Laguna Tools Dake VDL-18 User guide

Dake Corporation Phone: [phone] www.dakecorp.com
1809 Industrial Park Dr. [email protected]
Grand Haven, MI 49417
DAKE VDL-18
ASSEMBLY AND INSTRUCTIONAL MANUAL
WARNING! Read and understand all instructions and responsibilities before
operating. Failure to follow safety instructions and labels could result in
serious injury.

Dake Corporation
1809 Industrial Park Dr
Grand Haven, MI 49417
www.dakecorp.com
Part# VDL-18 2 REV#082020
Table of Contents
DAKE Standard Limited Warranty.....................................................................................................3
Finished Machines ............................................................................................................................3
Parts..................................................................................................................................................3
Sale of Service (Repairs)...................................................................................................................3
Warranty Process..............................................................................................................................3
Warranty Exceptions .........................................................................................................................4
Return & Refund Policy......................................................................................................................4
Returns..............................................................................................................................................5
Refunds.............................................................................................................................................5
Specifications......................................................................................................................................6
Machine Specifications......................................................................................................................6
Safety Warnings..................................................................................................................................7
Safety Labels:..................................................................................................................................10
Introduction - Assembly of components-Before starting……………………………………………….11-25
Blade install - tracking - tensioning ………………………………………………………………….26-28
Ceramic Guide Adjustment …..……………………………………………………………………….29-33
General Instructions: .......................................................................................................................33
Blade Guidepost Adjustment:..........................................................................................................34
Table Tilt:.........................................................................................................................................34
Fence Assembly Adjustment:..........................................................................................................35
Maintenance......................................................................................................................................35
Trouble Shooting:.......................................................................................................................36-37
Parts List.......................................................................................................................................38-57
Parts list & Exploded diagrams …………………………………………………………..…………..38-57
1VDL-18 Wiring Diagram:................................................................................................................58
Order Information .............................................................................................................................59

Part# VDL-18 3 REV#082020
DAKE Standard Limited Warranty
Finished Machines
-Dake warrants to the original purchaser the finished machine manufactured or distributed
by it to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service
within 1 year (12 months) from the delivery date to the end user.
Parts
-Dake warrants to the original purchaser the component part manufactured or distributed
by it to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service
within 30 days from the delivery date to the end user.
-The standard limited warranty includes the replacement of the defective component part
at no cost to the end user.
Sale of Service (Repairs)
-Dake warrants to the original purchaser the component part repaired by Dake
Corporation at the manufacturing facility to be free from defects in material and
workmanship under normal use and service within 90 days from the return date to the
end user, as it pertains to the repair work completed.
-The standard limited warranty includes repair of the defective component part, at no cost
to the end user.
Warranty Process
-Subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth, the manufacturer will repair or replace any
portion of the product that proves defective in materials or workmanship. The
manufacturer retains the sole right and option, after inspection, to determine whether to
repair or replace defective equipment, parts or components. The manufacturer will
assume ownership of any defective parts replaced under this warranty.
-All requested warranty claims must be communicated to the distributor or representative
responsible for the sale. Once communication has been initiated, Dake Customer Service
must be contacted for approval:

Part# VDL-18 4 REV#082020
•Phone: [phone]
•Email: [e-mail]
When contacting Dake, please have the following information readily available:
-Model #
-Serial #
-Sales Order #
Purchasers who notify Dake within the warranty period will be issued a Case number and/or a
Return Material Authorization (RMA) number. If the item is to be returned per Dake’s request,
the RMA number must be clearly written on the exterior packaging. Any item shipped to Dake
without an RMA will not be processed.
Warranty Exceptions
The following conditions are not applicable to the standard limited warranty:
(a) Part installation or machine service was not completed by a certified professional,
and is not in accordance with applicable local codes, ordinances, and good trade
practices.
(b) Defects or malfunctions resulting from improper installation or failure to operate or
maintain the unit in accordance with the printed instructions provided.
(c) Defects or malfunctions resulting from abuse, accident, neglect, or damage outside
of prepaid freight terms.
(d) Normal maintenance service or preventative maintenance, and the parts used in
connection with such service.
(e) Units and parts which have been altered or repaired, other than by the manufacturer
or as specifically authorized by the manufacturer.
(f) Alterations made to the machine that were not previously approved by the
manufacturer, or that are used for purposes other than the original design of the
machine.
Return & Refund Policy
-Thank you for purchasing from Dake! If you are not entirely satisfied with your
purchase, we are here to help.

