Alpha HW615/Ambassador C14 Bandsaws: Aligning the Upper Guide and Thrust Bearing Bracket to the Blade

Start by tightening the lock handle for the post to secure the upper guide assembly in position.

Step 1 — Post Lock Handle

Loosen the two set screws on each side of the circular guide bearing bracket. This allows the entire bracket assembly to pivot freely for alignment.

Step 2 — Set Screws on Bracket (Side View)

Step 2 — Bracket Set Screw Locations

The whole bracket assembly can now pivot. If the bearings are on an angle front to back regardless of how the bracket is pivoted, loosen the two screws on the back of the bracket and shift the guide over until the thrust bearing and guide bearings at their widest setting appear centered to the blade.

Step 3 — Centering Bracket to Blade

Step 3 — Bracket Centered to Blade (Top View)

Before fully tightening the two bracket set screws on the sides and the two cap screws at the back, rotate the guide bearing shafts so they evenly pinch the blade tightly while maintaining center to the blade. Then tighten all bracket screws firmly.

Step 4 — Rotating Bearing Shafts to Pinch Blade

Loosen the lock nuts for the bearing shafts and rotate them outwards from the blade slightly. Confirm the gaps are even front to back on both sides. The blade should be centered to both the thrust and guide bearings with even gaps between the guide bearings and the blade on both sides.

Step 5 — Even Gaps Front to Back

Perform the bearing roller calibration steps on p.15 of the HW615 manual or follow the video guide below to complete the realignment process.