Bandsaw tire issues

rdavidp · Post by **rdavidp** » Thu Dec 13, 2012 9:45 am

My bandsaw was made in 1985. Has Shopsmith changed the size of the bandsaw wheels since then? I ordered and received two rubber bandsaw tires from Shopsmith. I put it in a vice and clamped, but there is no way the rubber tire is big enough to go on the wheel. The rubber is warm, and I am a pretty big, strong guy. This is not the new urethane tires, but the rubber ones. In fact the new rubber tires are much smaller than the old ones that I took off. Or maybe did the supplier send Shopsmith the wrong size tire?

wa2crk · Post by **wa2crk** » Thu Dec 13, 2012 10:20 am

rdavidp;
I would check with SS customer service and ask. The bandsaw wheels have not changed size since the 1950's. It is possible that they got a bunch of undersized tires. In the past they did get a shipment of the urethane tires that were wrong. I recently put rubber tires on my bandsaw and they were difficult to say the least. They should be glued on using contact cement. I had to clamp the rim of the wheel in the vise on the front of my workbench (it has wooden jaws) and stretch the tire over the rim. It is a real finger pincher but it is possible. I am not exactly tiny either, 6'1" and about 220.
Bill V

videobear · Post by **videobear** » Thu Dec 13, 2012 11:24 am

Just put it on partway and start stretching it, working your way around the wheel. It will go on. Then lift up with a screwdriver under the edge, and smear glue in there. Work your way all around the rim.

bosox · Post by **bosox** » Thu Dec 13, 2012 11:56 am

Did you try soaking in the tires on hot water? If you have the approximately 9 inch tires, go on a 12 inch plus wheel.You do have the correct tires.

billmayo · Post by **billmayo** » Fri Dec 14, 2012 10:47 pm

I have a set of the black Shopsmith bandsaw tires that cannot be mounted regardless of all the methods of installation I have tried. They were purchased many years ago so I have no package or order form for them. I believe you will damaged the wheel if you try too hard to install these shorter length bandsaw tires. Now the black tires from Shopsmith are almost as expensive as the orange ones that are available. Now, I will use the orange ones and glue them to the wheel.

bcone1381 · Post by **bcone1381** » Sat Dec 15, 2012 4:07 am

I was curious the cost difference between the black rubber and the urethane tire The Shopsmith service Parts List says NA. That surprises me. Mine are old, and I see some dry rot. Hummm....

Hey Shopsmith....if you read this, We appreciate your service, we love your tools, we want to trust you, and we are a forgiving bunch. Can you help us out here? What do you recommend?

A popular auction site sells blue urethane tires, but I'd rather use yours.

YouTube · Post by **admin** » Sat Dec 15, 2012 6:46 am

I'll make a note to fix the service part listing. The rubber tires are here:

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/bandsawtire.htm

We offer both the regular rubber tires, as well as the premium urethane tires.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sat Dec 15, 2012 7:37 am

admin wrote:I'll make a note to fix the service part listing. The rubber tires are here:

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/bandsawtire.htm

We offer both the regular rubber tires, as well as the premium urethane tires.

This posting is typical of discussions that comes up regularly here on the forum. Issues like this would best be responded to by an official statement from Engineering.

What are the pros and cons of the part(s) in question?

What is the best way to install the part(s)?

Are special tools required?

Is one part better than another and if so why?

We, as users, have opinions and while those opinions are based on our experience, they are not necessarily consistent with those of Shopsmith.

This would be an excellent opportunity for Shopsmith to take steps toward setting this forum head and shoulders above the others. Answer questions like this with an "official position".