Central Machinery 03179 User manual

17” WOODWORKING BAND SAW
Model 03179
ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011
Visit our Web site at: http://www.harborfreight.com
Copyright 2003 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved. No portion of this
manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form
without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
®
®

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
SAVE THIS MANUAL
You will need this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly,
operating, inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures, parts list and as-
sembly diagram. Keep your invoice with this manual. Write the invoice number
on the inside of the front cover. Keep this manual and invoice in a safe and dry
place for future reference.
GENERAL SAFETY WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
1. KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN AND DRY. Cluttered, damp, or wet work areas
invite injuries.
2. KEEP CHILDREN AWAY FROM WORK AREA. Do not allow children to handle
this product.
3. STORE IDLE EQUIPMENT. When not in use, tools and equipment should be
stored in a dry location to inhibit rust. Always lock up tools and equipment, and
keep out of reach of children.
4. DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT IF UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR
DRUGS. Read warning labels on prescriptions to determine if your judgement or
reflexes are impaired while taking drugs. If there is any doubt, do not attempt to
use this product.
SKU 03179 PAGE 2
 
 



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

shield, dust masks, and respirators are available from Harbor Freight Tools.
6. DRESS SAFELY. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, or gloves as they can
become caught in moving parts. Wear a protective hair covering to prevent long
hair from becoming caught in moving parts. If wearing a long-sleeve shirt, roll
sleeves up above elbows. Always wear heavy duty gloves when changing the
Saw Blade (part #23).
7. DO NOT OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance at all times to prevent
tripping, falling, back injury, etcetera.
8. INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS MUST FOLLOW OSHA REQUIREMENTS.
9. STAY ALERT. Watch what you are doing at all times. Use common sense. Do
not use this product when you are tired or distracted from the job at hand.
10. CHECK FOR DAMAGED PARTS. Before using this product, carefully check that
it will operate properly and perform its intended function. Check for damaged
parts and any other conditions that may affect the operation of this product.
Replace or repair damaged or worn parts immediately.
11. REPLACEMENT PARTS AND ACCESSORIES: When servicing, use only identi-
cal replacement parts. Only use accessories intended for use with this product.
Approved accessories are available from Harbor Freight Tools.
12. MAINTAIN THIS PRODUCT WITH CARE. Keep this product clean, dry, and
keep the Saw Blade (part #23) sharp for better and safer performance.
13. MAINTENANCE: For your safety, service and maintenance should be performed
regularly by a qualified technician.
14. USE THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB. Do not attempt to force a small tool or
attachment to do the work of a larger industrial tool. There are certain applica-
tions for which this tool was designed. It will do the job better and more safely at
the rate for which it was intended. Do not modify this tool, and do not use this
tool for a purpose for which it was not intended.
15. WARNING: The warnings, precautions, and instructions discussed in this manual
cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. The operator
must understand that common sense and caution are factors, which cannot be
built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator.
SKU 03179 PAGE 3
5. USE EYE AND BREATHING PROTECTION. Wear ANSI approved safety impact
eye glasses and full face shield when using this product. Use an ANSI approved
dust mask or respirator. ANSI approved safety impact eye glasses, full face

SPECIFIC PRODUCT WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
1. MAINTAIN A SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT. Keep the work area well lit.
Make sure there is adequate surrounding workspace. Always keep the work
area free of obstructions, sawdust, grease, oil, trash, and other debris. Do not
use the Band Saw in areas near flammable chemicals, dusts, and vapors. Do
not use the Band Saw in a damp or wet location.
2. DO NOT ABUSE THE MOTOR CORD. Do not use the Motor Cord (part #31) to
pull its 3-Prong Plug from an electrical power outlet. Keep the Motor Cord away
from heat, oil, sharp edges, and moving parts. Route the Motor Cord safely. Do
not route the Motor Cord where it can be walked on or tripped over. Replace a
damaged Motor Cord immediately.
3. THE BAND SAW IS FACTORY PRE-WIRED FOR 115 VOLT AC USAGE.
The electrical Motor Cord (part #31) for this product is equipped with a
grounded, 115 Volt AC, 3-Prong Plug. Never remove the grounding prong or
modify the Plug in any way. Do not use adapter plugs with this product. To
comply with the National Electric Code, and to provide additional protection from
the risk of electrical shock, this product should only be connected to a 115 Volt,
3-hole electrical outlet that is protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
(GFCI).
4. THE BAND SAW MAY BE CONVERTED FOR 230 VOLT AC USAGE.
The electrical voltage required for this product may be converted from its original,
pre-wired, 115 Volt AC system to a 230 Volt AC system. To avoid personal injury
and/or property damage only a qualified, certified electrician should perform this
procedure. (See Wiring Diagrams, page 24.)
5. IF AN EXTENSION CORD (not included) IS USED, MAKE SURE TO USE
ONLY UL APPROVED CORDS HAVING THE CORRECT GAUGE AND
LENGTH . (See Figure A below, and Figure AA page 5.)

















