Craftex CX117 User manual

MODEL CX117
2HP METALCUTTING BAND SAW
USER MANUAL

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Safety Instructions ..........................................................................3
Specific Safety Instructions...........................................................................4
Features .......................................................................................................5
Physical Features.........................................................................................6
Setup............................................................................................................7
Unpacking & Inventory .................................................................................7
Proper Grounding.........................................................................................7
Cabinet Assembly.........................................................................................8
Cutting Fluid .................................................................................................8
Recommended Adjustments ........................................................................9
Test Run.......................................................................................................9
Cutting Angle................................................................................................10
Work Stop.....................................................................................................10
Vise ..............................................................................................................11
Blade Selection.............................................................................................11
Using Blade Guides......................................................................................11
Setting Feed Rate.........................................................................................12
Cutting Fluid System ....................................................................................12
Maintenance.................................................................................................13
Cleaning .......................................................................................................13
Lubrication....................................................................................................13
Blade Change...............................................................................................14
Blade Tension...............................................................................................15
Blade Guides................................................................................................15
Feed Stop.....................................................................................................16
Parts Diagram...............................................................................................17
Parts List ......................................................................................................18
Warranty.......................................................................................................20

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 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
CX117 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
CX117. 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.
CX117 – 2HP METALCUTTING BAND SAW
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

5
MODEL CX117 - 2HP METALCUTTING BAND SAW
As part of the growing line of Craftex metalworking equipment, we are proud to offer CX117
2HP Metalcutting Band Saw. By following the instructions and procedures laid out in this
owner’s manual, you will receive years of excellent service and satisfaction. The CX117 is a
professional tool and like all power tools, proper care and safety procedures should be
adhered to.
Motor...................................2HP, 230V, 60 Hz
Capacity @ 90° ..................9.5” x 7” Rectangular & 7” Round
Speeds ...............................90 MPM
Hydraulic Down Feed with Auto Shut Off
Coolant Pump......................Yes
Coolant ...............................100W
Blade Wheels ......................11.5"
Miter Scale...........................0° - 60°
Noise ...................................70 dB
Fuse ....................................16A
Dimensions..........................60" Length x 20" Width x 62" Height
Approximate Weight............216 Kg
Warranty..............................3 Years
CX117 - 2HP METALCUTTING
BAND SAW
FEATURES

6
CX117 – 2HP METALCUTTING BAND SAW
PHYSICAL FEATURES
Cabinet
Powdered
Coated Paint
Vise
Feed Rate
Control Knob
Band Saw
Motor
Control
Panel
Belt Tension
Knob
Blade
Tension
Controls
Headstock
Swivel Lock Lever
Vise Clamp
Hand Wheel
Cutting Fluid
Pump
Vise
Hand Wheel
Feed ON/OFF
Valve
Vise
Lock
Leve

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 a crate for safe
transportation. When unpacking, carefully
inspect the crate and ensure that nothing
has been damaged during transit. Open
the crate and check that the machine is in
good condition.
Remove the bolts securing the saw on the
skid and place it on a level surface.
LIST OF CONTENT QTY
A. Band Saw Unit (not shown)................1
B. Work Stop Arm...................................1
C. Work Stop Rod...................................4
D. Splash Unit.........................................2
E. Wrench...............................................2
F. Torx Key.............................................1
Figure-1 Inventory
PROPER GROUNDING
Grounding provides a path of least
resistance for electric current to reduce
the risk of electric shock.
CX117 is equipped with a 220-V single
phase motor and is not supplied with a
power cord.
Connection must be done by a qualified
electrician in accordance with electrical
code and local electrical codes.
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.
It is strongly recommended not to use
extension cords with your CX117. Always
try to position your machine close to the
power source so that you do not need to
use extension cords.
When it is necessary to use an extension
cord, make sure the extension cord does
not exceed 50-feet in length and the cord
is 12-gauge to prevent motor damage.
Your CX117 should be wired with a plug
having 3-prongs to fit a 3 prong grounded
receptacle. Do not remove the grounding
prong to fit it into a 2-pronged outlet.
Always check with a qualified electrician if
you are in doubt.