Part# VDL-18 5 REV#082020
Returns
-All Dake manufactured / distributed machines, parts and couplings include a 30-day return
option. These policies are valid from the date of final shipment to the end user. To be
eligible for a return, the item must be unused and in the same condition as received. All
requested warranty claims must be communicated to the distributor or representative
responsible for the sale. Once communication has been initiated, Dake Customer Service
must be contacted for approval:
-Phone: [phone]
-Email: [email protected]
-Once the return request has been approved by Customer Service, a representative will
supply a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number.
-The returned item must have the provided RMA number clearly marked on the outside
packaging. Any item received without an RMA number clearly visible on the packaging
will not be processed.
-An RMA number can only be provided by the Dake Customer Service team and must
be obtained prior to the return shipment.
Refunds
-Once the item has been received and inspected for damages, a representative will
notify the requestor referencing the provided RMA number. If the return is approved, a
refund will be issued to the original method of payment, less a 20% restocking fee.
-The restocking fee may be waived if an order is placed at the time of return with like-
value merchandise. Transportation costs are the responsibility of the end user and will
not be credited upon return approval.
-Any item that is returned after the initial 30 days or has excessive/obvious use will not
be considered for a full refund.

Part# VDL-18 6 REV#082020
Specifications
Machine Specifications
VDL-18 Bandsaw
Description
Dimensions
Motor Voltage/HP
115/ 230V (prewired 115V)/ 1-3/4HP
Breaker
15 amp for both 115V and 230V
Throat
18 7/32" (463mm)
Table cast iron
20" x 26" (508mm x 660mm)
Front table to center of blade
11" (280mm)
Table tilt
- 6 degrees + 45 degrees
Miter slot
3/8" x 3/4" (9.525mm x 19.05mm)
Table height
38" (965mm)
Fly wheel
Cast iron
Resaw capacity
16" (406.4mm)
Minimum blade length
143 3/4" (3,651mm)
Maximum blade length
145 1/2" (3,695mm)
Maximum blade width
1-1/4" (31.75mm)
Minimum blade width
1/8" (3mm)
Guides
Laguna ceramic
Blade speeds (FPM)
Variable speeds
Low: 100-290
High: 1200-3500
Dust chute diameter (OD)
4" x 2
Height
77 3/4" (1,975mm)
Machine dimensions (W x D) Base
footprint
36 3/16" x 36" (919mm x 915mm)
27" x 19 2/3" (688mmx500mm)
Machine dimensions with mobility kit (W
x D)
Base footprint with mobility kit
43" x 36" (1093mm x 915mm)
37 3/8" x 24 11/32" (949mm x 618mm)
Weight gross
515 lbs (234 kg)
Weight net
480 lbs (218 kg)
Package size (W x D x H)
81 1/2" x 33 7/8" x 30-1/4"
(2070mm x 860mm x 770mm)
Variable Foot Brake
Disk Rotor
Mobility kit
Optional
Industrial work-light
Optional

Part# VDL-18 7 REV#082020
-In the space provided record the serial number and model number of the machine. This
information is only found on the black Dake tag. If contacting Dake this information must be
provided to assist in identifying the specific machine.
Model No:
Part No:
Serial No:
Date of Purchase:
Safety Warnings
BEFORE USE, ALL SAFTEY INSTRUCTIONS MUST BE READ
-As you know, the vertical bandsaw is a universal saw for contour cutting. Blade selection is
important and by choosing the right blade, you can make most any pattern cutting on most any
material with this machine. However, the most important thing is to realize how to operate it in
a safe and correct way and how to maintain it.
-We have tried to supply you all the information about these. Please be sure to look
through all the contentsin this manual so that you may obtain themaximum efficiency
and the longest machine life with minimum expense.

