that is engaged in the base plate of the upper saw
(See fig 8) wheel axle assembly. The threaded rod is anchored in the top of the saw
frame which allows the base frame to be driven up and down in its
mounting slides and tension or de-tension the blade.
Upper blade The upper blade guide assembly mounts the two side bearings and the
guide and rear thrust bearing that keep the blade stable (straight and untwisted)
guard above the table during the sawing operation. The guard is an integral
(See figs 6) part of the guide mounting leg to which the guide assembly is bolted so it
is always in place when the guide is raised or lowered to its working position.
Upper blade The upper blade guide height clamp is a butterfly nut and coach bolt
guide height arrangement that clamp through the guide mounting leg and the main
clamp saw frame. So, loose it will allow the mounting guide leg to be moved
(See figs 6 &12) up and down, tightened it will clamp the leg in position against the frame.
Saw table, tilt The saw table is mounted on the tilt quadrant, which is, in turn mounted
assembly in the quadrant housing and secured via a coach bolt and butterfly nut
and scale arrangement. Loosening the butterfly nut allows the table to be tilted up
(See fig 7 & 9) to 45 degrees clockwise. There is an adjustable bolt with a lock nut,
screwed into the underside of the table, which acts as a pre-set stop
when bringing the table back to the level position. There is a scale and
pointer attached to the rear of the quadrant and the housing to measure
the angle to which the table has been tilted. There are two slots machined
in the table to accept the slide of the mitre fence.

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Main saw frame
Upper blade
guide and
guard
Fence guide rail
Mitre fence
Saw table insert
Floor cabinet
Dust extraction outlet
On/Off button and
switch shroud
On/Off buttons
Switch shroud
Upper saw wheel
(inside cover door see fig 8)
Blade tensioning wheel
Upper cover door
Lower cover door
Lower cover door latch
Lower cover
door latch
Upper blade guide
height clamp
Upper cover door latches
Idler wheel
adjusting knob
Lock lever
Guide fence
Fig 6
Fig 6a

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Identification and Description...
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FREEPHONE 0800 371822
Saw table insert The saw table insert fits into the round recessed groove in the centre of
(See figs 6 &11) the table. It not only fills the round void, it also supports the workpiece
below the saw in order to minimise ‘breakout’ from the sawcut. The
table insert that is supplied is for general work, and woods and white
woods to be carried through by the saw blade. Alternative table inserts
should be made when carrying out very fine work, where the breakout
must be kept to a minimum.
Lower blade The lower blade guide assembly is mounted on the main saw frame
guide and below the table, it mounts the rear thrust bearing and two side guides
guard that keep the blade stable (straight and untwisted) below the table
(See fig 15) during the sawing operation. The lower guard is two half red plastic
enclosures that screws to the guide assembly, and shields the blade
between the underside of the table and the top of the lower saw wheel
compartment.
Fence guide rail The fence guide rail is a metal extrusion that is bolted onto the saw table
(See figs 3 &4c) with 4 butterfly bolts and washers. The fixing locations in the guide rail
are slots, which allow the angle of incidence between the table and the
guide rail to be adjusted; to enable the guide fence to be set square to
the table. There is a ruler scale set in the guide rail to aid the setting of
the guide fence.
NOTE. The guide fence rail should always be fitted and securely
fastened to the saw table, even if it is not properly set up for the
fence. This is to help maintain the stability of the saw table in the
area of the slot which is cut through the table to allow the blades
to be fitted.
Upper blade The inner edge of the upper guide assembly is toothed to form a rack.
guide height The pinion part of this mechanism is on the end of the shaft connected
adjusting knob to the blade guide adjusting knob. Turning the knob will allow the guide
(See fig 7 ) assembly to be raised or lowered (provided the clamp is loosened).
Guide fence An extruded aluminium assembly primarily consisting of the main
(See figs 4 & 6 ) mounting body and the blade. The blade is bolted to the top of the main
body. The main body is shaped to fit over the fence rail and mounts the
clamping handle. The clamping handle is attached to a torsion bar
which is fed through the blade of the guide and acts on the rear clamp,
pulling it tight against the back rail through the lever action of the clamp
handle. There is a fixed measurement scale mounted on the fence rail.
On each side of the main body is an aperture through which this scale
can be read. Mounted in each aperture is an adjustable index, to enable
the measurements to be zeroed.
Mitre fence The mitre fence slide can be engaged in either of the slots in the saw
(See figs 6 & 11) table, and acts as an X-feed device, which will enable any angle from 0
to 45 degrees left or right to be cut with the saw.

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Illustrated Parts Breakdown...

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