8
CABINET ASSEMBLY
Assemble the four cabinet sides together
with the eight hex bolts and nuts.
Use a fork truck / hoist and straps that
can hold at least 200 Kg. Lift the band
saw onto the top of the cabinet so that the
holes on the band saw base align with the
holes on the cabinet.
Secure the band saw onto the cabinet
using the four hex bolts and flat washers
provided.
Figure-2 Mounting the band saw to the
cabinet
CUTTING FLUID SYSTEM
This CX117 comes a built-in cutting fluid
system that extends the life of band saw
blade by lowering the temperature of the
blade and work-piece while operation.
TO USE THE CUTTING FLUID SYSTEM:
Remove the screws and the reservoir
cover.
Remove any foreign material that may
have fallen inside the reservoir during
shipping and machine use.
Fill the reservoir with your cutting fluid and
replace the cover.
Figure-3 Cutting fluid system reservoir
and cover
Turn the cutting fluid pump switch ON and
adjust the valves on the cutting fluid
hoses to control the flow of the cutting
fluid. See figure-4.
Figure-4 Cutting fluid control valve
Monitor the cutting fluid level frequently to
keep the system working properly.
WARNING!
CX117 is a very heavy machine, do not
over-exert yourself. For safe moving
method use fork truck.
IMPORTANT!
Always keep the reservoir cover clear
so that the cutting fluid recycle easily.

9
RECOMMENDED
ADJUSTMENTS
The adjustments have been performed on
the CX117 at the factory. However,
because of many variables involved with
shipping, we recommend that you verify
the following adjustments before the Test
Run.
1. Blade Tension
2. Blade Guide Adjustment
3. Stop Adjustments
TEST RUN
Once you have assembled and inspected
the machine it is then time to do a test run
and see if the machine powers up and
runs properly or not.
All tools and objects used for assembling
the machine should be removed and
cleared away before the test run.
Make sure that you have verified the
recommended adjustments listed before.
Fill the cutting fluid reservoir with cutting
fluid if not done so already.
Connect the band saw to the correct
power source.
Raise the band saw and close the feed
rate control knob to keep the saw in
place.
Start the band saw and keep your finger
close to the Emergency Stop button at all
times during the test run. The band saw
should run smoothly with little or no
vibration.
During the test run make sure the
start/stop button and all the safety
features on the mortiser are working
properly.
WARNING!
Make sure you have red and
understood the instructions given in
this manual and you are familiar with
the safety features of the machines,
before turning the machine on.

10
The band saw should run smoothly with
little or no vibration. If you observe that
the band saw vibrates excessively or
makes too much noise, shut off
immediately.
CUTTING ANGLE
The CX117 has a locking turret with a
range of 0° to 60°.
TO SET THE ANGLE OF CUT:
Raise the band saw head to the highest
position and lock in place.
Figure-5 Feed ON/OFF valve
Move the swivel lock handle shown in
figure-6, to the left and rotate the
headstock until the scale indicates the
angle that you need.
Figure-6 Swivel lock handle
Move back the swivel lock handle to the
right to lock the headstock in place. The
cutting angle is not set.
WORKSTOP
The CX117 comes with an adjustable
workstop.
TO INSTALL THE WORKSTOP:
Thread the workstop rod in the base and
secure it by tightening the jam nut.
Slide the workstop onto the rod. See
figure-7.
Figure-7 Installing the workstop
Slide the workstop to the desired position
from the blade and tighten the nut.
WARNING!
Do not make any adjustments while
the machine is running. Turn the
machine OFF and un-plug from the
power source before making any
adjustments. Failure to do so may
cause serious personal injury.

11
VISE
The vise has a quick tighten/release lever
and depending on the cut angle or work-
piece shape, you can remove or install
the aluminum vise clamp plate.
TO USE THE VISE:
Raise the band saw and lock it in position
by closing the ON/OFF valve. See figure-
8.
Figure-8 ON/OFF valve
Position the work-piece between the jaws.
Close the jaws so that they are 1/8" from
the work-piece by using the hand wheel.
Figure-9 Vise
Use the vise lock lever to secure the
work-piece and release the jaws to move
the work-piece after the cut.
BLADE SELECTION
The CX117 uses a 1" wide x 97.5" long x
0.03" thick band saw blade.
Selecting the right blade depends on a
variety of factors, such as the type of
material being cut, hardness of material,
material shape and machine capability.
Always do some research to get the right
blade to match your needs.
USING BLADE GUIDES
To ensure straight cuts the upper blade
guides should be as close as possible to
the work-piece.
TO ADJUST THE UPPER BLADE
GUIDES:
Loosen the lock knob shown in figure-10
and slide the upper blade guide assembly
as close to the work-piece as possible,
then tighten the lock knob.
Figure-10 Blade guide assembly with lock
knob

