Beginner Wood Hobbyist's Guide: How To Inspect And Change A Band Saw Tire
A band saw can be a wood hobbyist's best friend next to his hammer and measuring tape. With a band saw, you can take a log you had intended to use to make a fire in a wood stove and cut it into small boards to make a birdhouse. However, you have to learn how to maintain the band saw on you own to always make sure it is in peak shape to start any job when you want to start it. Part of the job of maintaining a band saw is knowing how to inspect and replace the urethane band saw tires. Here is how to inspect and replace a band saw tire.
You Will Need:
- New Band Saw
- Sand Paper
- Hot Water
- Flathead Screwdriver
Inspect Belt
You should always be checking the condition of your band saw belt every time you use the machine. You want to look for any cracks or frayed areas on the belts. Replace the belt once it starts showing signs of wearing down.
Tip #1: You should keep on extra belt on hand in case the one on the saw suddenly breaks while you are in the middle of a project, and you don't want to stop working until you can get a new one.
Unplug Band Saw
Make sure the band saw is unplugged. You could be seriously hurt if you or someone else accidentally started the band saw while you are working on it.
Take Off Old Tire
Slip the flat end of a flathead screwdriver under the lip of the old belt on the wheel of the saw. Twist the rubber lip up and slip the tire over the rim of the wheel.
Install New Belt
The new belt will be very stiff, and you will normally have to loosen it up a little before you will be able to put it on the band saw wheel.
Take the belt and run it under hot water until you can stretch take the belt and stretch it a little with your bare hands.
Take the belt quickly to the saw and slip the top part of the rim on the wheel. Wrap the belt around the rim as you pull it down alongside the wheel. You'll have to pull down hard on the belt to slip it over the bottom of the rim.
Make sure the belt is centered on the surface of the rim all the way around the wheel.
Tip #2: You should take some large grit sandpaper and rough up the inside of the belt before you put it on the rim. This will help the rubber surface of the belt grab onto the metal surface of the rim better once you put the belt on the saw and start cutting wood again.
Test Belt
Plug the band saw back in and start it up to make sure the tire works well.