Part# VDL-18 8 REV#082020
-The specifications and information in this manual were current at the time this
manual was approved for printing. Dake, whose policy is one of continuous
improvement, reserves the right, however, to change specifications or design at any
time without incurring obligations.
-Always include the part number, model number, and parts description, for parts
orders or correspondence concerning your bandsaw, so we can supply you a
rapidly after-sales service.
▲WARNING
1. Read the operator’s manual carefully. Learn the tools applications and limitations, as
well as the specific potential hazards peculiar to it.
2. Always wear approved safety glasses/face shields while using this machine.
3. Make certain the machine is properly grounded.
4. Before operating the machine, remove tie, rings, watches, other jewelry, and roll up
sleeves above the elbows. Remove all loose clothing and confine long hair. DO NOT
wear gloves when operating.
5. Keep the floor around the machine clean and free of scrap material, oil and grease.
6. Always keep machine guards in place when the machine is in use. If removed for
maintenance purposes, use extreme caution, and replace the guards immediately.
7. DO NOT overreach! Always maintain a balanced stance. Do not fall or lean against
blades or other moving parts.
8. Use only sharp blades. Dull blades are dangerous.
9. Make all machine adjustments or maintenance with the machine unplugged from the
power source.
10. Use the right tool. DO NOT force a tool or attachment to do a job which it was not
designed for.
11. DO NOT make cuts requiring more power than is available on the machine.
12. Replace warning labels if they become obscured or removed.
13. Make certain the motor switch is in the OFF position before connecting the machine to
power.
14. Give your work undivided attention. Looking around, carrying on a conversation. And
“horse-play” is careless acts that can result in serious injury.

Part# VDL-18 9 REV#082020
15. Make a habit of checking to see that keys and adjusting wrenches are removed before
turning on the machine.
16. Keep visitors a safe distance from the work area.
17. Use recommended accessories; improper accessories may be hazardous.
18. Never place hands directly in line with the saw blade.
19. Always use push sticks when cutting small material.
20. Raise or lower the blade guide only when the machine has been turned off and the blade
has stopped moving.
21. Read and understand warnings posted on the machine.
22. DO NOT use attachments for any other purpose than for what they were designed for.
Failure to comply with all these warnings could lead to serious injury.
This is the safety alert symbol.
-When you see this symbol on your press be alert to the potential for personal injury.
▲WARNING
All electrical connections must be done by a qualified electrician. Failure to comply
may cause serious injury!
All adjustment or repairs must be done with the machine disconnected from the power
source. Failure to comply may result in serious injury!

Part# VDL-18 10 REV#082020
Safety Labels:
Label Part # 84605 Label Part # 84395 Label Part # 84605
Label Part # 84604 Label Part # 82199

Part# VDL-18 11 REV#082020
This bandsaw is designed to give you years of safe service. Read this owner’s
manual in its entirety before assembly or use.
The bandsaw is generally defined as a saw blade in the form of an endless steel band
that rotates around two or more wheels. This blade is a continuous metal band with
teeth on one side. As the wheels rotate, so does the band, which creates the
continuous sawing action.
Because the direction of the blade is always downward toward the table, there is little
danger (except for special cuts) that the material will be thrown back at the operator,
which is called a kickback.
The unique feature of the bandsaw is that the work piece can be rotated around the
blade creating a curve. It is the tool most often used when curves have to be cut in
Introduction to Bandsaws.

Part# VDL-18 12 REV#082020
wood or metal.
Because the bandsaw blade is fairly thin, it can cut thick stock with a minimum of
horsepower. For this reason, the bandsaw is often the machine of choice.
Fence
Fence parts
What you will receive with your Bandsaw.

Part# VDL-18 13 REV#082020
Fence guide bar Fence stop
Table ratchet handles & washers Rubber feet and hardware
Table Fence guide bar attachment parts T bar

Part# VDL-18 14 REV#082020
Note: The mobility kit and light are optional.
The bandsaw has many parts. The major parts are discussed in this manual. If you are not familiar
with the bandsaw, take the time to read this section and become familiar with the machine.
1. Tension indicator window
10. Rip fence assembly
2. Switch
11. Dust port 4”
3. Motor
12. Quick-release blade tension lever
4. Frame
13. Blade tracking knob
5. Blade tension handle
14. Optional mobility kit
6. Blade tracking window
15. 110v power socket
7. Cast iron table
16. Blade guide shaft lock
8. Blade guide adjustment hand wheel
17. Flywheel
9. Blade guide
18. Brake foot pedal
Parts of the Bandsaw.

