Craftex CT015N User manual

1
15” WOOD BAND SAW – CT015N

2
3-speed 15” Wood Band Saw - Model CT015N
General Safety Instructions Page 3
Specific Safety Instructions Page 4
Features Page 5
Features Illustration Page 6
Unpacking Page7
Tools Necessary for Assembly and Optional Page 8
Accessories for the CT015N
CT015N Band Saw Assembly
Motor Mount Assembly Pages 9-10
Assembling the Stand Pages 11-12
Mounting the Saw to the Base Pages 13-14
Pulleys and Belts Pages 15-17
Adjusting Blade and Bottom Bearings Page 18
Assembling the Saw Table Page 19
Assembling the Fence Page 20
Adjusting the Top Bearings Page 21
Attaching the Dust Collection Hose, Pulley Page 22
Cover and Back Panel
Troubleshooting Pages 23-24
Frame Schematic Drawing Page 25
Case Schematic Drawing Page 26
Base and Motor Schematic Drawing Page 27
Table Parts Schematic Drawing Page 28
Fence Schematic Drawing Page 29
PartsList Pages30-32
Optional Blades Page 33
A Helping Hand Page 34
Warranty Page35

3
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Extreme caution should be used when operating all power tools.
Know your power tool, be familiar with its operation, read through the owner’s manual
and practice safe usage procedures at all times.
• CONNECT your machine ONLY to the matched and specific power source.
• ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES, RESPIRATORS, HEARING PROTECTION
AND SAFETY SHOES when operating your machine.
• DO NOT WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING OR JEWELLERY when operating your machine.
• A SAFE ENVIRONMENT IS IMPORTANT. Keep the area free of dust, dirt and other
debris in the immediate vicinity of your machine.
• BE ALERT! Do not use prescription or other drugs that may affect your ability or
judgement to safely use your machine.
• DISCONNECT the power source when changing drill bits, hollow chisels, router bits,
shaper heads, blades, knives or making other adjustments or repairs.
• NEVER leave a tool unattended while it is in operation.
• NEVER reach over the table when the tool is in operation.
• NEVER make crosscuts with the rip fence in place.
• NEVER attempt to cut material that is warped or twisted.
• NEVER attempt a procedure if it does not feel safe or comfortable.
• ALWAYS keep blades, knives and bits sharpened and properly aligned.
• ALWAYS keep all safety guards in place and ensure their proper function.
• ALWAYS use push sticks and featherboards to safely feed your work though the
machine.
• ALWAYS make sure that any tools used for adjustments are removed before
operating the machine.
• ALWAYS secure your work with the appropriate clamps or vises.
• ALWAYS keep bystanders safely away while the tool is in operation.
THINK SAFETY. WORK SAFELY.

4
BAND SAW -CT015N- SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
A band saw may not appear to be a dangerous tool but it is always important to use
consideration and caution during its operation: remember, a band saw can sever a
finger just as easily and quickly as a table saw.
Please take the necessary precautions to ensure the safe operation of your band saw.
• ALWAYS ensure that the blade tension is properly set for the type and width of blade
installed.
• ALWAYS ensure that the guide blocks are properly set to prevent blade wander.
• ALWAYS make certain that the bearings are properly adjusted to guide the blade.
• ALWAYS ensure that the band saw teeth are pointing in a downward direction.
• ALWAYS ensure that the band saw blade guard is no more than 1/2” above your
stock.
• ALWAYS turn OFF the machine if you are backing out a cut.
• Make relief cuts before cutting short curves.
• NEVER turn ON the band saw if the blade is in contact with your stock.
• DO NOT attempt to remove jammed pieces unless the band saw has come to a
complete stop and the power switch has been turned to the OFF position.

