Shopsmith Forums

So how quiet do these bandsaws run? The reason I ask is the new to me bandsaw that I just got is loud. I'm running at the speed it says to on the bandsaw and it sounds like something is rubbing. Are the cooling blocks supposed to touch the saw blade or just come real close to the saw blade? It's not squealing like they say it will when cutting something if the bearings are bad. Its just loud.

Thoughts on where to start? I'm certain its user error.

Spooner,

You asked

Are the cooling blocks supposed to touch the saw blade or just come real close to the saw blade?

They are not supposed to touch. See page 18 of the Owners Manual found at the link below for more help. It is for the newer Band Saw but other than the aluminum table all of the other information is applicable to all the Shopsmith/Magna Band Saws.

https://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/manuals/845539.pdf

Band saws are by nature not very quiet.

There is a very good thread that explores how the Shopsmith Bandsaw works, and how to adjust and align it, that you may find helpful.
https://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/main ... t8542.html

chapmanruss wrote:Spooner,

You asked

Are the cooling blocks supposed to touch the saw blade or just come real close to the saw blade?

They are not supposed to touch. See page 18 of the Owners Manual found at the link below for more help. It is for the newer Band Saw but other than the aluminum table all of the other information is applicable to all the Shopsmith/Magna Band Saws.

https://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/manuals/845539.pdf

The manual is referring to the stock steel guide blocks that come with the saw. Spooner said "cooling blocks". If he in fact has cool blocks then they are adjusted up against the blade.

how do you tell the difference between cooling blocks and steel blocks? These are black and it's a 1991 Bandsaw so I'm assuming it would be using the newer style parts.

Spooner wrote:how do you tell the difference between cooling blocks and steel blocks? These are black and it's a 1991 Bandsaw so I'm assuming it would be using the newer style parts.

They are probably steel. Use a magnet. Cool blocks are an upgrade. They don't come standard on the band saw. They are a non metallic material. They can be snugged right up to the blade for added stability.

https://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cat ... blocks.htm

cool blocks are graphite I think and will feel much lighter than a steel guide in your hand

good to know the graphite blocks should be touching the blade-I think I followed the manuals adjustment instruction-which leave them -just- not in contact.


b

Well they are not steel... But not sure if they are graphite either.

Yup, those are Cool Blocks. Per Olson, which I believe is the OEM: Cool Blocks are made of a non-metallic composite ma­te­ri­al– Graphite Im­preg­nat­ed Phe­nol­ic Lam­i­nate with three syn­thet­ic dry lubricants.

https://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cat ... blocks.htm
https://www.olsonsaw.net/shop/band-saw- ... de-guides/

You injured your what?

Mitty big words for a woodworker Buckeye. LOL!!!

So these should touch the blade???