Fox F28-186A User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
BANDSAW
(FOX model F28-186A)

5
BANDSAW
Index
Safety instructions 23
General safety instructions 24
Specific safety instructions for bandsaws 26
Environment protection 27
Symbols 27
Electrical connections 28
Recommended use 29
Technical specifications 29
Noise conditions 30
Removal of package 30
Machine description 31
Assembly of the bandsaw 32
I. Bandsaw fastening 32
II. Workbench assembly 32
III. Assembly of fence’s rail 32
IV. Assembly of the rip fence 33
V. Connection of the dust collection device 33
Protection of the blade 33
I. Upper protection of the saw blade 33
II. Lower protection of the saw blade 33
III. Flywheels’ doors 34
Functioning 34
I. ON / OFF switch 34
II. Saw blade’s tension 35
III. Knob for the adjustment of saw blade’s position 35
IV. Speed adjustment 35
V. Adjustment of workbench’s inclination 36
VI. Rip fence 36
VII. Cutting 36
Assembly of the blade and adjustments 37
I. Replacement of the saw blade 37
II. Adjustment of the saw blade 38
III. Adjustment of the upper blade guide 38
IV. Adjustment of the lower blade guide 38
Maintenance 39
I. General regulations 39
II. Replacement of the flywheels’ coatings 39
III. Replacement of the bench inlay 39
Malfunctions 40
After sales service 41

6
CAUTION:
Besides following the instructions mentioned in this manual, when using electric equipment you
must always observe all safety precautions to prevent risk of fire, electric shock and personal
injury.
Read this instruction manual before use and keep it carefully.
Working with an electric machine can be dangerous if you do not follow suitable safety
measures. As for any electric machine with moving parts, the use of a tool entails some risks. If
you use the machine as prescribed in this manual, you pay careful attention to the work you are
doing, you observe the regulations and you use the suitable personal devices of protection, you
can reduce the probability of risk. The possible remaining risks are related to:
1 –direct or in direct contacts with electrical shock
2 –injuries due to contact with moving parts
3 –injuries due to contact with angular parts
4 –injuries due to the ejection of tool parts or of the material you are processing
5 –injuries due to noise
The probability of risk can be reduced by the machine safety equipment of the machines, as for
example the protections, the blade case, the clamping, the stoppage and the personal protection
devices as protective goggles, the dust mask, ear plugs, protective shoes and gloves. However,
even the best protection devices cannot protect you from the risks due to lack of good sense
and attention. Have always good sense and observe the necessary precautions. Carry out only
the works that you consider safe. DO NOT FORGET: everyone is responsible for his safety.
This tool has been designed for specific purposes. We recommend you not to modify it or use it
for purposes different from the ones for which it has been manufactured. If you have any doubts
regarding specific applications, do not use the machine before having contacted us and received
our instructions.
READ AND KEEP THIS MANUAL
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