5
INTRODUCTION
The Craftex name guarantees excellence, dependability and durability; by following the
instructions and procedures laid out in this owner’s manual your machine will provide
excellent service and satisfaction for years to come. The CT015N 3-speed 15” Band
Saw is a professional woodworking tool, and like all power tools, proper care and safety
precautions should be exercised at all times.
This owner’s manual will take woodworking novices and professionals alike through the
step-by-step process of assembling the CT015N Band Saw. As well, troubleshooting
tips on how to correct problems with your band saw’s operation will serve as handy
references throughout the life of the machine. Hold on to this manual and keep it
someplace safe when you have completed your assembly.
Note: there will be points in the assembly process where it is helpful to have the
assistance of a second person. Please read through the entire manual and familiarize
yourself with each step before starting the assembly process.
CT015N Features
• Precision-ground cast-iron table
• Table size: 14 inches x 14 inches
• Table tilts right 0 to 45 degrees
• Throat size: 14 1/2 inches
• Heavy-duty cast-iron frame
• Precision balanced aluminum drive wheels with rubber tires
• Blade guides: 3 ball bearings, upper and lower
• Motor: 1HP, 110 volt
• Speeds: 750, 1230 and 2800 FPM
• Maximum cutting height: 6 inches (10 inches with the addition of the Extension Block
Riser, Model #CT015EXT)
• Blade width: 1/8 inch to 1 inch
• Blade length: 97 1/2 inches
• Mitre gauge included
• Precision aluminum T-fence with optical cursors
• Safety switch with removable key
• Solid sheet-metal base
• 3-inch dust port with adaptor
• Gross weight: 97kgs
• Two-year Craftex warranty

6
3-SPEED 15” WOOD BAND SAW
MODEL CT015N FEATURES

7
UNPACKING YOUR CT015N BAND SAW
Your Craftex band saw is shipped in one large carton. Before unpacking the parts, be
sure to have a clean, well-lit and uncluttered area to take inventory of the carton’s
contents. Each step in this manual comes with its own parts list and any other tools
necessary to complete the assembly step; you may find it helpful to refer to these lists
when unpacking the contents and group together the parts for each step as you go
(there is also a full parts list at the end of this manual).
Care should be taken when unpacking these machine parts. Safety glasses and work
gloves are recommended, as there may be sharp edges and staples that could cause
personal injury.
Carefully remove all packing materials and recycle these where facilities exist.
Open all packages, remove the contents, and set the packaging aside; be sure that all
packages are empty before discarding them.
After removing the packages of hardware, tilt the shipping carton on its end and slide
out the saw table.
BE CAREFUL: the saw blade is already installed and exposed. Gently loosen the saw
table out of the box by gripping the drive wheel shaft, and then wiggle it the rest of the
way out of the box. Once it is out of the shipping carton, lower the guard to cover the
saw blade.
Your CT015N Band Saw is shipped with a protective coating on the top surface of the
cast-iron saw table to prevent rust and corrosion. This coating should be removed prior
to assembly. Use a cloth and mineral spirits or varsol to wipe the surface clean and then
dry it with a separate cloth. After it is dry, apply a coat of heavy-duty paste wax and then
buff dry (this will help protect the surface from future corrosion).
PLEASE READ THROUGH EACH STEP OF THIS MANUAL
BEFORE ASSEMBLING YOUR CT015N BAND SAW

8
Tools you will need on hand to assemble
your CT015N Band Saw:
10mm wrench Phillips screwdriver
10mm wrench socket
Rubber mallet
12mm wrench
12mm wrench socket Machinist’s square
14mm wrench Allen keys: supplied
14mm wrench socket
Optional Accessories for your CT015N Band Saw:
CT001 Circle Cutting Attachment:
This attachment guides in cutting accurate circles from 4 inches to 24 inches in
diameter. The bracket remains on the machine.
CT015EXT Extension Kit:
This kit includes an extension block, extension rod, blade and blade guard to increase
the cutting height of the band saw from 6 inches to 10 inches.

