Shopsmith Forums

Alright, the bandsaw urethane tire sale ad has been up for almost a week. Sale ends tonight at midnight. I will be putting an order in tonight for a handful of other parts including a new bandsaw front cover. I also want to change out my tires since the original ones are still on the 16 year old bandsaw.

Can I get a quick poll on tire preference: rubber or urethane?

Thanks.
Tony

I have a circa '83 bandsaw. I've installed all the upgrades, including the new "window" cover. The tires however are original and in good shape. I purchased the standard rubber tire replacement package but it looks as if it is quite a chore to glue the new rubber tires on the wheels, so I also ordered the urethane tires, which appear to be an easier replacement. I haven't replaced the old tires yet. It's partially a "if it ain't broke don't fix it" proposition, and my indecision as to what replacement to use.

My understanding is that the urethane tires are for woodworking only, while the rubber tires can be used occassionally for non-ferris metals.

8iowa wrote: My understanding is that the urethane tires are for woodworking only, while the rubber tires can be used occassionally for non-ferris metals.

I would like to know about that. I have cut some metal periodically.

I have replaced the rubber tires about a year ago because they needed to be change. It is a miserable job, I hired my teenage son and it took a very long time. He ended up using pliers, and a Dremel tool with brass wire brush and a full respirator. Everything he was wearing was black and my wife just wanted to throw away.

The only reason I like the Urethane tires is they go on easily and come off easily. No glue to deal with. I don't know about other benefits they may offer.

I would not recommend replacing a working rubber tire and I would never go back to them.