Cleaning up the Bandsaw

deadbox · Post by **deadbox** » Sun Jan 30, 2011 10:59 pm

Now to start on the bandsaw and finish off the list of parts I'll need. Here's what I've got to work with.
[ATTACH]11710[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH]11708[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH]11707[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH]11709[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH]11706[/ATTACH]

Some rust, lots of sawdust, and at least one screw missing. Those guide blocks worth trying to save? The blade looks pretty toast

8iowa · Post by **8iowa** » Sun Jan 30, 2011 11:20 pm

From what I see in the pictures the bandsaw's tires look pretty good. Clean them up with a nylon brush and some mineral spirits.

You have the old bronze back-up rollers. I would replace them with the new ball bearing types. You might as well get the cool blocks at the same time. The band saw will then run much quieter.

The new cover, with the tensioning window and dust port, is a little expensive, but nice to have.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun Jan 30, 2011 11:33 pm

Step 1 - release the tension on the blade! The red bar may already have been over-stressed.

Step 2 - You already know how to handle the rust. Judge the blade guides after rust removal.

Step 3 - I would get a upper blade guide upgrade(two bearings replace the one).

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Mon Jan 31, 2011 4:37 am

Clean, clean, clean. Once that crud is gone, clean the tires as already said. I use my finger nail to scrap the tires to remove anything embedded. An old credit card works too. I cut a lot of aluminum which embeds badly and must be removed soon after.

I would also discard that blade and start new. The blades are available most any where they handle bandsaw blades. Seventy two (72") inches is what you need.

I don't know for certain about the older bandsaw but the upper wheel bearing probably needs to be greased and I don't believe there is anything to be done to the lower bearing.

Please don't use it without a cover. I have never seen anyone who was mangled by a flying bandsaw band but I'll bet it is nasty.

deadbox · Post by **deadbox** » Mon Jan 31, 2011 12:31 pm

I do have the bandsaw cover and its in perfect shape, just not in the pics. But no cleaning today. Its too damn cold outside (-20C / -4F) to scrub and soak in mineral spirits.

wa2crk · Post by **wa2crk** » Mon Jan 31, 2011 1:29 pm

What is the item on the rear of the saw near the drive shaft? It looks like the retaining clip that is used to hold the lower wheel in position. Is it a home made cover retainer for a pully cover? Looks interesting whatever it is.
Bill V

KDC · Post by **KDC** » Mon Jan 31, 2011 2:00 pm

Nice bandsaw! I am doing the same as you I just bought an SS with a bandsaw for 200 clams. My blade did the same thing. I just tracked it while turning it by hand and made a easy adjustment. It worked when I went to look at it but I laid it down in the back of my truck and hauled it home (a 120 mile trek).

Where can I find the blade guide upgrades? I have a 1976 SS bandsaw. Is there any other upgrades for my bandsaw? Hope this wasn't a hijacking.

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Mon Jan 31, 2011 2:32 pm

Go here, then click on bandsaw on the left hand part of the screen.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/index.htm

deadbox · Post by **deadbox** » Mon Jan 31, 2011 2:56 pm

wa2crk wrote:What is the item on the rear of the saw near the drive shaft? It looks like the retaining clip that is used to hold the lower wheel in position. Is it a home made cover retainer for a pully cover? Looks interesting whatever it is.
Bill V

I have a pulley cover that seems to fit on that clip. Not sure if the cover is home made or not, but doesn't seem to be. I'll have a pic of it later when everything is reassembled

KDC · Post by **KDC** » Mon Jan 31, 2011 5:53 pm

beeg wrote:Go here, then click on bandsaw on the left hand part of the screen.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/index.htm

Thanks, man.