Craftex CX104 User manual

CX104
14” WOOD BAND SAW
User Manual

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Safety Instructions------------------------------------------------------------------ 3
Specific Safety Instructions ------------------------------------------------------------------ 4
Features ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 5
Physical Features ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6
Un-packing--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
Setup ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
Proper Grounding ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8
Assembly------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9
Blade Tracking Adjustment ------------------------------------------------------------------ 12
Basic Controls ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13
Test Run ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 14
Dust Collection ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
Speed Change Settings----------------------------------------------------------------------- 15
Support Bearing Adjustments---------------------------------------------------------------- 15
Blade Tension ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17
Table Adjustment ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17
Table Tilt Scale---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18
Table Alignment--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18
ON/OFF Switch---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19
Work-piece Inspection (Wood) -------------------------------------------------------------- 19
Operations---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20
Ripping -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20
Cross Cutting ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 20
Re-Sawing---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21
Cutting Curves----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21
Maintenance ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22
Removing/Installing Blade-------------------------------------------------------------------- 22
Cleaning and Lubrication --------------------------------------------------------------------- 23
V-Belt ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23
Removing/Replacing the V-Belt------------------------------------------------------------- 23
CX104 Optional Accessories ---------------------------------------------------------------- 24
Parts Breakdown and Parts List-----------------------------------------------------------25-30
Warranty ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 31

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.
ALWAYS read and understand the
user manual before operating the
machine.
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
jewelry 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 judgment to safely use your
machine.
DISCONNECT the power source when
changing blade and / or making
adjustments.
NEVER leave a tool unattended while it
is in operation.
NEVER reach over the table when the
tool is in operation.
ALWAYS keep blades, knives and bits
sharpened and properly aligned.
ALL OPERATIONS MUST BE
performed with the guards in place to
ensure safety.
ALWAYS use push sticks and feather
boards to safely feed your work through
the machine.
ALWAYS make sure that any tools used
for adjustments are removed before
operating the machine.

4
CX104 is designed for cutting wood
only.
ALWAYS INSPECT the blade for any
cracked or missing teeth before
operating the band saw.
ALWAYS ENSURE that the blade
tension is properly set for the type and
width of blade installed.
NEVER place your fingers or hands in
the line of cut. If you slip, your hands or
fingers may come into contact with the
blade. Always use a push stick when
ripping narrow pieces.
DO NOT back the work-piece away from
the blade while cutting. Always turn off
the machine if you are backing out a cut.
ALL GAURDS must be in place while
operating the band saw to ensure
safety.
ALWAYS FEED the stock smoothly. Do
not force or twist the work-piece while
cutting.
ALWAYS ENSURE that the band saw
blade guard is no more than 1/2” above
the stock.
MAKE SURE before making any
adjustments, the switch is in the “OFF”
position and the cord is un-plugged from
the power source.
NEVER LEAVE the band saw
unattended while it is running.
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.
NEVER TURN ON the band saw if the
blade is in contact with your stock.
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.
MAINTAIN AND SERVICE your band
saw regularly as instructed in the user
manual.
MAKE SURE you have read and
understood all the safety instructions in
the manual and you are familiar with
your band saw, before operating the
CX104. If you fail to do so, serious injury
could occur.
CX104 14” WOOD BAND SAW
SPECIFIC SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
The safety instructions given above can not be complete because the environment in
every shop is different. Always consider safety first as it applies to your individual
working conditions.