9
STEP ONE:
MOTOR MOUNT ASSEMBLY
Parts required (with part#): Qty: Tools required:
201: stand top 1 14mm wrench
209: motor 1
212: motor plate 1
210: motor knob 1
213: eye screw 1
205: nuts, 5/16” 4
214: self-locking nuts, 3/8” 3
215: hex bolt, 3/8” x 1 1/4” 1
216: flat washers, 5/16”-20 4
217: hex bolt, 3/8” x 3/4” 2
218 hex bolt, 5/16” x 3/4” 4
221: flat washer, 3/8” 1
1. With the motor plate/motor mount bracket (part #212) upside down, assemble it
to the motor (#209), using 3/4” bolts (#218), washers (#216) and nuts (#205).
Tighten only fingertip tight (final tightening will be done when adjusting drive belt
tension in STEP FOUR, #8).

10
STEP ONE (continued)
2. Turn the stand top upside down. Insert the eye
screw (#213) in the slot on the underside of the
stand top using 1 1/4” bolt (#215) and nut (#214).
Tighten but ensure that it can still move freely (it
should be able to hold its position but still pivot).
3. Slot the motor plate into the stand and bolt in with
3/4” bolts (#217) and nuts (#214). Nuts should be
snug but not tight.
4. Slip the eye screw through the hole in the motor plate; slip on washer (#221).
Attach the motor knob (#210) to the end of the eye screw.

11
STEP TWO:
ASSEMBLING THE STAND (three sides only)
Parts required (with part#): Qty: Tools required:
202: stand front (with logo) 1 12mm wrench
206: stand sides 2 12mm wrench socket
203: carriage bolts, 5/16” x 5/8” 16
204: flat washers, 5/16”-16 16
205: nuts, 5/16” 16
207: stand foot 4
208: hex bolts, 5/16” x 1” 4
216: flat washers, 5/16” 4
205: nuts, 5/16” 4
1. Following MOTOR MOUNT ASSEMBLY (on previous page), place the top panel
on a flat surface with the motor facing up and with the motor fan facing away
from you. Fit the right side panel (part #206) around the top panel and gently pull
so that the side panel is outside of the top base panel. Insert a carriage bolt
(#203) from the outside of the stand and attach on the inside using a washer
(#204) and nut (#205). Repeat. There should be two bolts on each side and two
on the bottom face (see photo below). Tighten only fingertip tight for now to allow
for wiggle room when attaching the front panel (below).

12
STEP TWO (continued)
2. Repeat #1 above for the left side panel
(#206).
3. Turn the unit around so that the motor fan is facing you and assemble the front
panel (#202) to the sides with two bolts on each side. Tighten fingertip tight.
4. Tighten all 16 screws: you will have 8 screws at the front (2 screws at each of the
left and right front corners, 4 on front panel) and 8 screws on the back and sides
(2 at each back corner and 2 at each side).
5. Attach a foot (#207) to each corner of the stand at the bottom by slipping a
washer (#216) onto a bolt (#208) and through a foot; tighten the foot to the stand
with a nut (#205).
6. Place the stand upright on the floor (note: a second person is recommended to
assist with this step).

13
STEP THREE:
MOUNTING THE SAW TO THE BASE
Parts required (with part#): Qty: Tools required:
1: band saw body 1 14mm wrench
14mm wrench socket
31: hex screws, 3/8” x 2” 4 flashlight
23: flat washers, 3/8” 4 Phillips screwdriver
flat washers, 1 1/4” 4
117: hex nuts, 3/8” 4
222: hex bolts, 3/16” x 3/4” 2
224: nuts, 3/16” 2
225: washers, 3/16” 4
1. It is advisable to have a second person assist in lifting the band saw body (part
#1) onto the stand.
2. At the front of the saw stand, open the saw body cover. Thread a washer (#23)
through a hex bolt (#31) and drop into one of the corner holes on the saw body.
Tighten from below using 1 1/4”washer and nut (#117). Tighten only fingertip
tight for the time being.
3. Repeat for the remaining three corner holes until saw body is loosely bolted to
the stand.