     
     
     
     
     
FIGURE A
SKU 03179 PAGE 4

6. REDUCE THE RISK OF ACCIDENTAL STARTING. Make sure the Power
Switch (part #36) is in the “OFF” position before plugging the Motor Cord (part
#31) into a grounded, 3-hole, 115 Volt, electrical outlet.
(See Figure B, and Assy. Diagram.)
7. PRIOR TO STARTING THE BAND SAW, MAKE SURE ALL ADJUSTING KEYS
AND WRENCHES ARE REMOVED FROM THE TOOL.




_______________________________________________



   
 
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
FIGURE AA
SKU 03179 PAGE 5
8. BEFORE CUTTING, TURN ON THE BAND SAW AND CHECK FOR EXCES-
SIVELY LOOSE SAW BLADE TENSION OR MACHINE VIBRATION. If this is
found, turn off the tool and correct the problem before using.
9. ALWAYS KEEP HANDS AND FINGERS AS FAR AWAY FROM THE SAW
BLADE AS POSSIBLE.
10. BE AWARE THAT IF THE SAW BLADE (part #23) SHOULD BREAK WHILE
THE BAND SAW IS RUNNING, THE BROKEN SAW BLADE WILL FLY OFF
THE UPPER WHEEL (part #19) WHICH IS LOCATED BEHIND THE
UPPER WHEEL COVER (part #55). Should this occur, immediately turn off the
Band Saw and unplug it from its electrical power source. DO NOT open the
Upper Wheel Cover or the Lower Wheel Cover (part #95) until the machine has
completely stopped running. (See Figure B.)

11. ALLOW THE SAW BLADE (part #23) TO TURN UP TO FULL SPEED BEFORE
FEEDING A WORKPIECE INTO THE SAW BLADE. When turning off the Band
Saw, allow the Saw Blade to slow down and stop on its own. Do not press
against the Saw Blade to stop it.
12. FEED THE WORKPIECE INTO THE SAW BLADE (part #23) GRADUALLY. Do
not force the machine to remove material faster than it was designed to cut.
13. WHEN CUTTING A LARGE WORKPIECE, MAKE SURE ITS ENTIRE LENGTH
IS PROPERLY SUPPORTED. If necessary, use a roller stand (not included) with
a larger workpiece.
14. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REMOVE MATERIAL STUCK IN THE MOVING PARTS
OF THE BAND SAW WHILE IT IS PLUGGED IN AND RUNNING.
15. TURN OFF THE BAND SAW IF THE WORKPIECE IS TO BE BACKED OUT
OF AN UNCOMPLETED CUT.
16. NEVER STAND ON THE BAND SAW. Serious injury could result if the Band
Saw is tipped or if the turning Saw Blade (part #23) is accidentally contacted.
17. ALWAYS TURN THE POWER SWITCH (part #36) TO ITS “OFF” POSITION
AND UNPLUG THE BAND SAW FROM ITS ELECTRICAL SUPPLY SOURCE
BEFORE PERFORMING ANY INSPECTION, ADJUSTMENTS, MAINTE-
NANCE, OR CLEANING PROCEDURES.
18. WARNING: Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and
other construction activities, contain chemicals known (to the State of California)
to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of
these chemicals are: lead from lead-based paints, crystalline silica from bricks
SKU 03179 PAGE 6
and cement or other masonry products, arsenic and chromium from chemically
treated lumber. Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often
you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals: work in a
well ventilated area, and work with approved safety equipment, such as those
dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.
(California Health & Safety Code 25249.5, et seq.)
19. WARNING: People with pacemakers should consult their physician(s) before
using this product. Operation of electrical equipment in close proximity to a heart
pacemaker could cause interference or failure of the pacemaker.

UNPACKING
When unpacking, check to make sure all the parts shown on the Parts Lists on pages 18,
19, and 20 are included. If any parts are missing or broken, please call Harbor Freight
Tools at the number shown on the cover of this manual as soon as possible.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE: For additional references to the parts listed below, refer to the Assembly
Diagrams on pages 21, 22, and 23.
To Attach The Table:
1. Remove the Table Insert (part #127) and Table Pin (part #128) from the Table
(part #126). (See Figure B, page 8.)
2. Align the slot of the Table (part #126) with the Saw Blade (part #23). Then, slide
the Table toward the Saw Blade until the center hole of the Table surrounds the
Saw Blade. (See Figure B.)
3. Make sure the four mounting holes in the Table (part #126) are aligned with the
mounting four holes in the two Trunnion Plates (part #121). Then secure the
Table to the two Trunnion Plates, using four Spring Washers (part #122) and four
Hex Head Bolts (part #123). (See Figure C, page 9.)
4. Once the Table (part #126) has been attached, replace the Table Insert (part
#127) and Table Pin (part #128) to the Table (part #126). (See Figure B.)
To Attach The Rip Fence Assembly:
1. Raise the Handle (part #9A) to unlock the Adjust Base (part #2A). Insert the
Adjust Base onto the Fixed Base (part 1A) of the Band Saw, and slide the
SKU 03179 PAGE 7
Adjust base all the way to the left end of the Fixed Base.
(See Figure D, page 9.)
2. Align the four mounting holes on the front end of the Support Tube (part #7A)
with the four threaded mounting holes on the Adjust Base (part #2A). Then
secure the Support Tube to the Adjust Base, using four Hex Socket Bolts
(part #12A). (See Figure D)
3. Lower the Handle (part #9A) to lock the Rip Fence Assembly in place on the
Fixed Base (part #1A). (See Figure D.)

