Craftex CX116 User manual

CX116
5" METAL BAND SAW
WITH SWIVEL HEAD
User Manual
Version 1.0

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Safety Instructions .......................................................................... 3
Specific Safety Instructions........................................................................... 4
Features ....................................................................................................... 5
Physical Features ......................................................................................... 6
Setup ............................................................................................................ 7
Unpacking .................................................................................................... 7
Proper Grounding ......................................................................................... 8
Cabinet, Wheels and Feet ............................................................................ 9
Stop Bolt Adjustment ....................................................................................10
Squaring Vise to Blade .................................................................................10
Stop Rod ......................................................................................................10
Stop Bracket.................................................................................................11
Test Run.......................................................................................................11
Blade Speed.................................................................................................12
Blade Selection.............................................................................................12
Feed Rate.....................................................................................................13
Blade Guides................................................................................................14
Blade Tensioning..........................................................................................15
Blade Replacement ......................................................................................15
Blade Tracking..............................................................................................17
Maintenance .................................................................................................18
Lubrication....................................................................................................18
CX116 Stand Diagram..................................................................................19
CX116 Band Saw Diagram...........................................................................20
CX116 Parts List...........................................................................................21
Warranty.......................................................................................................23

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 user 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 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.
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.
ALWAYS keep the bystanders safely
away while the machine is in
operation.

4
CX116 is designed to cut metal only.
ALWAYS inspect the blade for any
crack 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.
ALL THE GUARDS 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.
MAKE SURE before making any
adjustments, the switch is in the “OFF”
position and the cord is un-plugged.
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 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
CX116. If you fail to do so, serious injury
could occur.
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.
CX116 – 5" METAL BAND SAW WITH SWIVEL HEAD
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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MODEL CX116 - 5" METAL BAND SAW WITH SWIVEL HEAD
As part of the growing line of Craftex CX-Series metalworking equipment, we are proud to offer
the CX116 - 5" Metal Band Saw with Swivel Head. By following the instructions and
procedures laid out in this user manual, you will receive years of excellent service and
satisfaction. The CX116 is a professional tool and like all power tools, proper care and safety
procedures should be adhered to.
Motor ...................................................................... 3/4 HP, 120 V, Single Phase, 60 Hz
Amps ...................................................................... 7.8 Amps
Speed .....................................................................1700 R/min
Blade Speeds ......................................................... 24 / 35 / 61 m/min
Blade Length .......................................................... 64-1/2"
Head Swivel............................................................ 45° - 60°
Angle Cuts .............................................................. 45° - 60°
Vise Jaw Depth....................................................... 6-1/4"
Vise Jaw Height...................................................... 2-1/2"
Max. Capacity @ 90° ............................................. 5"
Max. Capacity @ 45° ............................................. 3-3/4"
Max. Capacity @ 60° ............................................. 2"
Hydraulic Down Feed with Auto Shut Off ...............Yes
Heavy Duty Cast Iron Table.................................... Yes
Powdered Coated Paint.......................................... Yes
2 Wheels and a Carrying Handle for Mobility.......... Yes
Approximate Weight ............................................... 174 lbs (79 kg)
Warranty................................................................. 3 Years
CX116 – 5" METAL BAND SAW
FEATURES

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CX116 – 5" METAL BAND SAW WITH SWIVEL HEAD
PHYSICAL FEATURES
ON/OFF
Switch
Table Angle
Scale
Work Stop
3/4 HP Motor
Pulley & Belt
Cover
Blade Tracking
Assembly
Blade Tension
Knob
Vise Clamp
Vise
Hand
Wheel
Wheel
Stand
Hydraulic
Feed
Rubber
Foot
Carrying Handle
Blade Guide
Knob
Blade Guides

7
SETUP
Before setting up your machine you need to
read and understand the instructions given
in this manual.
The unpainted surfaces of this band saw
are coated with rust prevention waxy oil and
you will want to remove this before you
begin assembly. Use a solvent cleaner that
will not damage painted surfaces.
UNPACKING
The machine is properly packaged and is
shipped completely in two cartons for safe
transportation. When unpacking, carefully
inspect the cartons and ensure that nothing
has been damaged during transit.
WARNING!
CX116 is a very heavy machine, do not
over-exert yourself. For safe moving
method use fork truck or get the help of
an assistant or friend.