14
STEP THREE (continued)
4. Measure the distance from each corner on
the base of the saw body to the edge of
saw stand table to square up. Once this is
done, securely tighten all four bolts (you
will need to get on the floor and
underneath the table to do this).
5. Pull the motor’s power cord through the
hole in the stand and attach it to the stand
using a bolt (#222) and a washer (#225)
above and a washer (#225) and a nut
(#224) below on each side of the cord.
Plug in the cord from the saw.

15
STEP FOUR:
PULLEYS AND BELTS
Parts required (with part#): Qty: Tools required:
160: motor pulley 1 Rubber mallet
164: pulley shaft bracket knob- 3 14mm wrench
screws 14mm wrench socket
157: pulley shaft bracket 1
158: main pulley drive 1
162: lower pulley drive 1
159A: small drive belt 1
161A: large drive belt 1
1. Remove the tape from the motor drive shaft. Don’t lose the key from the shaft;
remove it and put it to one side for now.
2. Insert the motor pulley (part #160) onto the
motor drive shaft, with the setscrew to the
inside. Gently tap the pulley onto the shaft
using a rubber mallet. Tap in the key. Further
tap in the pulley until it is flush with the end of
the shaft. Further tap in the key until it is flush
with the end of the shaft.
3. Open the unit and loosely attach the pulley
shaft bracket (#157) from the inside with the
knob-screws (#164) and Allen key. They will
be tightened up later in #10, below.

16
STEP FOUR (continued)
4. Mount the main pulley drive (the wheel drive pulley) (#158), the smaller of the
two pulley drives, face in to the drive shaft. Insert the key and tap in it with a
rubber mallet.
5. Mount the lower pulley drive (the idler pulley) (#162) face out and push it in as far
along the shaft as it will go. Insert the key and tap it in with a rubber mallet.
6. Slip on the small drive belt (the speed selector belt) (#159A) and adjust both the
wheel drive pulley and the idler pulley so that the belt runs straight between
them. Tighten the setscrew for the wheel drive pulley.
7. Slip on the large drive belt (#161A) so that it runs between the idler pulley and
the motor pulley. It is necessary to tilt up the motor from below so that the belt fits
over the motor pulley. Make sure the belt is not touching the edges of the slot in
the stand table; adjust the motor pulley (and the idler pulley, if necessary) in or
out so that the belt runs straight. If required, readjust the wheel drive pulley per
above step (loosen its setscrew first). Tighten the setscrews on the drive pulley
and the motor pulley.

17
STEP FOUR:
PULLEYS AND BELTS (continued)
8. Tighten the four screws on the motor mounting plate (it will be necessary to get
on the floor underneath the stand to do this; see STEP ONE, #1).
9. Use the motor knob underneath the unit to adjust the drive belt tension.
10. Firmly tighten the knob-screws on the pulley shaft bracket with the Allen key.
TIPS ON BELT TENSION:
• How do you know if the belt is at the correct tension? Place your thumb on the outside
of one side of the belt and place your index finger on the outside of the other side of the
belt. The belt is at the correct tension when you can squeeze it together by a total of
about one-half of an inch; there should be just a bit of give on each side.
• If the belt is too tight it will wear down the bearings.
• Under no circumstances should the belt tension be adjusted when the band saw is
connected to a power source.
NOTES ON SPEED SELECTION:
• Your Craftex CT015N Band Saw enables three speed selections: 750FPM (the belt is
positioned on the inner rim of the speed selector pulley); 1230FPM (the belt is
positioned on the middle rim of the speed selector pulley); or 2800FPM (the belt is
positioned on the outer rim of the speed selector pulley).
• TURN OFF the machine and disconnect it from its power source. To select a desired
blade speed, the motor unit must be raised, as this will release the tension on the motor
drive belt and the speed selector belt. To raise the motor, turn the motor knob, found on
the underside of the unit. Make sure the motor is lowered again (and proper belt tension
adjustments have been made) before reconnecting the machine to the power source.