4” DIA. DUST PORT
LOWER WHEEL (#27)
LOWER WHEEL
COVER (#95)
RIP FENCE
(#1A - #26A)
HANDLE
WHEEL
(#37)
SWITCH
(#36)
MACHINE
BODY (#5)
BLADE
TENSION
WINDOW
UPPER WHEEL
COVER (#55)
RING (#4)
UPPER WHEEL (#19)
KNOB (#60)
HANDLE
WHEEL (#158)
UPPER BLADE
GUIDE SUPPORT
(#145)
TABLE
(#126)
MITER SLOT
SAW BLADE
(#23)
4” DIA.
DUST PORT
KNOB (#60)
LEVER
ROD
(#72)
KNOB
SCREW
(#67)
KNOB
SCREW
(#66)
MOTOR
(#82)
FIGURE B
SKU 03179 PAGE 8
TABLE
INSERT
(#127)
TABLE
PIN
(#128)

SIDE (UNDERNEATH) VIEW
FRONT (UNDERNEATH) VIEW
HANDLE (#118)
90 DEGREE SCALE POINTER (#120)
TRUNNION
PLATE (#121)
TRUNNION
PLATE (#121)
TABLE (#126)
TABLE (#126)
TRUNNION
PLATE (#121) KNOB
SCREW
(#101)
HEX HEAD
BOLT (#123)
SPRING
WASHER
(#122)
FIGURE C
SUPPORT TUBE (#7A)
HEX SOCKET
BOLT (#12A)
HANDLE (#9A)
RAISE HANDLE TO LOCK.
LOWER HANDLE TO UNLOCK.
ADJUST BASE
(#2A)
CONVEX LENS (#11A)
SCALE
(#21A)
FIXED
BASE
(#1A)
FIGURE D
SKU 03179 PAGE 9

To Move The Band Saw To The Work Area:
1. WARNING: Make sure the Band Saw is used on a dry, oil/grease free, flat, level,
surface capable of supporting the weight of the Band Saw, workpiece(s), and any
additional tools and equipment.
2. Check the desired work area for possible obstructions; such as a low ceiling,
overhead lines, adequate working area, access ways, exits, etc.
3. The Band Saw is equipped with a Ring (part #4) with which to move the Band
Saw to the desired work area. (See Figure B.)
4. The weight of the Band Saw is approximately 300 pounds. With assistance, and
with a proper lifting device capable of supporting the weight of the Band Saw,
connect the hoist chain of the lifting device to the Ring (part #4) of the Band Saw.
Slowly and carefully lift, move, and lower the Band Saw onto the floor surface of
the work area. Then, remove the hoist chain from the Ring. For added safety it
is recommended to secure the Base of the Machine Body (part #5) to the floor
surface, using four 3/8” diameter, appropriate length, wood, metal, or concrete
bolts depending on the floor surface thickness and material. (See Figure B.)
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
To Adjust The 90 Degree Table Stop:
1. CAUTION: Prior to performing this procedure, make sure the Power Switch
(part #36) is in its “STOP” position and that the Motor Cord (part #31) is
unplugged from its electrical power outlet. (See Figure B.)
2. Loosen the Handle (part #118) and tilt the Table (part #126) to the right or left.
While tilting the Table, use the 90 Degree Scale and the Pointer (part #120) to
acquire the desired angle of cut. If necessary, to fine-adjust the angle of the
Table use the Knob Screw (part #101). Then, tighten the Handle to lock the
Table in place. (See Figure C.)
To Adjust The Rip Fence Assembly:
1. CAUTION: Prior to performing this procedure, make sure the Power Switch
(part #36) is in its “STOP” position and that the Motor Cord (part #31) is
unplugged from its electrical power outlet. (See Figure B.)
2. Raise the Handle (part #9A) to unlock the Rip Fence Assembly and move the Rip
Fence Assembly to the right or left. Look into the Convex Lens (part #11A) and
check the Scale (part #21A) to acquire the desired width of cut. Then, lower the
SKU 03179 PAGE 10