5
MODEL CX104 14” 1-HP BAND SAW
As part of the growing line of Craftex CX-Series machineries, we are proud to offer the CX104 a 14”
Wood Band Saw. The Craftex name guarantees Craft Excellence. By following the instructions and
procedures laid out in this user manual, you will receive years of excellent service and satisfaction. The
CX104 is a professional tool and like all power tools, proper care and safety procedures should be
adhered to.
Motor....................................................1-HP, 110-V, Single Phase
Switch ..................................................ON/OFF Switch
2 Speeds..............................................2300 / 3200 FPM
Cast Iron Table Size ............................14” x 18” ( Including Extension Table)
Table Tilt..............................................-5° to 45°
Wheel Construction..............................Precision Balanced Cast Iron
Max Blade Width..................................3/4"
Min Blade Width...................................1/8”
Maximum Cutting Height......................7”
Floor to Table Height ...........................44”
Cutting Capacity/Throat .......................13-5/8”
Dust Collection Port.............................4”
Blade Length .......................................101”
Bearings...............................................Sealed and Permanently Lubricated
Computer Balanced Cast Iron Wheels........Yes
Co-Planer Adjustment..........................Yes
Powder Coated Paint...........................Yes
Quick Release Tension Adjustment.....Yes
Overall size..........................................20” x 33” x 74”
Approximate Weight.............................78 Kg
Warranty ..............................................3 Years
CX104 WOOD BAND SAW
FEATURES

6
CX104 14” WOOD BAND SAW
PHYSICAL FEATURES
Quick Release
Blade Tension
Handle
Upper Cabinet
Lock Knob
Blade Guide
Lock Knob
Blade Guide
Blade
Guard
Miter
Gauge
Table Trunnion
Lock Knob
Dust Port
Stand
Extension
Table
ON/OFF
Switch
Powder Coated
Paint
Lower Cabinet
Lock Knob
Lower
Cabinet
Upper
Cabinet
Cast Iron
Table
Blade Guide
Bearings

7
UNPACKING
The machine is properly packaged in a
carton for safe transportation. When
unpacking, carefully inspect the carton and
ensure that nothing has been damaged
during transit.
While doing the inventory if you can not find
any part, check if the part is already
installed on the machine.
Figure-1 Inventory
LIST OF CONTENTS
A. Band Saw.......................................... 1
B. Legs .................................................. 2
C. Panels............................................... 2
D. Motor................................................. 1
E. Motor Pulley...................................... 1
F. Extension Table ................................ 1
G. Table................................................. 1
H. Table Lock Pin .................................. 1
I. Table Trunnion.................................. 1
J. Miter Gauge ...................................... 1
K. Dust Port Assembly .......................... 1
L. Table Insert....................................... 1
M. Table Trunnion Lock Knobs.............. 2
N. Stop Paddle ...................................... 1
O. Table Stop Bolt ................................. 1
P. Rubber Feet for Stand ...................... 4
Q. Hardware Bag (s).............................. 2
SETUP
The unpainted surface of the table is coated
with a rust preventive waxy oil and you will
want to remove this before you begin
assembly. Use a solvent cleaner that will
not damage painted surfaces.
When setting up your machine, you will
want to find an ideal spot where your band
saw will most likely be positioned most of
the time. Consider your complete work
environment before placing your machine in
the ideal spot.
Figure-2 Minimum work space for CX104
WARNING
CX104 is a heavy machine. Do not over-
exert yourself. Use a fork truck or get the
help of an assistant or a friend.

8
PROPER GROUNDING
Grounding provides a path of least
resistance for electric current to reduce the
risk of electric shock.
CX104 is for use on a normal 110 volt
circuit. Make sure that the machine is
connected to an outlet having the same
configuration as the plug. If an adaptor plug
is used, it must be attached to the metal
screw of the receptacle. To prevent
electrical hazards, have a qualified
electrician ensure that the line is properly
wired.
The band saw should be wired with a plug
having 3 prongs to fit a 3 prong grounded
receptacle as shown in figure-3. Do not
remove the grounding prong to fit it into a 2
pronged outlet.
Figure-3 110-Volts outlet for CX104
It is strongly recommended not to use
extension cords with your CX104. Always
try to position your machine close to the
power source so that you do not need to
use extension cords.
In case if you really find it necessary to use
an extension cord, make sure the extension
cord does not exceed 50-feet in length and
the cord is 14-gauge to prevent motor
damage.
WARNING
Improper connection of the equipment-
grounding conductor can result in a risk
of electric shock. Check with a qualified
electrician if you are in doubt as to
whether the outlet is properly grounded.