8
PROPER GROUNDING
Grounding provides a path of least
resistance for electric current to reduce the
risk of electric shock.
Make sure the cord is plugged into a
properly installed and grounded power
outlet. To prevent electrical hazards, have a
qualified electrician ensure that the line is
properly wired.
Make sure that the band saw 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.
Figure-1 120-Volts outlet for CX116
It is strongly recommended not to use
extension cords with your CX116. Always
try to position your machine close to the
power source so that you do not need to
use extension cords.
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
CABINET, WHEELS
AND FEET
The CX116 comes with two rubber feet and
two wheels. The rubber feet and the wheels
are installed to the cabinet allowing for easy
moving around the shop.
To install the wheels, feet and the cabinet:
Insert the axle into the axle holes at the end
of the base.
Slide the washer and wheels onto each end
of the axle.
Slide another washer and thread the hex
nuts on both ends of the axle to secure the
wheels to the axle.
Figure-2 Installing the wheels
Thread the two rubber feet into the base.
See figure-3.
Figure-3 Installing the rubber feet
Now position the base on the floor and
adjust the feet until the base is stable on
the floor.
Tighten the hex nuts against the base to
lock the rubber feet.
Position the front and rear panels on the
base and secure the panels to the base
with four screws and washers provided.
Position the left panel between the front
and rear panels and secure it using screws
and washers provided.
Install the right panel in the same manner.
Align the holes on the band saw with the
holes on the stand and secure it using hex
bolts and flat washers provided.
Figure-4 Securing band saw on the cabinet
WARNING!
CX116 is a heavy machine. Do not
overexert yourself. Get the help of a
friend lifting the band saw on the cabinet.

10
STOP BOLT ADJUSTMENT
Adjust the stop bolt and jam nut using a
proper size wrench so that the band saw
blade teeth are just below the table surface
when the cut is complete.
Figure-5 Adjusting the stop bolt and jam nut
SQUARING VISE TO
BLADE
Make sure the vise is square with the blade
to get the angled cuts matching the degree
scale on the band saw.
To square the vise to the blade:
Loosen the headstock lock lever. Rotate the
headstock until the pointer reads "0" on the
tabletop scale and tighten the headstock
lock lever.
Use a proper size wrench and loosen the
two hex nuts securing the vise to the table.
Figure-6 Squaring the vise to the blade
Now, place a small machinist square on the
vise and adjust the vise so that it is square
with the blade.
Tighten the hex nuts securing the vise in
position.
WORK STOP ROD
Insert the rod into the saw and slide the
word stop onto the rod.
Tighten the set screws to secure the rod
and the work stop.
Figure-7 Installing the work stop rod

11
AUTO SHUT-OFF
BRACKET
The auto shut-off bracket should be
adjusted properly, so that the band saw
shuts OFF automatically when a cut is
complete.
To adjust the auto shut-off bracket:
With the headstock in complete down
position, loosen the screw securing the auto
shut-off bracket.
Push down on the auto shut-off bracket, so
that the off switch is completely depressed.
While keeping the auto shut-off bracket
depressed tighten the screw securing the
stop bracket.
Figure-8 Adjusting the stop bracket
TEST RUN
Once you have assembled your band saw
completely, it is then time for a test run to
make sure that it works properly and is
ready for operation.
Read and understand the instructions given
in this manual before turning the machine
on.
Remove all the tools and foreign objects
from the machine.
Wear safety glasses and secure loose
clothing and long hair.
Connect the cord to the power outlet.
Raise the band saw with hand and turn on
the saw.
The band saw should run smoothly with
little or no vibration.
During the test run if there is any unusual
noise coming from the machine or the
machine vibrates excessively, stop the
machine immediately and disconnect from
the power source and investigate to find out
the problem with your machine.
WARNING!
For the protection of your eyes, make
sure you are wearing safety glasses or
safety goggles while doing the test run.

