Shopsmith bandsaw problem

rubberneck · Post by **rubberneck** » Sat Jan 19, 2008 8:54 pm

cincinatti: don't mean to be taking over your post! sorry if I've done that.
Post away Nick! My owners manual is "somewhere". Dusty; I've tried a number, but not all your suggestions. I did not bother with the lower wheel because with the blade off it was really quiet. Right now I don't remember doing all you suggested but I think I'll give it a try. I'd also like to read through Nicks how-to post that should be coming up soon..Thanks guys!...Bill...

cincinnati · Post by **cincinnati** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 11:32 am

Nick wrote:About a year ago, a gentleman came into Shopsmith with a band saw with the very same complaint you have, minus the "bouncing." In fact, he even told a similar story -- his bandsaw had always made a lot of noise, then he attended one of our traveling academies and was surprised at how smoothly and quietly the instructor's machine ran. He presumed that his had bad bearings.

It wasn't that at all. After checking the wheels and tires to make sure everything was running true, we showed him how to align the blade rollers. Sent him on his way with a smooth-running machine and a bill for $0.

If you've got a manual, look up "Adjusting the Blade Rollers." Start with the auto-track roller, then the lower blade guide roller, then the upper blade guide roller in that order. If you'r missing the manual, I'll be glad to post the procedure here. Once the rollers are properly aligned, the machine will be much, much quieter.

With all good wishes,

Nick,

Thanks for your message. I do remember when I purchased the saw I had one heck of a time adjusting the upper guide bearing, the one that goes up and down with the blade guard. I will give it another shot now I am more experienced with tool set up and adjustment. Might be a good sawdust session subject. I thought I knew everything about maintaining the 510 but after your video found I missed a thing or two.

cincinnati · Post by **cincinnati** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:36 pm

cincinnati wrote:Hello!

I have owned my Shopsmith bandsaw for 10 or 12 years now. From day one I always thought it was noisy but it was my first bandsaw so I had nothing to compare it to. Fast forward to about a year ago. I got to see a Shopsmith demo. The saw the demo person was using ran as smooth as silk. I had a chance to use my Bandsaw tonight and got to take another look. I THINK the upper wheel bearing is the source of the noise. It will run smooth for a few seconds then make noise. Kinda like a ghost in trouble. LOL!!!
The upper wheel also kinda bounces and makes the whole saw shake. Is this the bearing? or a blade tension problem?

My questions

- How can I be sure it is the upper wheel bearing?

- Can just the bearing be replaced? The upper wheel /tire is like new. I bet the saw does not have more than an hour of time on it in 10 years.

-What other info should I know.

Nick!

A few days ago I had a chance to readjust everything. I still have the same noise I talked about in my original post. The closer I look I am almost positive now the noise is coming from the lower wheel. I pulled off the wheel and noticed the shaft has a gouge in it kinda like what a screwdriver would do to wood if pulled across it. The gouge does not go all the way to the bearing. But on the end of the gouge is a raised spot that I had to file down. I wonder if the bearing could have got damaged when it was pressed on ????
I there anyway to get grease into that bearing?? Can just the bearing be replaced? I hate to replace the whole wheel because the rubber is like new. (very little use)

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 10:22 am

For years my Bandsaw has made a wailing sound almost errie that I have tried to find time and time again.

Because of this thread and the fact I needed to use the bandsaw again I decided to locate the sound for once and for all. In the past I have oil/greased everything that I could find that turned, slide or moved in any fashion.

I ran the machine without the cover and I had myself convinced the bearings in my lower drive wheel was the culprit. If I removed the blade and ran the machine the noise would disappear so I was totally convinced the bearings were the problem and only showed up with loading.

Well this time I tried something different and perhaps something not to be recommended but I did it anyhow. With the machine running and blade properly tensioned it took the end of my trusty allen wrench and touched each bearing enough to stop it from turning. First the main alignment bearing nothing the noise remained. I then touched the upper guide bearing again nothing. Finally the lower guide bearing and instantly the errie wail stopped. I pulled the allen away and a few seconds later the noise was back. Again I stopped the bearing and the noise was gone, removed the tool and it came back.

Now I had my proof the lower guide bearing is the problem. I looked at the task of removing it but I let the need to do some bandsawing over ride my adventurous spirit and vowed to one day displace the ghost of the bandsaw. As of yet I haven't done anything. I will say that running the machine without the cover the noise sounded like it was coming from the lower drive wheel assembly I was totally convinced but my test proved otherwise.
Ed

eldyfig · Post by **eldyfig** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 11:04 am

Anyone ever try a mechanics stesthoscope?

cincinnati · Post by **cincinnati** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 12:35 pm

Ed in Tampa wrote:For years my Bandsaw has made a wailing sound almost errie that I have tried to find time and time again.