9
ASSEMBLY
To assemble the CX104 band saw, follow
the instructions given below.
Attach the two panels to one of the legs as
shown in figure-4 using screws, washers
and nuts provided. Do not tighten at this
time.
Figure-4 Attaching the panels to the leg
Attach the second leg to the panels as
shown in figure-5 using screws, washers
and nuts provided. Make sure the panels
and the legs are attached properly and
tighten all the screws and nuts.
Figure-5 Installing the second leg
Now, place the stand upside down and
install the rubber feet to the stand as shown
in figure-6 using screws provided.
Figure-6 Installing the rubber feet
Remove the protective plastic on the motor
shaft. Position the pulley on the shaft, until
it is flush with the end of the shaft and
tighten the set screw. See Figure 7.
Figure-7 Installing the motor pulley
IMPORTANT
You have to mount the motor to the band
saw base before installing the band saw
on the stand.

10
Now, take the band saw out of the box and
lay it on its side on the floor with the motor
mounting side up as shown in fingure-8.
You can place the carton on the floor under
the band saw preventing it from getting
scratched.
Figure-8 Band saw on the floor
Position the motor on the band saw and
carefully insert the motor pulley through the
hole as shown in figure-9. Align the holes
on the motor mounting bracket with the
holes on the band saw base. Insert the
carriage bolts from under the base through
the holes, place washers, and tighten the
nuts provided onto the carriage bolts. Do
not fully tighten the nuts at this time.
Figure-9 Mounting the motor
Place the stand and the band saw upright.
Get the help of a friend or assistant and lift
the machine and place it on the stand. Align
the mounting holes on the machine with the
holes on the stand and secure the machine
on to the stand using washers and bolts
provided. See figure-10.
Figure-10 Securing the machine onto the
stand
Open the lower cabinet door and position
the V-belt onto one of the grooves on the
idler pulley.
Figure-11 Installing the V-belt
Now pull the V-belt and position it onto the
aligned groove on the motor pulley and
tighten the motor mounting nuts shown in
figure-9.

11
Once the motor is mounted, connect the
power coming from the motor to the power
cord from the machine. Do not connect the
machine to the power source at this time.
Figure-12 Connecting the cords
Install the table trunnion to the machine and
tighten the bolts using a wrench. See
figure-13.
Figure-13 Installing the table trunnion and
table stop bolt
Thread the table stop bolt into the pre-
drilled hole on the machine. See figure-13.
Attach the extension table to the table as
shown in figure-14 and secure it using
screws, washers, and nuts provided.
Figure-14 Attaching the extension table to
the table
Align the table slot with the blade and turn
the table around until the blade is in the
center of the table. Rest the table on the
trunnions so that bolts protrude through
from the bottom of the trunnions.
Thread the lock knobs on to the bolts and
secure the table on the trunnions. See
figure-15.
Figure-15 Securing the table on the
trunnions

12
Install the table insert in the center of the
table and the table lock pin to the end of the
table slot as shown in figure-16.
Figure-16 Installing the table insert and
table lock pin
Attach the dust port to the machine and
secure it using screws provided. See figure-
17.
Figure-17 Installing the dust port
BLADE TRACKING
ADJUSTMENT
The blade tracking refers to where blade
rides on the upper and lower wheels. The
blade should always be centered on both
wheels.
Although the blade tracking of this band
saw is factory set, you should check it again
to make sure that the blade is centered on
the wheels. The blade tracking can be
controlled by adjusting the upper wheel tilt
lock knob. See figure-18.
TO CHECK AND ADJUST THE BLADE
TRACKING:
Disconnect the machine from the power
source and open the upper wheel cover.
Rotate the upper wheel by hand slowly and
see how the blade rides on the wheel.
If the blade is not properly aligned and
needs to be adjusted, loosen the lock nut
shown in figure-18 and turn the knob.
IMPORTANT
In very rare cases if the blade tracking is
not adjusted by tilting the upper wheel,
then you will have to make minor
adjustments to the angle of tilt of the
lower wheel. Loosen the four hex bolts
and rotate the sleeves to tilt the lower
wheel to get the proper angle of tilt and
tighten the bolts back. Remember, this
adjustment is done only if the blade
tracking is not adjusted by tilting the
upper wheel.