7
1. Keep the work surface clean. If the work area or surface is busy the probability of injuries
is higher.
2. Do not use the machine in dangerous environment conditions. In order to prevent electric
shock, do not expose the machine to rain and do not use it in a damp area. Keep the
work area illuminated. Do not use the machine near gas or inflammable substances.
3. Connect the dust collection device. If the machine is provided with a dust collection device,
make sure that this system is connected and correctly used.
4. Keep unknown persons and children away from the machine. All unknown persons and
children must keep a safe distance from the work area.
5. Protect yourself from electric shock. Avoid any contact with earthing surfaces.
6. Handle the power supply cable with care. Do not pull the electric cable to disconnect it
from the plug. Keep the electric cable away from heat, oil and sharp edges.
7. Use extension cables designed for outdoor use. When using the machine outdoors, use
only extension cables suitable for outdoor use, having specific indications.
8. Be vigilant. Check carefully what you are doing, have good sense. Do not use themachine
if you are tired.
9. Do not use the machine if you are have taken medicines, alcohol, drugs.
10. Avoid accidental starts. Be sure that the switch is on the OFF position before inserting the
plug into the socket.
11. Wear appropriate clothing. Do not wear loose-sleeved garments or pieces of jewellery
which may get caught in the moving parts. For outdoor use we recommend non-slip shoes.
Use headgear to cover hair if necessary.
12. Use always personal protection devices: wear protective goggles and masks in case
dust or sawdust is produced. Wear ear muffs or plugs in noisy areas. Wear gloves when
handling parts with sharp edges.
13. Do not be off balance over the machine. Always keep stand firmly.
14. Ask for advices to expert and qualified people if you are not familiar with using such a
machine.
15. Remove the tools you do not use from the workbench. If you do not use the tools, you must
arrange them in a dry area which is locked and away from the reach of children.
16. Do not force the machine. You can obtain better and safer results if you use the machine
at the cutting pressure for which it has been designed.
17. Use the suitable tool. Do not use a small tool for an intensive job. Fox example, do not use
a circular saw to cut branches or stumps.
18. Block the piece. If possible, use C-clamps or a holder to fix the piece. It is safer than using
only your hands.
19. Keep the tools in perfect conditions. Keep the tools sharp and clean to obtain better and
safer results. Follow the instructions to grease and change the accessories. Check regularly
the electric cable and change it if it is damaged. Keep the handles and the handgrips dry,
clean, unoiled and ungreased.
20. Disconnect the tool from electricity if you do not use it, before maintenance and change of
the accessories or tools such as blades, drills, mills, etc.
21. Remove locking and adjustment wrenches from the workbench. Get used to check if the
locking and adjustment wrenches have been removed before starting it.
22. Check the parts of the tool to verify that there are not any damages. Before using the
machine, check if the safety devices or any other parts are damaged in order to be sure
that it works properly and that it can accomplish the tasks for which it has been designed.
Check that the moving parts are aligned, do not stop and are not broken. Check the
assembly and any other condition that can influence the functioning of the machine. Any
part or protection damaged must be repaired or changed from an authorised after sales
centre. Do not use the machine if the switch does not work properly.
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

8
23. Use the machine, the tools and accessories in the way and for the purposes mentioned i
this manual. Different uses and parts can cause possible risks for the operator.
24. Get the machine repaired by a qualified person. This electric tool is in compliance with
local safety regulations. The machine must be repaired only by qualified people who use
original spareparts, otherwise risks may arise for the operator.

9
1. ALWAYS DISCONNECT the bandsaw from the socket before any repair, maintenance or
cleaning task and while changing the blade.
2. DO NOT USE the bandsaw until it is not completely assembled or installed according to
this instruction manual.
3. START the bandsaw only after removing any object (tools, waste material, etc.) from the
workbench.
4. NEVER START the bandsaw when the blade is in contact with the workpiece.
5. START the bandsaw only after ensuring that the two doors are perfectly closed.
6. MOVE the upper guide the nearest to the workpiece.
7. CHECK that the blade guides and blade support bearings are correctly adjusted.
8. ENSURE that the blade is correctly tightened and that the teeth point downwards.
9. CHECK that the dimensions and the kind of blade are suitable to the work you must carry
out.
10. DO NOT TRY to cut a piece which has not any plane surface if you do not have a suitable
support.
11. PRESS the piece firmly to the bench and push it at a moderate speed.
12. STOP the machine if it rejects the workpiece before it is completely cut.
13. STOP the bandsaw to remove the stuck pieces or waste material on the workbench.
14. DO NOT CUT too small pieces that cannot be safely blocked.
15. CARRY OUT lightening cuts on the piece when you must do curved cuts.
16. NEVER CARRY OUT any preparation, assembly or adjustment tasks on the workbench
when the bandsaw is switched on.
17. KEEP always your hands and fingers far from the blade.
18. ALWAYS WEAR protective goggles.
19. AVOID uncomfortable positions in which your hands risk to slide or get in touch with the
blade.
20. DISCONNECT the machine, clean the workbench and lower the upper protective cap
before moving away from the machine. In case of long periods of inactivity loosen blade’s
tension.
21. CHANGE missing or damaged parts. Do not use the bandsaw if its parts do not perfectly
work.
22. REGULARLY CHECK if the supply cable is damaged, in that case get it repaired by an
authorised after-sales centre. Check regularly the extension cables and replace them if
they are damaged.
SPECIFIC SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR BANDSAWS

