Bandsaw blades keep falling off -HELP ME PLEASE!

[beeg]

How about posting some pics?

[JPG]

How about posting some pics?

Yes - we need to see what you are using! It appears you may be using a clone, not a shopsmith. The answers you need may be different from what we have given you.

[charlese]

Hi Forrest!
Sorry about your problems! I can feel your frustrations!

I found this thread from way back in 1996. Since you are talking urethane tires, check out this thread - Especially post Number 11. It was written by Nick Engler and is the straight scoop about urethane tires. https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=52&highlight=bandsaw+tires

I am confused by your statements of using 700 RPM and have no letter indications on your speed dial. How do you know your RPM speed? On a Mark V Shopsmith, you can only estimate the rotation speed. All speeds are set with a letter reference from the speed dial.Do you happen to have a Power Station, or a Crafters' Station? Also you are setting the speed at FWD. Does your machine have a reverse?

It sounds that you got your urethane tires from a source that is not Shopsmith. You can buy both rubber and urethane bandsaw tires from Shopsmith. They are for 11" wheels.

Please note the RPM speeds in Nick's post. Also I might add that the PowerPro "on-board computer" says to use 950 RPM for hardwood. However,700 RPM should run the bandsaw well. At least the tires or saw blades shouldn't fall off.

P.S. Like others a photo or two would really help us to help you!

Best Wishes!

[forrestdeer]

I never mentioned the powerhead was a Mark 7, as my issues surround the bandsaw. Maybe the dial has different markings from the Mark 5.

[BigSky]

I never mentioned the powerhead was a Mark 7, as my issues surround the bandsaw. Maybe the dial has different markings from the Mark 5.

Is that a new Mark 7 or a Mark VII? Oooops Stupid question!! A Mark 7 doesn't have a dial.

Either way, I think you have a problem that causes the upper wheel to tilt outward at the top. This is most likely the result of something being bent somewhere in the upper wheel mounting bracket.

Attach a straight edge to the upper wheel and post a picture of what you see.

[forrestdeer]

I wrote up a response, posted a few pics, but only the first line is posted??

It's not a clone. It is a Mark VII. I didn't think to mention it as I am having issues w/ the bandsaw not the powerhead -yet at least.

[BigSky]

I wrote up a response, posted a few pics, but only the first line is posted??

It's not a clone. It is a Mark VII. I didn't think to mention it as I am having issues w/ the bandsaw not the powerhead -yet at least.

Another Oooops! STOP THAT. It sounds like someone else on this forum!:rolleyes:

[JPG]

Those of us with no experience with a Mark VII are prone to forget - It has gasp SPEED VALUES gasp instead of letters (or numbers 1-9).

[mrhart]

[quote="JPG40504"]Sorry you are experiencing this difficulty.

First off, I believe the tires can be reapplied.

If you have a 'straight' blade, install it and open up the guides both top and bottom. That is to eliminate the guides from causing any problems.

Adjust the tension to remove any slack(less than normal) and manually rotate the lower wheel and observe the motion of the blade.

The blade should drift to the back side of the upper wheel and run against the blade positioning bearings. Assuming you have the double bearing guide, the blade should run in the small groove between the bearings.

Back the lower(and upper) blade backup bearings away from the blade. Manually rotate the lower wheel again until the blade positions itself(stabilizes position).

Adjust the lower blade bearing to just touch the back of the blade.

Adjust the upper blade backup bearing to just clear the back of the blade.

Again manually rotate the lower wheel and observe blade movement. Increase speed(still manually powered) until either the blade runs normally, or foe whatever reason jumps off the wheel(s).

All the while the back of the blade should be running on the backup bearings(except the upper which should continue to 'just clear').

Assuming all be normal to this point, close in the blade guides, and make sure the teeth are not into the guide. Only the flat portion of the blade should be even with the guides.

Manually again rotate the lower wheel. All should be well. If not you must determine why not!

Adjust the blade for normal tension(for the blade size) and again manually power it.

If all is well, replace the cover and try again under machine power.



Now one last detail! You ARE mounting the bandsaw to the left of the headstock(left as you face the speed control side). If you are powering the bandsaw from the quill shaft side, you have been attempting to run it backwards!!!!!:eek:

THAT DON"T WORK!!!]
JPG what other SPT's can not be mounted on the right?
This is pretty important info

[JPG]

JPG what other SPT's can not be mounted on the right?
This is pretty important info

All are intended to be mounted to the left. An exception being the 1" belt sander which depending upon the application may be mounted on either end.

The 1" belt sander can be run either 'direction'(ccw/cw). As can the jigsaw, but it is not typically mounted to the right.

The operating direction is not reversible for the jointer, bandsaw, planer.

The scroll saw I do not know about. EDIT(it also is reversable)
The 6" x 48" belt sander can be driven on either end of the ss, and can be connected from either side of the sander(dual shafts).

Now if the headstock rotating direction is reversible, . . . . . .

However the spt MUST be operated in the correct direction.