13
Figure-18 Blade tracking adjustment knob
TURN THE KNOB CLOCKWISE:
If the blade moves towards the front edge
of the wheel. It makes the top of the wheel
to tilt back and moves the blade towards
the center.
TURN THE KNOB ANTI-CLOCKWISE:
If the blade moves towards the back edge
of the wheel. It makes the top of the wheel
to tilt to the front and moves the blade
towards the center.
When you have adjusted the blade tracking,
retighten the lock nut.
BASIC CONTROLS
The basic controls of this machine are
shown in the figure below. Use the figure
and read the text to understand what the
basic controls of this band saw are.
Figure-19 Basic controls of CX104
A. The ON/OFF switch turns the band saw
ON and OFF.
B. The blade guide assembly lock knob
secures the blade guide in position.
Raise or lower the blade guide
assembly and tighten the lock knob to
secure the blade guide assembly in
position.
C. The quick release blade tension lever
increase or decreases blade tension
when rotated.
IMPORTANT
Make sure you have done the tracking
adjustment and the blade is centered on
the wheels before you start the band saw
for a test run. See page-11 for details on
blade tracking.

14
TEST RUN
Once you have assembled your machine
completely, it is then time for a test run to
make sure that the machine works properly
and is ready for operation.
Remove all the tools used for assembling
the machine components. Walk around the
machine, ensure all nuts, bolts, and screws
are tightened and the machine is properly
assembled. Connect the cord to the power
source and turn the machine ON.
During the test run if there is any unusual
noise coming from the machine or the
machine vibrates, turn OFF the power
switch immediately and disconnect the cord
from the power source. Investigate if you
can find out the problem with your machine.
DUST COLLECTION
The CX104 features a 4” diameter dust port
to collect to a dust collector.
When using a dust collector, use the proper
sized hose and make sure all the
connections are sealed tightly.
It is recommended to use a proper sized
dust collector with CX104 to ensure
adequate dust collection.
Figure-20 Dust port
Before starting the band saw, make sure
that you have read and understood the
manual and you are familiar with the
functions and safety features on this
machine. Failure to do so may cause
serious personal injury.
READ THE
MANUAL
WARNING
This machine can perform many types of
operations which are beyond the scope
of this manual and are very dangerous if
p
erformed incorrectly. The safety
instructions given in this manual can not
be complete because the environment in
every shop is different. Always consider
safety first as it applies to your individual
working conditions.
WARNING
The saw dust produced by the band saw
can go into your lungs and cause serious
health problems. Make sure the band
saw is connected to a dust collection
system while operating it.

15
SPEED CHANGE
SETTINGS
The CX104 features 2-speed settings; 2300
FPM and 3200 FPM.
The motor pulley and the idler pulley are
both 2-step pulleys. The band saw speed
can be changed by loosening the motor
mounting nuts and loosening the tension on
the drive belt.
Figure-21 Motor mounting nuts
Once the motor mounting nuts are
loosened, open the lower cabinet door and
lift the motor up. The drive belt will be
enough loosen to move it between the
pulleys.
To set the band saw to a speed of 2300
FPM, line up the drive belt on the second
step of pulleys. See figure-22.
To set the band saw to a speed of 3200
FPM, line up the drive belt on the first step
of the pulleys. See figure-22.
Once you have positioned the drive belt on
the pulleys, retighten the motor mounting
nuts securing the motor in position.
Figure-22 Belt positions for speed change
SUPPORT BEARINGS
ADJUSTMENT
The guide bearings (beside) and thrust
bearing (behind) the blade, support the
blade to move in a straight line during
cutting operation. Properly adjusted support
bearings play an important role in getting
accurate cuts.
Remove the blade guard and use an Allen
key to loosen the set screws securing the
bearings shown in figure-23.
WARNING
Before attempting any speed changes
make sure the switch is in the OFF
p
osition and the cord is disconnected
from the power source. Failure to do so
could in serious injury or damage to the
machine.

