Extracting a Setscrew from Bandsaw Post Holder

allsas · Post by **allsas** » Sun May 10, 2009 3:00 pm

The Bandsaw drive hub didn't allign with the Spindle hub. When I went to adjust the Bandsaw posts, I couldn't find an allen wrench that fit the setscrew. It had been drilled out, indicating a prior problem.

I redrilled deeper, removing the end of the setscrew, and got the post out. I can get the extractor to catch, but I am concerned that I will break the extractor and leave it embedded in the hole. This is a #4 extractor

and an 8" adjustable wrench.

I can drill out some more of the setscrew, to the 1/4" recommended on the shank of the extractor. I have tried soaking the area in WD40 and Liquid Wrench. The adjustable wrench is only an 8" wrench, so a larger wrench could be used.

What is the best way to proceed? Bigger wrench, Drill out more of the setscrew, Drill out untill the threads are exposed and get a tap to push out the remains of the setscrew? Buy a new Bandsaw?

Any suggestions would be appreciated. If it was easy I'd do it myself.

ldh · Post by **ldh** » Sun May 10, 2009 4:04 pm

allsas wrote: What is the best way to proceed? Bigger wrench, Drill out more of the setscrew, Drill out untill the threads are exposed and get a tap to push out the remains of the setscrew? Buy a new Bandsaw?

Any suggestions would be appreciated. If it was easy I'd do it myself.

I have seen this happen several times with the older bandsaws and just as you have I try the easy-out way to try and save the threads in the bandsaw housing, but in the end just drill the whole thing out and drill and tap for a 3/8-16 setscrew. Use of a hard setscrew and a dab of antiseize grease on the setscrew will prevent this problem in the future. Hope this helps and do post a pic of finished fix.

ldh

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sun May 10, 2009 4:39 pm

If I am not mistaken, this is the setscrew that ceases the post to the band sa for a height adjustment (drive hub alignment).

If all else fails, you need not buy a new band saw. Just buy a pair of tube collars (501439).

One installed on the tube inside the band saw and the other on the tube outside the bandsaw.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun May 10, 2009 4:45 pm

It would appear you have drilled out MOST of the setscrew from looking at the easy-out penetration. I would not attempt to drill it out any larger. IF you are getting a good bite on the SETSCREW(not the casting), more torque may help. Impact torque will help.

The major concern is cracking the casting(It is brittle). Assuming the 'extra' torque is NOT sufficient to 'crack the casting' and the screw is still frozen, drilling it out and retapping to larger size may be the only(last) resort.

Hammer driven impact wrench may help.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93481

A hex(male) to square(female) adapter would be needed!

wa2crk · Post by **wa2crk** » Sun May 10, 2009 6:40 pm

Hi Guys;
I had this same problem with a bandsaw that I acquired for my son's system several years ago. The standard SS 5/32 allen wrhench was incapable of loosening the setscrew even after soaking the area with WD40 and several other penetrating oils.
The SS 5/32 wrench would twist and the torque exerted to remove the set screw was absorbed by the twist in the allen wrench.
I found an old 5/32 allen wrench and cut off about one inch of length and inserted it in the set screw. Then I used a 5/32 quarter inch drive socket and handle to remove the set screw by giving the wrench handle a sharp slap with the heel of my hand and the screw broke loose. By using the long allen wrench all I was doing was twisting the length of the long wrench. The short stubby piece was much stiffer and the screw loosened.
I know that this will not help in this instance, but someone may have a similar problem in the future and this may help them
Bill

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Sun May 10, 2009 7:06 pm

allsas wrote:The Bandsaw drive hub didn't allign with the Spindle hub. When I went to adjust the Bandsaw posts, I couldn't find an allen wrench that fit the setscrew. It had been drilled out, indicating a prior problem.

I redrilled deeper, removing the end of the setscrew, and got the post out. I can get the extractor to catch, but I am concerned that I will break the extractor and leave it embedded in the hole. This is a #4 extractor http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/attachment.htm?attachmentid=4441&stc=1&d=1241980699 and an 8" adjustable wrench.

I can drill out some more of the setscrew, to the 1/4" recommended on the shank of the extractor. I have tried soaking the area in WD40 and Liquid Wrench. The adjustable wrench is only an 8" wrench, so a larger wrench could be used.

What is the best way to proceed? Bigger wrench, Drill out more of the setscrew, Drill out untill the threads are exposed and get a tap to push out the remains of the setscrew? Buy a new Bandsaw?

Any suggestions would be appreciated. If it was easy I'd do it myself.

By all means, I think the best solution is your final solution. Since you will knot need the old one, I will come by and pick it up!

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Sun May 10, 2009 8:01 pm

Are you sure someone didn't use loc-tight on those set screws?

mickyd · Post by **mickyd** » Sun May 10, 2009 9:43 pm

Are you positive that your extractor isn't digging into you casting already? It's in very deep. If it is, you DON'T want to continue with extractor. I don't know what your solution would be if your already into your casting other than to drill out and use a helicoil.

ldh · Post by **ldh** » Sun May 10, 2009 11:56 pm

alsas,
I went out to my shop this evening and took a pic of one of the bandsaws that I repaired using a 3/8-16 setscrew. The left post setscrew was drilled out and replaced with the 3/8-16. You have plenty of room in the housing to drill and tap for the oversize setscrew. You will notice that I have stop collars on the posts that make it much easier to align the bandsaw hub to the power hub.

ldh

[ATTACH]4445[/ATTACH]

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Mon May 11, 2009 3:47 am

ldh wrote:alsas,
I went out to my shop this evening and took a pic of one of the bandsaws that I repaired using a 3/8-16 setscrew. The left post setscrew was drilled out and replaced with the 3/8-16. You have plenty of room in the housing to drill and tap for the oversize setscrew. You will notice that I have stop collars on the posts that make it much easier to align the bandsaw hub to the power hub.

ldh

[ATTACH]4445[/ATTACH]

A stop collar installed inside the bandsaw on the left post would also secure the post in place without using the damaged setscrew.