Part# VDL-18 15 REV#082020
4. Frame.
The frame of the bandsaw is a U-shaped frame, which houses all the parts of the
machine. This is the heart of the bandsaw and must be very rigid, as it takes the
strain of the blade being tensioned.
5. Blade tension handle.
The blade tension handle moves the blade tension and tilt assembly vertically. The
vertical action compresses a spring that ensures that the blade tension is constant
and will not change dramatically as the blade length increases due to the heat
generated by the cutting action.
6. Blade tracking window.
There is a blade tracking window on the side of the frame that allows the edge of
the upper flywheel to be viewed. This allows the tracking of the blade to be
achieved with the door closed.
7. Cast iron table.
The table supports the work piece and can tilt (-6 degrees to +45 degrees) to produce
cuts at various angles. It has a groove to the right-hand side of the blade, which is
used to guide the miter gauge. In the center there is a table insert which the blade
passes through. Should the blade wander off center, this table insert will protect the
1. Tension indicator
Tension indicators are designed to indicate the compression of a
spring. As a rule, the greater the spring compression, the
greater the tension on the blade. The tension scale does not
register until the blade is relatively taut and is located on the
inside of the body of the bandsaw. The tension scale is a
general reference and not a rule. The tension indicator is visible
with the upper door closed by looking through the tension
indicator window.
2. Switch.
To start the machine press the "I" button on the start stop
switch. To shut off the machine press the "O" on the start stop
switch. When the safety switch is pressed it stops the power to
the motor. To reset it, twist and it will pop out and allow power to
be supplied to the motor.
3. Motor.
The bandsaw is supplied with a 120V motor. It drives the lower
flywheel through a drive belt.
Emergency stop button
Start / Stop buttons

Part# VDL-18 16 REV#082020
blade from damage, as it is soft and should not damage the blade. The table also
supports the adjustable fence, which is used for parallel cuts. There is a nut and bolt
that joins both sides of the table and stops the table from warping. The nut and bolt
must always be fitted in the table and only removed when removing or fitting a blade.
8. Blade guide adjustment hand wheel.
The upper blade guides are attached to the blade guide shaft. The shaft is vertically
adjustable with a hand wheel. The guides should be adjusted so the guides are just
above the wood being cut. This gives the blade maximum stability and is also the
safest way to operate the bandsaw.
9. Blade guides.
There are two sets of blade guides, one above and one below the table. The function
of the guides is to give the blade stability and ensure that the blade movement
left/right, forward/back is kept to a minimum. The guides above the table are fitted to a
shaft that has vertical adjustment. The upper guides are adjustable so that the guides
are held just above the job being cut. This gives the blade the maximum amount of
stability and also keeps the amount of blade that is exposed to a minimum. The
guides have ceramic inserts that canbe adjusted for almost zero clearance.
10. Rip fence assembly.
The rip fence assembly consists of a guide rail, cast knuckle, fence attachment
casting, rule and a high-low fence. The guide rail is attached to the table side. It guides
the fence assembly across the table. The cast knuckle slides on the guide rail and is
lockable in any position to suit the width of cut. The fence attachment casting is
attached to the cast knuckle with three screws that when loosened allow the fence to
be adjusted for drift. The fence is attached to the fence attachment casting with two
studded knobs that allow the fence to be adjusted laterally across the table to suit the
job being cut. The fence can be fitted in the low position or the vertical (7 1/4" height)
position.
There is a rule that is fitted to the side of the table and can be used as a quick guide
on the distance that the fence is from the blade. The Fence Stop can be used for non
through cuts and can be set on any length of the fence with the quick release handle.”
Note. The rule will have to be adjusted each time the fence is adjusted for drift, as this will
change the distance the fence is from the blade
11. Dust ports 4".
The bandsaw produces a lot of sawdust, so extraction is very important. This is
achieved by connecting a 4" dust extraction hoses with a minimum capacity of 1,000
CFM to the two dust ports located at the back of the machine. The stronger the suction