16
Figure-23 Loosening the guide bearings
screws
Use a screw driver and adjust the bearings
so that the space between the bearing and
the blade should be 0.02” which is
thickness of a sheet of paper. See figure-
24.
Figure-24 Distance between the guide
bearings and the blade
Now, retighten the set screws to lock the
guide bearings in place.
Loosen the thumb screws shown in figure-
25 and move the bearing shafts in or out so
that the guide bearings are 1/32” and the
thrust bearing is 1/64” behind the blade.
Once the bearings are at the correct
position, tighten the thumb screws to lock
the bearings in place.
Figure-25 Support bearings adjustment
TO ADJUST THE LOWER SUPPORT
BEARINGS:
Loosen and remove the two table knobs
located under the table and uninstall the
table.
Figure-26 Guide block thrust bearing and
guide blocks
Loosen the set screws securing the guide
blocks rod and the thrust bearing rod and
adjust them so that the thrust bearing is
1/64” and the guide blocks are 1/32” behind
the blade. Re-tighten the set screws.
Loosen the set screws securing the guide
blocks and adjust the guides approximately
0.02” away from the blade and re-tighten
the set screws.

17
BLADE TENSION
A properly tensioned blade is very
important to get the best performance from
any band saw. If the blade is too loose
there is a possibility that the blade will slip
or drift off the line while in operation and it
will be hard to have accuracy in the line of
cut. If the blade is tensioned too tightly, it
will be very difficult to make tighter radius
cuts and there will be a great possibility of
blade breakage. When using a wider blade
for making straight cuts, for re-sawing or
making wide radius cuts, tighter blade
tension is recommended; while using
narrower blades for cutting shorter stock or
making tighter radius cuts, less blade
tension is recommended.
BLADE TENSION ADJUSTMENT
To adjust the blade tension, turn the blade
tension handle shown in figure-27
clockwise to increase the blade tension and
counter-clockwise to decrease it.
To release tension simple lift the handle up.
Figure-27 Blade tension adjustment
TABLE ADJUSTMENT
CX104 features a table stop which allows
the table to easily come to 90° if the table is
tilted.
To adjust the table stop so that the table
sits at 90°, you should first make sure the
switch is in “OFF” position and the power
cord is unplugged.
Loosen the two table lock knobs under the
table.
Place a square on the table as shown in
figure-28.
Figure-28 Table adjustment
Loosen the lock nut on the table stop bolt
and thread the table stop bolt in or out so
that the square is touching the table and the
blade with its full length and the table is at a
90° with the blade.
IMPORTANT
The information above is just a guideline
for you to understand to set the blade
tension according to the cut. However,
understanding the blade tension
adjustment comes with practice.
IMPORTANT
To prolong the life of the blade and
reduce blade stretching, when the
machine is not in use for period of 24
hours or more release the tension on the
blade.