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INFORMATION FOR USERS
“Implementation of Directives 2011/65/UE 2012/19/UE, relative to reducing the use of hazardous
substances in electric and electronic appliances and the disposal of waste”, please take note of
the following:
The crossed out wheelie bin symbol found on the appliance or the packaging indicates
that the product must be disposed separately from ordinary household waste when it
reaches the end of its working life.
The user must consign the unwanted appliance to an authorised waste disposal centre
for electric and electronic goods, or alternatively, hand it over to the relative dealer at the
moment of purchasing a new appliance of the same type on a basis of a one to one ratio.
Differentiated disposal to enable possible recycling or environmentally compatible
elimination of the appliance, helps to limit undesirable effects on health and environment
and promotes the reuse and/or recycling of the materials that compose the appliance.
WARNING!
In accordance with the relative legislation in force in the country of use, sanctions will be
imposed on the user if the appliance is disposed of illegally.
The following symbols can appear on your machine or in this instruction manual. Their meanings
are specified below:
Always wear protective goggles to avoid any spurts during the use of the machine.
Read and understand the instruction manual before use.
Always wear a dust mask if the operation produces dust.
Always wear ear protective devices which protect you from noise while using the
machine.
ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
SYMBOLS

11
Product in compliance with relative CE regulations.
Serial number / year of production
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
Use 230 V 50 Hz alternate voltage equipped with a earthing conductor to supply your machine.
Ensure that the power supply corresponds to this voltage, that it is protected by a differential
and magnetothermal switch, and that the earthing system is efficient. If your machine does not
work when connected to a socket, check carefully the power supply features.
Use an extension cable in order to connect the machine to the power supply.
EARTHING INSTRUCTIONS
If the tool does not work properly or in case of short-circuit, the earthing system provides the
current with a less resistance path and reduces the risk of electric shock. This tool has a plug
to which a supply or extension cable must be connected, which in turn must be connected to
a socket correctly installed and earthed, in conformity with local standards and regulations. Be
sure that your earthing system is in good conditions and that your plug is protected by a
differential and magnetothermal switch.
Do not modify the plug of the machine. If it does not enter the socket, get a suitable plug
installed by a qualified person. If the earthing conductor is not correctly connected the risk of
electric shock can occur. The conductor which has the green insulating jacket (with or without
a yellow line) is the earthing conductor. If you must repair or change the supply cable, do not
connect the earthing conductor to a low tension terminal.
Consult a qualified electrician or a person in charge of the maintenance if you have not
understood or you have some doubts on the earthing instructions.
If the supply cable is damaged it must be changed by qualified people. Do not switch on the
machine if the supply cable is damaged.
This tool is provided with a plug which must connected to a suitable socket.
Socket with earthing
system
Earth conductor
Machine’s plug

12
EXTENSION CABLES
Only use three conductors extension cables, with a plug with two plugs and a earthing contact
and sockets with two holes and a earth corresponding to the plug of the tool. When using an
electric tool at a remarkable distance from the power supply, use an extension cable with
sufficient dimensions to transport the current which the tool needs. If the extension cable has
not the sufficient dimensions a voltage drop can occur, thus causing an overheating and a
voltage loss. You can only use extension cables which are in compliance with CE standards.
Extension cable length: up to 15 m
Cable dimensions: 3 x 2,5 mm²
Before using any kind of extension cable, check that it has not bare wires and that the insulation
is not cut or worn. Repair and change immediately it if it is damaged or worn.
WARNING:
Extension cables must be arranged away from the working area in order that they do not get in
touch with the workpieces, the tool or other parts of the machine, thus creating possible risks.
WARNING:
KEEP THE TOOLS AND THE EQUIPMENT AT A SAFE DISTANCE FROM CHILDREN
This bandsaw has been manufactured for cross cutting and trimming of plastics, wood.
Maximum cutting height is 120 mm with the workbench at 0°.
The workbench can be inclined up to 45° to angle cut.
Engine power: 420 W
Voltage and frequency: 230 V –50 Hz
Blade rotational speed: 660/960 m/min
Blade’s length: 1790 mm
Blade’s width: 6 - 13 mm
Gooseneck: 244 mm
Maximum cutting height: 120 mm
Workbench inclination capacity: from 0° to 45°
Workbench dimensions: 290x290 mm
Weight: 30 kg
RECOMMENDED USE
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