Part# VDL-18 17 REV#082020
from the dust collector, the better for you and the machine.
12. Quick-release blade tension lever.
There is a quick-release tension lever at the back of the bandsaw. The lever is a
convenient way of quickly releasing the tension on the blade and speeds up blade
change dramatically.
13.Blade-tracking knob.
The blade-tracking knob is located at the back of the bandsaw and is used to adjust the blade
tracking. The knob must be locked once the adjustment is completed
14.Optional mobility kit.
The optional mobility kit is fitted to the base of
the bandsaw and consists of two fixed wheels at
the front of the bandsaw and a swivel wheel at
the back of the band saw. The swivel wheel is
activated and deactivated with a foot lever. With
the swivel wheel deactivated, the bandsaw sits on
two rubber feet.
15.Optional light.
The optional light is fitted with four screwsthrough
pre-drilled holes at the top of the bandsaw.
The bandsaw is provided with a 120V socket that
the light can be connected to.
16.Blade guide shaft lock
The upper blade guide is fixed to the blade guide shaft, which is vertically adjustable. Once the
guides have been adjusted vertically; the shaft is locked in position with the lock knob
17.Flywheel.
The blade is suspended over two wheels that are covered with rubber called a "tire". The tire
cushions the blade and protects the teeth from coming in contact with the metal of the
flywheel. The lower wheel is the drive wheel and is attached to the motor with a rubber drive
belt. The lower flywheel powers the blade and pulls the blade down through the work piece.
The top wheel has two functions. One function is to balance or track the blade on the wheels,
and the second one is to tension the blade. Both functions are adjustable.

Part# VDL-18 18 REV#082020
18.Brake.
The bandsaw is provided with a brake that is operated by
applying the foot pedal. When the foot pedal is applied, the
power is interrupted from the motor and the flywheel is slowed
by the disc brake.
19.Guards
When running, the blade can be very dangerous, and the
amount of blade that is exposed must be kept to a minimum.
Disc brake on flywheel
The machine is supplied with a number of guards, all of which MUST be installed and used
while the machine is running. There is a guard that is attached to the lower door and is
adjustable vertically once the door is closed. There is a guard on the guide vertical adjustment
shaft
20.Blade tilt and tension mechanism.
The upper wheel is attached to the tilt and tension mechanism. This mechanism adjusts the
wheel so that the bandsaw blade can be adjusted for blade tracking. This is achieved by a
screwed handle at the back of the machine that pushes on the mechanism and adjusts the
axis of the wheel so that it runs true with the lower wheel. The second function is to tension the
blade, which is achieved by adjusting the upper flywheel vertically. A handle is located below
upper flywheel and, when rotated, will move the wheel up or down. The machine has a quick-
acting blade release mechanism that is located at the back of the machine and will remove the
tension from the blade to speed the removal and fitting of blades. The mechanism has a
spring, which helps to keep the tension constant as the blade expands and contracts with the
heat generated by the cutting action.
21.Electrical connection.
The bandsaw is provided with a cord and a 120v plug.
Assembly and set up.
Assembling the rubber feet.

Part# VDL-18 19 REV#082020
Rear swivel wheel
Front wheels Locking screw
Bandsaw supported on wooden block
Method 1.
Fit the rubber feet to the bandsaw
prior to removing it from the
packaging.
Method 2.
1.Support the bandsaw on
wooden blocks.
2.Assemble the rubber feet with
the hardware provide both at front and Rubber feet
back of the bandsaw.
1. Support the bandsaw on wooden blocks.
2. Fit the swivel assembly to the back
ofthe bandsaw with the provided
bolts.
3. Fit the front wheels to the front of the
bandsaw with the bolts provided and
remove the two rubber feet that are
close to the front wheels.
Note. Never operate the bandsaw with
the mobility kit engaged or the front wheel
assembly locking screw engaged.
Assembling the optional mobility kit

Part# VDL-18 20 REV#082020
.
Trunion clamp stud
Tilt stop bolt
It is possible to fit the table to the bandsaw with one person but far easier if you have two people, one to lift
the table and one to guide the trunion clamp studs
Tilt blanking disc Table tilt hole
Tilt stop bolt Tilt blanking disc
The table has a reference stop bolt that is used to quickly align the table after tilting.
The stop bolt hits the tilt-blanking disc when it is positioned over the table tilt hole.
When the tilt blanking disc is moved away from the hole, it allows the tilt stop bolt to
pass through the table tilt hole, and the table can be moved to the maximum amount
of tilt (-6 degrees).
Fitting the table.