Shopsmith Forums

My Shopsmith Bandsaw purchased in 1980 will not track properly. The ¼" blade i usually use does not touch the back roller while it does touch the front top roller but almost runs off of the inside of the bottom wheel.

Otherwise seems to cut OK but is obviously getting old. The only thing I have really done to it in all these years is put new Urethane tires on.

How do i get the blade to touch the back roller while not running off the lower wheel?

Any help would be appreciated.

First back the 'upper' back up bearing(the one directly above the table) so it does NOT touch the back of the blade.

Then determine where the blade tracks.

The blade should ride on the upper rear guide bearing which should position the back of the blade approximately 1/4" from the back edge of the tire. If the blade is significantly different from 1/4", the upper wheel cant is off.
Assuming the blade tracks correctly on the upper wheel, the blade should also ride on the lower front guide bearing(located under the table) which should position the back of the blade approximately 1/4" from the back edge of the lower wheel tire. Neither guide bearings are adjustable relative to the base frame.

Do let us know what you observe.