13
The noise emitted, measured in conformity with the standards EN 3744 and EN 11201 is:
- Sound pressure level LpA = 92,7 dB(A) with load
- Sound power level LWA = 102,3dB(A) with load
- Uncertainty of measurement K = 3 dB
We recommend you to use ear protection devices.
The sources of the noise of the saw are: the electric engine and its ventilation system, the blade
and the material to be cut.
We advise you to control the engine, its ventilation system and the aspiration passages. As far
as the saw blade is concerned, it is preferable to use silenced type of blades and to keep them
in good conditions.We recommend to use the correct sawblade and to keep firmly the workpiece
to be cut.
Noise levels are emission levels and do not necessarily indicate safe working conditions. Even
if there is a connection between emission levels and exposure levels, the first ones cannot be
used to determine safely if other precautions are necessary. The factors that can influence the
actual exposure level of the operator include exposure length, environment features and other
sources of noise, as for example the number of machines and operations present. Besides,
exposure levels can change from country to country. However, these instructions enable the
user of the machine to better evaluate the dangers and risks.
Your bandsaw is delivered complete in a package. Remove carefully the table saw and all the
parts from the packaging, check if there are any missing or damaged parts.
If you find any faulty or damaged parts do not use them in order not to endanger the efficiency
and the safety of the machine. To change faulty parts consult an after sales centre.
To make the table saw perfectly work you must assemble the various parts, for which you can
find a detailed explanation later on.
We recommend you to read carefully the assembly instructions and to follow them to the letter.
The following photo illustrates the bandsaw and all the parts included in the packaging.
List of parts included in the package:
- One bandsaw complete with blade (assembled)
- One workbench
- One sliding rail for the rip fence
- One rip fence
- One coupling for a dust collection device
-One pusher
- 4 legs
- 8 bars
- Various nuts and bolts
NOISE CONDITIONS
REMOVAL OF PACKAGE

14
Front side of the machine FIG.1
1. Door of the upper flywheel
2. Knob for the adjustment of bandsaw’s
tensioning FIG.5
3. Blade’s upper flywheel
4. Knob locking for the protection blade
5. Protection
6. Bandsaw’s saw blade
7. Workbench
8. Guiding rail with graduated scale
9. Lower flywheel
11.Rip and trimming fence
12.Door of the lower flywheel
13.ON / OFF switch
Back side of the machine FIG.1
14.Knob for the adjustment of the upper
flywheel
15.Motor
16.Base
17.Dust collection sleeve
18.
19.Bench inlay

15
WARNING
Do not start the bandsaw before fastening the machine, assembling and
adjusting the workbench, checking belt tension and safety devices. Only after
performing these tasks you can connect the saw to the power supply. Otherwise the
bandsaw could start suddenly and cause personal injuries.
This machine is delivered almost completely assembled. Before use you must:
I.Fix bandsaw’s base
II. Assemble the workbench
III. Assemble the fence’s rail
IV. Assemble the fence
V. Connect the dust collection device
I.Bandsaw fastening
The bandsaw can be fastened to a surface or assembled on the four legs that are included in
the package. If you want to fix it on a surface:
1. Drill 4 holes on the surface on which you want to fix the bandsaw, while taking into
consideration the base of machine.
2. Use 4 locking devices suitable with the surface and fix the saw.
If you want to use the legs and the bars included in the package, put the machine on its side
and:
1. Assemble the 4 legs to bandsaw’s blade with 8 screws and the corresponding nuts and
washers.
2. Assemble the 8 bars with the screws and the washers.
3. Straighten up the bandsaw.
4. Firmly tighten all the screws.
5. Assemble the two wheels on the two left legs, to make the transport easier.
II. Workbench assembly FIG.2
A. Horizontal adjustment of the workbench
1. Raise the protective cap completely.
2. Check saw blade’s tension and adjust it if it is loose.
3. Loosen the lock screw (37).
4. By using a square, place the workbench at a right angle with the blade and
tighten the locking screw firmly (37).
III. Assembly of fence’s rail FIG.3
Fix fence’s rail (40) on the workbench with 4 wing screws and with washers.
ASSEMBLY OF THE SAW BLADE