12
SETTING FEED RATE
Feed rate is the speed at which the band
saw blade cuts through the work-piece.
The feed rate is set by adjusting the feed
rate dial. The feed ON/OFF lever starts
and stops lowering the bow.
TO SET THE FEED RATE:
Raise the bow to the highest position and
lock it in place using the feed ON/OFF
lever.
Set the feed rate dial to the desired feed
rate.
Figure-11 Feed rate dial
Turn On the pump and the band saw and
start cutting.
If the chips are evenly shaped, slightly
curled with a slight colour change, the
feed rate, blade speed, cutting fluid type,
and blade type are correct.
If the chips are tightly curled, warm,
brown to black in colour, reduce the feed
rate and increase the blade speed or
both.
If the metal chips are blue coloured,
reduce the blade speed, use cutting fluid,
reduce the feed rate or reduce all three.
If you get thin powder life silver coloured
chips, increase feed rate, decrease the
blade speed or both.
CUTTING FLUID
Before using the cutting fluid, consider the
type, hardness and shape of the material
being cut. Choosing the right cutting fluid
also depends on blade feed rate, blade
TPI, tooth type and cutting speed. Make
sure to read and follow all the product
instructions on the product.
Below are some tips for choosing the right
cutting fluids:
For cutting low alloy, low carbon and
general purpose metals with a bi-metal
blade, always use water soluble cutting
fluids.
For cutting stainless steel, high alloy, high
carbon metals, brass, copper and mild
steels, use neat cutting oil that have
extreme pressure additives.
For cutting cast iron, you do not need to
use any cutting fluids.

13
MAINTENANCE
During the life of your machine, you will
need to practice some regular
maintenance to keep your band saw in
peak performance.
CHECK YOUR BAND SAW DAILY FOR:
Loose mounting bolts
Worn or damaged wires
Damaged saw blades
Any other unsafe condition
Proper blade tension
Cutting fluid level
CHECK YOUR BAND SAW MONTHLY
FOR:
Lubricate vise screw
Cutting fluid level
CLEANING
After using your band saw, vacuum all the
chips. If you are using water based cutting
fluid, wipe down the liquid and lubricate
the areas where it might cause rust after
some times.
LUBRICATION
Make sure to wipe the area clean before
applying lubricant.
Lubricate the blade tension lead screw
with general purpose grease. See figure-
12.
Figure-12 Blade tension lead screw
Lubricate the vise lead screw with a thin
layer of grease. See figure-13.
Figure-13 Vide lead screw

14
BLADE CHANGE
The blade gets dull or damaged with use
and will need to be replaced. You will also
need to replace the blade when cutting a
material that requires a certain type or
tooth count.
TO CHANGE THE BLADE:
Disconnect the cord from the power
source.
Raise the bow and lock it position using
the lock lever.
Figure-14 Blade tensioner, blade tension
hand wheel and bow lift handle
Slide the blade guides as far as possible
and remove the wheel access cover.
Remove both of the blade guide guards
from the band saw. See figure-15.
Figure-15 Blade guide guards
Loosen the blade tension handle shown in
figure-14 and remove the blade from the
wheels.
Slide the new blade through the blade
guide bearings and install it onto the
wheel.
Hold the blade around the bottom wheel
with one hand and slip it around the top
wheel with the other hand while keeping
the blade between the guide bearings.
Make sure the blade teeth are facing
toward the work-piece and the direction of
cut.
Once is the blade is installed around both
the wheels, adjust the blade so that the
back of the blade is against the shoulder
of the wheels.
Reinstall the blade cover and blade guide
guards.
Now it is time to tension the blade. See
page-15 Blade Tension for details.
WARNING!
Make sure the switch is in the OFF
position and the cord is disconnected
from the power source when removing
or installing, servicing or adjusting any
part of the machine. Failure to do so
could result in serious injury.