12
BLADE SPEED
The CX116 features 3 speeds; 24, 35 and
61 m/minute. Figure-9 illustrates the correct
speeds and the position of the belt on the
motor and gear box pulley for most
common materials cut on the metal band
saw.
Figure-9 Blade speed and material chart
BLADE SELECTION
A metal bad saw blade is a ribbon of steel
subject to tremendous strain. Be sure you
use quality blades for the various type of
cutting operations. This metal band saw
accepts blades 1/2" wide and 64-1/2" long.
A wide selection of band saw blades are
available at Busy Bee Tools.
There are several key factors to consider in
choosing a blade:
TOOTH PITCH
The number of teeth per inch (TPI) on the
blade, also known as tooth pitch. Select a
pitch which will assure that at least three
teeth are contacting the work piece while
cutting. This helps to distribute the cutting
forces and avoids tooth breakage.
TOOTH FORM
There are four common forms of teeth on
the blade: buttress, claw-tooth, precision
and tungsten carbide. Precision is the most
common and is the type supplied with the
saw. It is the most versatile and it provides
a good surface finish.
TOOTH SET
Tooth set is the degree to which the teeth
are bent away from the blade. Typical tooth
set styles are raker, wave and straight set.
Raker set is the most common with one
tooth offset to the right, the next one to the
left, and the third is straight. A wave set will
have 3-4 teeth bent progressively one
direction then to the other in a wave-like
pattern. A straight set is alternating teeth
set right, then left.
Always select and use the good quality saw
blades and choose the right blade for the
job. Discuss cutting requirements with your
saw blade dealer to make sure you are
getting the type of blade which best suits
your need. Poor quality blades and
improper use are often the cause of
premature blade failure.
Many conditions can lead to breakage.
Blade breakage is unavoidable in some
cases, since it is the natural result of the
particular stresses that the band saw
blades are subjected to. Blade breakage is
also due to avoidable causes. Avoidable
breakage is most often due to the poor
judgement on the part of the operator when
mounting or adjusting the blade or blade
guides.

13
BLADE BREAKAGE CAN BE
CAUSED BY:
1. Faulty alignment and adjustment of the
guides
2. Insufficient number of teeth contacting
the cut
3. Feeding too fast
4. Tooth dullness or absence of sufficient
set
5. Excessive tension
6. Using a blade with a lumpy or
improperly finished weld
7. Continuously running the band saw
when not in use
Never use a blade so coarse that less than
three consecutive teeth are engaged in the
work piece at one time. (Too few teeth will
cause the teeth to strip out).
Never use a blade finer than required to
obtain a satisfactory surface finish or
satisfactory flatness (Too many teeth
engaged in the work piece will prevent
attainment of satisfactory sawing rate;
frequently produces "dished" cuts or cuts
which are neither square nor parallel).
When thin rectangular solid bar is to be
sawed, the work should whenever possible,
be loaded with the thinnest cross section
exposed to the blade teeth. The pitch
(number of teeth per inch of the blade)
selected must provide engagement of at
least three consecutive teeth in the work
piece. Should application of this rule not be
possible because the thinnest cross section
is too thin, the piece must be loaded with
the wider dimension exposed to the saw
teeth and a more coarse blade selected.
When thin wall pipe or tubing or channel
iron are cut, a 14 pitch blade is used. Fewer
than 14 teeth per inch will almost never be
satisfactory.
FEED RATE
The speed at which the saw blade will cut
through the work piece is controlled by feed
rate dial.
Figure-10 Feed rate dial
The feed rate dial controls the amount of
fluid that circulates around the hydraulic
cylinder, controlling the feed rate. Turning
the dial counter clockwise, increases the
fluid circulation, allowing the head to move
downward while turning it clockwise
decreases the fluid circulation. When the
dial knob is turned all the way, it locks the
head in place.
To set the feed rate:
Raise the headstock and turn the feed rate
dial clockwise to lock the headstock in
position.
Clamp the work piece in the table vise.
Turn the feed rate dial counter clockwise
and move the headstock so that blade is a
few inches above the work piece.
Make sure the correct blade is installed and
the correct blade speed is selected.
Connect the cord to the power source and
turn the saw ON.

14
Slowly turn the feed rate dial counter
clockwise, allowing the blade to cut the
work piece.
BLADE GUIDES
The blade guides side bearings support the
blade and allow it to cut the work piece
perpendicular to the table and the support
bearings prevent the blade from being
pushed back while cutting.
To adjust the bearings:
Make sure the cord is disconnected from
the power source.
Use the proper sized wrench and loosen
the guide bearing adjustment hex bolt. See
figure-11.
Figure-11 Blade guide adjustment
Adjust the blade guide assembly so that the
support bearing touches the blade.
Now, loosen the two nuts securing the side
bearings. See figure-11.
Rotate the side bearing eccentrics until the
space between the blade and the bearing is
about 0.000" to 0.001".
Tighten the nuts.
Loosen the lock knob and slide the blade
guide close to the work piece so the blade
is supported and will not twist while cutting.
See figure-12.
Figure-12 Lock knob
WARNING!
Make sure the cord is disconnected from
the power source, before servicing or
making any adjustments.