16
IV. Assembly of the rip fence FIG.4
The rip fence can be assembled on the left and on the right of the saw blade. You can lock the
guide by lowering the lever (A).
V. Connection of the dust collection device
DANGER!
The dust of certain kind of wood, as for example oak, beech or ash-tree has been
proved to be especially dangerous for human health. We recommend you to work
outdoors, to use an efficient dust collection device and personal safety devices as for
example dust masks.
In the bandasaw there is a coupling to which you can connect the pipe of an external dust
collector to extract the dust and wood shavings.
We recommend you to always connect a dust collector when processing wood and to use a
dust mask.
If you do not have a dust collector, we recommend you to work outdoods, with a dust mask
and for short periods of time.
You must periodically remove wood shavings piling up inside the bandsaw and in the pulley’s
compartments.
I. Upper protection of the saw blade FIG.6
The upper protection of the saw blade (20), which is an integral part of the group including
also the upper blade guide, prevents any unintentional contact with the blade and protects you
the ejection of the shavings. You must always place the upper protection of the blade about 3
mm far from the workpiece in order to ensure the maximum safety degree.
Upper blade guide’s height (48)1 must be adjusted:
- before any cutting, in order that it is adjusted according to workpiece’s height;
- after any modification of the saw blade or of the workbench (for example, after changing
or tensioning the saw blade, or after adjusting the workbench).
The upper blade guide with its protection (48) is locking of a knob (49). To adjust the height of
this blade guide, grip the blade guide with the left hand, unlocking knob (49) to adjust the
height of the upper blade guide in the desired position.Locking knob (49).
II. Saw blade’s lower protection FIG.6
Saw blade’s lower protection (21) prevents from any unintentional contacts with the blade.
This protection must be moved when you open the lower door. When you close this door this
protection must be replaced in its position to not to compromise general safety. Saw blade’s
lower protection must be always assembled when you are using the machine.
PROTECTION OF THE BLADE

17
III. Flywheels’ doors FIG.6
By opening the doors (22) you can get at the flywheels-pulleys to change the blade, remove
the sawdust which has piled up, change the speed by moving the belt on the pulleys. When
using the machine, these doors are safety devices that isolate moving parts that could be
dangerous.
To open and close the doors, give the locking devices a quarter of a turn by using a suitable
flat screwdriver.
IMPORTANT:
Bandsaw’s two doors must be always closed when the machine is in use. It is forbidden
to start the machine if these two doors are open.
WARNING!
Before performing any adjustment or maintenance task and before changing the
blade you must switch off the machine, disconnect it from the power supply and wait
for the saw blade to stop.
CAUTION
Connect the bandsaw to the electrical energy and start it only after checking that
the machine is fastened, that the workbench is assembled and adjusted, that saw blade
tensioning is correct and that all safety and protection devices are perfectly efficient.
I. ON / OFF switch FIG.7
Start = push the green button (25).
Stop = push the red button (26).
In case of an interruption of the electrical energy, a “minimum voltage” relay inside the switch
stops the machine. This prevents from the start of the machine when the electrical energy
recovers. You must press the green button to re-start the saw that has stopped.
FUNCTIONING