Because of this thread and the fact I needed to use the bandsaw again I decided to locate the sound for once and for all. In the past I have oil/greased everything that I could find that turned, slide or moved in any fashion.

I ran the machine without the cover and I had myself convinced the bearings in my lower drive wheel was the culprit. If I removed the blade and ran the machine the noise would disappear so I was totally convinced the bearings were the problem and only showed up with loading.

Well this time I tried something different and perhaps something not to be recommended but I did it anyhow. With the machine running and blade properly tensioned it took the end of my trusty allen wrench and touched each bearing enough to stop it from turning. First the main alignment bearing nothing the noise remained. I then touched the upper guide bearing again nothing. Finally the lower guide bearing and instantly the errie wail stopped. I pulled the allen away and a few seconds later the noise was back. Again I stopped the bearing and the noise was gone, removed the tool and it came back.

Now I had my proof the lower guide bearing is the problem. I looked at the task of removing it but I let the need to do some bandsawing over ride my adventurous spirit and vowed to one day displace the ghost of the bandsaw. As of yet I haven't done anything. I will say that running the machine without the cover the noise sounded like it was coming from the lower drive wheel assembly I was totally convinced but my test proved otherwise.
Ed

Sounds just like my problem. I will have to give it another look.

cincinnati · Post by **cincinnati** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 12:37 pm

eldyfig wrote:Anyone ever try a mechanics stesthoscope?

I have a cheap Harbor Freight model I will have to give it a try. But it only seems to make noise when I am cutting. I will need an extra hand.

fixit · Post by **fixit** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 10:58 pm

I just eliminated the same squeal described by Ed in Tampa yesterday when my Bandsaw tune-up kit arrived from Shopsmith. Instead of touching the bearings with the allen wrench I had to cover off and set the bearings so they were away from the blade about 1/16". I then backed the upper guides away from the blade. Then I used a long piece of scrap wood to make a short cut. As soon as the blade was pressed back against the lower bearing the squeal returned. This did not happen when I backed the lower bearing off and tested the upper bearing. I replaced the lower bearing and now the saw is quieter than it has been in years!

However, I now notice a rhythmic "tick, tick" sound as the machine runs. I'm betting that's the weld in the blade hitting the bearings each rotation. I'll find out for sure Saturday when I have time to check it out again. Can't do it until then 'cause I'm headed for the Traveling Academy classes Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday!!!!!:D

Funny, I NEVER was bothered but that ticking sound when I had that squealing noise. But I bet if I file down the weld well enough it ticking will disappear.

cincinnati · Post by **cincinnati** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 8:47 pm

Thank!

I was 100% sure it was the bearing in the lower wheel. I tried what you did and the noise stopped when I touched the lower guide bearing. Feeling better about this now. That bearing is a lot cheaper to fix than a new lower wheel.

Ed in Tampa wrote:For years my Bandsaw has made a wailing sound almost errie that I have tried to find time and time again.

Because of this thread and the fact I needed to use the bandsaw again I decided to locate the sound for once and for all. In the past I have oil/greased everything that I could find that turned, slide or moved in any fashion.

I ran the machine without the cover and I had myself convinced the bearings in my lower drive wheel was the culprit. If I removed the blade and ran the machine the noise would disappear so I was totally convinced the bearings were the problem and only showed up with loading.

Well this time I tried something different and perhaps something not to be recommended but I did it anyhow. With the machine running and blade properly tensioned it took the end of my trusty allen wrench and touched each bearing enough to stop it from turning. First the main alignment bearing nothing the noise remained. I then touched the upper guide bearing again nothing. Finally the lower guide bearing and instantly the errie wail stopped. I pulled the allen away and a few seconds later the noise was back. Again I stopped the bearing and the noise was gone, removed the tool and it came back.

Now I had my proof the lower guide bearing is the problem. I looked at the task of removing it but I let the need to do some bandsawing over ride my adventurous spirit and vowed to one day displace the ghost of the bandsaw. As of yet I haven't done anything. I will say that running the machine without the cover the noise sounded like it was coming from the lower drive wheel assembly I was totally convinced but my test proved otherwise.
Ed

cincinnati · Post by **cincinnati** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 8:49 pm

eldyfig wrote:Anyone ever try a mechanics stethoscope?

FYI-I gave the stethoscope a try and it did not help at all.