Shopsmith Forums

this isn't a complaint


I have a older band saw ,,,,, so the new one's may be different,,,,, here is a question .

in order to relieve tension on my blade,,,,, I have to remove my cover ,,,,, after doing this countless times I have dropped one of the knobs and broke it ,,, it is time consuming if all i want to do is loosen the blade and not remove it,,

Doing this will add life to the rubber tires and extend the life of the blade .


I know the knobs are not expensive and it was my fault it got broke ,,so this isn't a complaint ,,,,however a simple adjustment hole in the cover would make adjusting the tension on the blade a lot easier and quicker ..a plastic lens in the front would make seeing the adjustment easy as well,,,,,

Any one else see this as a possible up grade or have they done this all ready,, ?

I drilled a 5/8" hole to access to the tensioning set screw, also I dont use the blade tension guide. I go by flicking the blade with my finger to set the tension.

There is a thread that goes into all the modifications to the old cast iron band saws. You may want to read through it here. http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/maint ... t8361.html

That is how the new covers are. I suspect many have done it. I modified mine right after SS came out with the new design. I am about to walk out of the house but will post a picture when I get back.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... wcover.htm
For the whole cover.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/item ... tem=522217
For the window

You just might find a plastic knob that will fit the cover bolt. Ace has a good selection. Probably have to get one that allows the bolt to come through the top. Better'n nuttin.

Here is the picture of how I modified my band saw cover. I used a piece of plexiglass for the window and glued it on the inside with super glue. It has been there for 15+ years with no problems. It is absolutely a worthwhile mod.

Thats what I was talking about , thanks every one,

I picked up a origional knob from ebay .I bought 2 in case I drop another one.

Thanks again.

Looks great, John. I may have to try that also.