18
II. Saw blade’s tension FIG.8
WARNING!
A too high tension can break the saw blade. If the tension is too low, the saw
blade can slip from the driving wheel and stop.
Saw blade’s tension must be adjusted according to the different width of the saw blades in
order to obtain a correct alignment, efficiency and suitable life’s length.
Lift the upper blade guide completely.
To check blade’s tension, push sideways the saw blade, in the middle between the
workbench and the upper blade guide: the saw blade must bend on its side from 1 to a
maximum of 2 mm.
If necessary, adjust saw blade’s tension:
turn the handle 28 clockwise to increase the tension;
turn the handle 28 anti-clockwise to reduce the tension.
III. Knob for the adjustment of the blade’s position FIG.9
To work correctly the saw blade must be centred on flywheel rubber coatings. If it is not aligned
you must modify upper flywheel’s inclination. By using the knob ( 29 ) you can modify the
inclination of the flywheel and thus:
Turn the knob clockwise to move the blade backwards.
Turn the knob anti-clockwise to move the blade forwards.
To lock upper flywheel’s inclination, tighten the plastic wing screw located under the
adjustment knob.
IV. Speed adjustment FIG.10
By moving the belt on the engine and flywheel pulleys you can use the bandsaw at two different
speeds.
Inside the lower door there are some instructions explaining how to place the belt to obtain
two different speeds.
1. Open the lower door with a screwdriver.
2. Loosen the screws motor indicated
3. Loosen the belt by turning the motor unclockwise.
Move the belt on the desired position, tighten the belt again and close the lower door
by using a screwdriver.
- SMALL ENGINE PULLEY –LARGE FLYWHEEL PULLEY: blade speed 660 m/min,
suitable for hard wood types, plastics and metal materials (by using a suitable saw
blade).
- LARGE ENGINE PULLEY –SMALL FLYWHEEL PULLEY: blade speed 960 m/min for
all soft wood types.
Caution!
Do not place the belt obliquely, since it would suffer damages.

19
V. Adjustment of workbench’s inclination FIG.2
The workbench can be moved from 0 and 45°. To move it, loosen the lock screw (37), move
the workbench to the desired angle and tighten the screw (37).
VI. Rip fence FIG.4
The rip fence (33) can be assembled both on the left and on the right of the saw blade. Choose
the position by using a graduated scale, place the guide and lock it by lowering the front lever
A.
VII. Cutting
DANGER!
To reduce the risk of injuries, respect the following safety regulations during any
kind of processing:
- use personal safety equipment;
- saw only one piece at a time;
- when cross cutting, always press the workpiece against the workbench;
- do not slow down the saw blade by exerting a side pressure on it;
- For all kinds of work and according to your necessities always use:
+ a pusher if the distance between the rip fence and the saw blade is less
than or equal to 120 mm;
+ a support surface for long pieces if they risk to fall from the workbench
after being cut;
+ a dust collection device;
+ a suitable locking device, in order that the piece cannot rotate crosswise.
+ a square with suitable stops to prevent the piece from bending.
Maintain a correct working position when using the machine (saw blade’s teeth must
point towards the operator and downwards).
Do not pile the pieces to cut them. If they get caught by the blade uncontrollably risks
may arise for the operator.
Never cut pieces fastened with ropes, strings, cables or wires, or containing these
materials.
1. Be sure of the perfect conditions of the saw blade and of the protection devices.
2. If necessary, adjust workbench’s inclination.

20
3. Place the rip fence according to the type of cutting you want to carry out, or choose the
outline of the support for the piece to be cut.
4. Position and lock the upper blade guide at a distance of 3 mm over the workpiece.
5. Select blade speed.
6. Before starting working, do a shear test on a piece.
7. Connect the bandsaw to the power supply and switch on the machine.
8. Place the piece on the workbench.
9. Cut one piece at a time.
10.Once you have finished cutting, switch off the machine, disconnect from the power
supply and clean it.
I. Replacement of the saw blade FIG.11 –12
DANGER!
Before performing any adjustment or maintenance task and before changing
the blade you must switch off the machine, disconnect it from the power supply and
wait for the saw blade to stop.
DANGER!
The risk of cut exist also when the saw blade is still. When changing the saw
blade, wear protective gloves. Use only suitable blades.
1. Loosen the 4 wing nuts (50) and remove the rail of the rip fence (51).
2. Open the two doors with a screwdriver.
3. Place the upper blade guide (52) in its lowest position.
4. Turn the adjustment knob (53) until when the saw blade is loose.
5. Remove the saw blade and let it pass through the bench hole, the upper and lower blade
guides.
6. Insert a new blade. Pay attention to the position of the blade: teeth must point towards
the operator and downwards.
7. Place the blade in the middle of flywheels rubber coatings.
8. Turn the tensioning knob clockwise to tighten the saw blade.
9. Close the two doors.
10. Then:
adjust the saw blade if necessary;
adjust the blade guides;
let the blade turn for at least a minute;
switch off the machine, remove the plug from the socket
and check the adjustment of the blade guides
ASSEMBLY OF THE BLADE AND ADJUSTMENTS