15
BLADE TENSION
The blade should be tensioned correctly
in order to get straight and efficient cuts
every time.
The blade is not properly tensioned when:
the blade stalls in the cut and slips on the
wheels or when the blade breaks from
being to tight.
TO TENSION THE BLADE:
Loosen the lock nut on the blade
tensioner lead screw.
Watch the graduated scale on the blade
tension indicator and turn the blade
tension hand wheel so that the tension is
in the green range when using the saw.
Figure-16 Blade tension graduated scale
When the blade is tensioned correctly,
tighten the lock nut on the blade tensioner
lead screw.
BLADE GUIDES
The blade guides are adjusted at the
factory however due to shipping we
recommend you to readjust them to
ensure proper cuts.
TO ADJUST THE BLADE GUIDES:
Disconnect the cord from the power
source.
Raise and lock the bow in position.
Loosen the two cap screws and the blade
guide guard. See figure-17.
Figure-17 Blade guide adjustment
Loosen the cap screws shown in figure-18
and adjust the blade guide housing so
that the back of the blade slightly touches
the bearing and the guide housing is not
tilted. Once done, tighten the cap screws.
Figure-18 Blade guide housing cap
screws
WARNING!
Make sure the switch is in the OFF
position and the cord is disconnected
from the power source when removing
or installing, servicing or adjusting any
part of the machine. Failure to do so
could result in serious injury.

16
Loosen the jam nut and adjust the
bearings against the sides of the blade.
See figure-19.
Figure-19 Blade guide adjustment
Tighten the jam nuts.
FEED STOP
It is necessary to adjust the feed stop
before you make blade adjustments.
Keep in mind that the blade should never
rest or rub onto the vise assembly. You
can also adjust the over tilt stop so that
the bow stop from being lifted past 40°.
TO ADJUST THE FEED STOP BOLT:
Loosen the jam nut and adjust the bolt so
that the blade teeth are just below the
vise table surface when the cut is
complete.
Figure-20 Adjusting the stop bolts

17
CX117 PARTS DIAGRAM

18
CX117 PARTS LIST

19

20
WARRANTY
Craftex warrants every product to be free from defects in materials and agrees to correct such defects where
applicable. This warranty covers three years for parts and 90 days for labour (unless specified otherwise), to
the original purchaser from the date of purchase but does not apply to malfunctions arising directly or
indirectly from misuse, abuse, improper installation or assembly, negligence, accidents, repairs or alterations
or lack of maintenance.
Proof of purchase is necessary.
All warranty claims are subject to inspection of such products or part thereof and Craftex reserves the right to
inspect any returned item before a refund or replacement may be issued.
This warranty shall not apply to consumable products such as blades, bits, belts, cutters, chisels, punches
etceteras.
Craftex shall in no event be liable for injuries, accidental or otherwise, death to persons or damage to property
or for incidental contingent, special or consequential damages arising from the use of our products.
RETURNS, REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENTS
To return, repair, or replace a Craftex product, you must visit the appropriate Busy Bee Tools showroom or
call 1-800-461-BUSY. Craftex is a brand of equipment that is exclusive to Busy Bee Tools.
For replacement parts directly from Busy Bee Tools, for this machine, please call 1-800-461-BUSY (2879),
and have your credit card and part number handy.
All returned merchandise will be subject to a minimum charge of 15% for re-stocking and handling with
the following qualifications.
Returns must be pre-authorized by us in writing.
We do not accept collect shipments.
Items returned for warranty purposes must be insured and shipped pre-paid to the nearest warehouse
Returns must be accompanied with a copy of your original invoice as proof of purchase. Returns must be
in an un-used condition and shipped in their original packaging a letter explaining your reason for the
return. Incurred shipping and handling charges are not refundable.
Busy Bee will repair or replace the item at our discretion and subject to our inspection.
Repaired or replaced items will be returned to you pre-paid by our choice of carriers.
Busy Bee reserves the right to refuse reimbursement or repairs or replacement if a third party without our
prior authorization has carried out repairs to the item.
Repairs made by Busy Bee are warranted for 30 days on parts and labour.
Any unforeseen repair charges will be reported to you for acceptance prior to making the repairs.
The Busy Bee Parts & Service Departments are fully equipped to do repairs on all products purchased
from us with the exception of some products that require the return to their authorized repair depots. A
Busy Bee representative will provide you with the necessary information to have this done.
For faster service it is advisable to contact the nearest Busy Bee location for parts availability prior to
bringing your product in for repairs.
CRAFTEX 3 YEARS LIMITED WARRANTY