18
STEP FIVE:
ADJUSTING BLADE AND BOTTOM BEARINGS
Adjusting Blade Tension and Tracking
1. The blade adjustment screw (part #33A) is used to control the tension of the
band saw blade. Turning the screw clockwise increases the tension. The blade
tension should be released when the saw is out of use for any length of time.
2. The tracking knob (#34) to the side of the blade adjustment screw controls the
blade’s tracking. Turning the knob left or right will alter the lateral movement of
the top drive pulley. The tracking knob has a lock nut and must be loosened to
change the tracking; be sure to retighten it before turning the saw back on. The
blade should be positioned in the centre of the wheel.
TIPS ON ADJUSTING BLADE TENSION AND TRACKING:
• Track the blade each time you put a new or different blade on the band saw. Make
sure the machine is unplugged before making any adjustments.
• Ideal blade tension may vary with the type of blade you use and the type or thickness
of stock you are cutting. See TROUBLESHOOTING on page 23.
Adjusting Bottom Bearings
3. Do the bottom bearings adjustments before mounting the table bracket and
working table.
4. Using the Allen key (supplied), position the bottom bearings behind the kerf of
the blade. Adjust the thrust bearing so the blade doesn’t move when the bearing
moves. Tighten with the Allen key. Adjust the side bearings to the same distance
from the blade (close but the blade should still run free).
TIP ON ADJUSTING BEARINGS:
• Fold a piece of paper in half (use paper currency if it’s handy). Put it between the
bearing and the blade. Adjust the bearing close enough to the blade so that the paper
can move freely, the bearing runs free, but the blade doesn’t move.

19
STEP SIX:
ASSEMBLING THE SAW TABLE
Parts required (with part#): Qty: Tools required:
89: table bracket 1 12mm wrench
79A: working table 1 rubber mallet
77: table centre insert 1 machinist’s square
80: table pin 1
92: lock knobs 2
87: hex screws, 5/16” x 1 1/4” 2
88: flat washers, 5/16” 2
116: hex bolt, 3/8” x 3” 1
117: hex nut, 3/8” 1
1. Mount the table bracket (part #89) over the
two vertical pins. Attach the two hex screws
(#87) with washers (#88) to secure the table
bracket to the unit.
2. Remove the table pin (#80) from the working
table (#79A).
3. Insert the working table and turn it until the
bottom bolts drop into the corresponding
holes on the table bracket. Tighten on the lock knobs (#92) to the bottom bolts
underneath the table bracket.
4. Tilt up the working table. Insert the bolt (#116) and nut (#117) into the table
bracket until the surface of the table when lowered is at a 90-degree angle to the
blade (confirm with a square). Adjust the scale pointer underneath the table to
zero degrees. To adjust the table angle when cutting, adjust the lock knobs.
5. Clean the working table surface with a clean cloth and mineral spirits or varsol (if
you have not done so already).
6. Insert the table centre (#77) and tap in the table pin (#80), small tapered side
first.

20
STEP SEVEN:
ASSEMBLING THE FENCE
Parts required (with part#): Qty: Tools required:
F1: fence body 1 Allen key
F11: scale (tape measure) 1
F12: large fence rail 1
F15: L-type plates (brackets) 2
F16: knobs , 5/16” x 5/8” 2
F18: small fence rail 1
separate hardware pack 1
1. Attach the two fence brackets (part #F15) to the left side of the saw table using
cap screws and an Allen key. Loosely screw in the knobs (#F16) into the
brackets from below, attaching with a square nut.
2. Slide on the front rail (#F12) along the track; tighten the knobs (#F16) according
to where you prefer to position the front rail.
3. Using the Allen key, attach the back rail (#F18) directly to the table (on the right
side). Tighten.
4. With the locking handle in the raised position, slip on the fence body (#F1).
5. Check that all parts are aligned as they should be:
• the fence should be precisely perpendicular (90°) to the front rail; and
• the front rail should be precisely parallel to the band saw table edge.
If necessary, adjust and retighten the Allen screws on the fences and the rail to
ensure these measurements. Periodically check the fence for accuracy (ensure
the locking handle is up before adjusting any screws).
6. Apply the measuring tape (#F11) to the top of the front rail.