18
Figure-29 Table stop bolt
Once the table is at 90° with the blade, re-
tighten the lock nut and the table lock
knobs.
TABLE TILT SCALE
To calibrate the table tilt scale:
Make sure the table is at 90° to the blade
and the blade tensioning and tracking is
properly set. (See Page 12 & page 17 for
details)
Loosen the screw on the pointer shown in
figure-30. Align the tip of the pointer with
the “0” mark on the tilt scale and tighten the
pointer screw.
Figure-30 Table tilt scale
TABLE ALIGNMENT
To make accurate cuts with your band saw,
the table should be aligned properly with
the blade.
TO ALIGN THE TABLE:
Make sure the blade tension and tracking is
done correctly.
Disconnect the machine from the power
source and loosen the table lock knobs
under the table.
Place a straightedge on the table so that
the straightedge touches the blade and is
parallel to it as shown in figure-31. Make
sure the straight-edge touches only the flat
part of the blade, not the teeth.
Figure-31 Checking the table alignment
Now, use a ruler to measure the distance
between the miter slot and the straightedge
on both sides (R & L) on the table. See
figure-31.
Loosen the table lock knobs and adjust the
table until the distance on both sides of the
table is equal and re-tighten the table lock
knobs.

19
ON/OFF SWITCH
The CX104 is equipped with an ON/OFF
switch featuring a large STOP paddle and a
locking pin.
Figure-32 ON/OFF switch with locking pin
on CX104
Push the green “ON” button to turn the
band saw on.
Push the red “STOP” button to turn the
band saw off.
Insert the locking pin into the hole on the
switch when the band saw is not used for a
long period of time. This locks out the “ON”
button so the band saw does not run. When
you want to turn the band saw on, simply
remove the locking pin and push the “ON”
button.
The locking pin on the switch allows
preventing the band saw from un-
authorized use.
WORKPIECE INSPECTION
(WOOD)
Before cutting any wood, make sure to
inspect the work-piece for nails, staples,
small pieces of stone or metal and any
other foreign object which is dangerous to
come on contact with the blade.
If the wood contains any of these objects
and it comes in contact with the blade, the
object might fly and hit the operator or
seriously damage the blade. For safety,
always inspect your work-piece carefully
before cutting and wear eye protection.
Some woods with excessive twisting or
wrapping are un-stable while cutting and
are dangerous to cut because during
operation the work-piece can move un-
expectedly which can either damage the
blade or hurt the operator.
If the wood is slightly cupped, make sure
the cupped face of the wood is held against
the fence. If the bowed side of the work-
piece is held against the fence, the work-
piece will move while cutting.
Some stock with large knots can damage
the blade and wet stock will give a poor
result.
IMPORTANT
The information above is just a guideline
for you to understand how to cut a work-
p
iece with slight cupping. If you are not
sure and do not have any experience in
cutting cupped stock, do not cut it.
Failure to follow these instructions might
bring personal injuries to the operator or
serious damage to the blade.

20
OPERATIONS
Before operating the band saw make sure
you have performed the following
adjustments:
Blade tension adjustment
Blade tracking adjustment
Support bearings adjustment
Make sure all the guards are in place
RIPPING
Cutting solid wood with the grain cutting
down the length of the work-piece is called
ripping.
Adjust the fence on the rails, according to
the width of the cut on the work-piece and
turn the hand-wheel to set the guide post
assembly 1” above the work-piece.
Now, turn the band saw ON and use a push
stick pushing the work-piece against the
blade. See figure-33.
Figure-33 Ripping on CX104
CROSSCUTTING
Cutting solid wood across the grain and in
plywood or metal cutting across the width of
the work-piece is called crosscutting.
Mark the work-piece where you want to
start the cut from and make sure the miter
gauge is at 90° position on the miter slot.
Place the work-piece on the table so that
the marked point is aligned with the blade
and hold the work-piece against the miter
gauge.
Turn the band saw ON and feed the work-
piece against the blade. See figure-34
WARNING
Do not use your fingers to feed narrow
work-pieces into the blade. If you slip,
your fingers might come close the blade.
Always use a push stick.
WARNING
The saw dust produced by the band saw
can go into your lungs and cause serious
health problems. Make sure the band
saw is connected to a dust collection
system while operating it.