15
BLADE TENSIONING
The blade should be properly tensioned in
order to get straight and efficient cuts. It
also prolongs the life of the blade.
Two major signs that the blade is not
properly tensioned are; the blade breaks
because of being too tight or it stalls in the
cut and slips on the wheel.
To tension the blade:
Disconnect the cord from the power source.
Slide the blade guides apart as far as they
go and tighten them in position.
Turn the blade tension knob to tighten or
loosen the blade.
Figure-13 Blade tension knob
BLADE REPLACEMENT
The band saw blade will become dull or
damaged with use and will need to be
replaced with a new one.
To replace the band saw blade:
Make sure the cord is disconnected from
the power source.
Hold the headstock and remove the feed
cylinder knob shown in figure-14.
Remove the safety knob and raise the
headstock. See figure-14.
Figure-14 Raising the headstock to 90°
Remove the upper and lower blade guide
guards and loosen the blade guides.
WARNING!
Make sure the cord is disconnected from
the power source, before servicing or
making any adjustments.

16
Remove the screws securing the wheel
guard and remove the wheel guard to
access the blade and the wheels. See
figure-15.
Figure-15 Wheel guard removed
For the protection of your hands, wear
safety gloves.
Loosen the blade tension knob and remove
the blade from the wheels.
Slide the new blade through the guide
bearings and install it around the bottom
wheel. Make sure the teeth of the blade are
facing toward the work piece.
Hold the blade on the lower wheel with one
hand and slide it through the guide bearings
onto the top wheel with the other hand.
Adjust the blade on the wheel so that the
back of the blade is against the shoulder of
the wheels.
Use the blade tension knob and tension the
blade as necessary so that it does not slip
off the wheels.
Spin the wheel with hand and observe how
the blade tracks on the wheels.
If the tracking is fine, proceed to blade
tensioning on page-15.
If the blade is not tracking properly on the
wheels, adjust the tracking. See page-17.
Reinstall the blade wheel guard and blade
guides.
Re-attach the feed cylinder to the
headstock and secure it with the feed
cylinder knob.

17
BLADE TRACKING
The blade tracking on the CX116 has been
properly set at the factory but we
recommend you to check and adjust it (if
needed) before turning on the machine.
To adjust the blade tracking:
Make sure the cord is disconnected from
the power source.
Hold the headstock and remove the feed
cylinder knob shown in figure-15. page-16.
Remove the safety knob shown in figure-
15, page 16 and raise the headstock to the
full vertical position.
Remove the blade guide assemblies.
Remove the wheel guard.
Loosen the lower hex bolt on the blade
wheel assembly, but do not remove it. See
figure-16.
Figure-16 Blade tracking set screw
Use a hex wrench and adjust the set screw
shown in figure-16.
Loosening the set screw will move the
blade away from the shoulder of the wheel.
Tightening the set screw will move the
blade towards the shoulder of the wheel.
The blade is tracking properly when the
back of the blade is touching the edge of
the wheel flange and it is not rubbing
against the flange.
Retighten the lower hex bolt.
Reinstall the wheel guard.
Reinstall the blade guard and blade guide
assemblies.
Adjust the blade guides as instructed on
page-14. "Blade Guides".

18
MAINTENANCE
During the life of your machine, you will
need to practice some regular maintenance
to keep your band saw in peak performance
condition.
Check the band saw daily for:
Loose mounting bolts
Worn or damaged wires
Worn or damaged saw blade
Worn switch
Any other unsafe condition
Protect the unpainted cast iron surfaces
and the band saw mechanism by cleaning
the chips after every use using a shop
vacuum or brush. Wipe with a dry piece of
cloth.
LUBRICATION
The gearbox and all the bearings on the
CX116 are permanently lubricated and do
not need any more lubrication. However
you should lubricate some of the
adjustment locations and unpainted
surfaces.
Lubricate the following areas.
BLADE TENSION MECHANISM
Open the main blade guard and drop a few
drops of oil on the tension knob lead screw.
BLADE AND GUIDES
Lubricate the blade and guides daily with a
few drops of light machine oil.
VISE LEAD SCREW
Drop a few drops of machine oil on the vise
lead screws once a week.
WARNING!
Make sure the cord is disconnected from
the power source, before servicing or
making any adjustments.

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CX116 STAND DIAGRAM

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CX116 BAND SAW DIAGRAM