Shopsmith Forums

I've been trying to make a "task list" of everything I need to do when I begin restoring my newly acquired Mark 5 and bandsaw. Although it will be a while before I start, I will continue using this thread for questions I might have as I work on the bandsaw.

The tires on the bandsaw wheels are very rough and have severe cracking along the edges. So I'm fairly certain these need to be replaced.

I have already quickly priced replacement tires on the Shopsmith web site. But as I was just flipping through the user manual, it states that if the tires are worn, the whole wheel assembly has to be replaced. Even on the exploded view and parts list, it has a footnote for the tires saying that part is only available as part of the wheel assembly.

So, did Shopsmith not originally sell replacement tires and made people buy the whole wheel? Or do I have an older design where I can't replace just the tires?

I know several people who have changed tires on both wheels. However, I think you have a question that would best be answered by Customer Service.

heathicus wrote:I've been trying to make a "task list" of everything I need to do when I begin restoring my newly acquired Mark 5 and bandsaw. Although it will be a while before I start, I will continue using this thread for questions I might have as I work on the bandsaw.

The tires on the bandsaw wheels are very rough and have severe cracking along the edges. So I'm fairly certain these need to be replaced.

I have already quickly priced replacement tires on the Shopsmith web site. But as I was just flipping through the user manual, it states that if the tires are worn, the whole wheel assembly has to be replaced. Even on the exploded view and parts list, it has a footnote for the tires saying that part is only available as part of the wheel assembly.

So, did Shopsmith not originally sell replacement tires and made people buy the whole wheel? Or do I have an older design where I can't replace just the tires?

How old is the manual? Does it match in age with the bandsaw? Mine is Dec 1991 and shows separate tire and wheel part #.

I have been able to replace the bandsaw tires on both Magna and Shopsmith bandsaws. It may take a lot of effort to remove the tire and adhesive from the wheel. I order the bandsaw tire/adhesive kit #555644 for the first tire and Bandsaw tire #518108 for additional tires. I used a 5/8" short dowel that I placed under the tire and then applied the adhesive/glue as I rolled the dowel around the wheel. I found placing a clamp to hold the tire to the wheel and prevent the wheel from turning allowed me to place/pull the tire around the wheel using only my fingers and hands.

I do not use the Urethane tires on any bandsaw I repair now as I found the black tires accepts hotter running bandsaw blades without any problems while I had problems with the Urethane tires. Of course this is only my opinion as other members praise the use of the Urethane tires.

Most of my repairs are for customers leaving the headstock set at a higher speed range when they last used the Shopsmith. I clean the bandsaw tires often to keep the sawdust from imbedding into the tire. I find belt conditioner helps prevent the tires from cracking/aging and makes the tires look good too.

heathicus,

If you do put together a bandsaw restoration task list, will you post it here? I also acquired a bandsaw with my Mark V, and it probably needs some work. Thanks!

Loren

JPG40504 wrote:How old is the manual? Does it match in age with the bandsaw? Mine is Dec 1991 and shows separate tire and wheel part #.

Yes, the manual matches the bandsaw. The gentleman I got it from bought the Mark 5 and bandsaw new in late 1985 and he gave me all of the original manuals and documentation (even packing slips & invoices) that came with it.

billmayo wrote:I do not use the Urethane tires on any bandsaw I repair now as I found the black tires accepts hotter running bandsaw blades without any problems while I had problems with the Urethane tires. Of course this is only my opinion as other members praise the use of the Urethane tires.

I'm interested in hearing other thoughts on this matter as I was planning on going with the urethane tires. My impression was they would be easier to install (no adhesive needed) and more durable. But if that's not the case, I would certainly be happy to save money and go with the black tires.

hobbydad wrote:heathicus,
If you do put together a bandsaw restoration task list, will you post it here? I also acquired a bandsaw with my Mark V, and it probably needs some work. Thanks!

Loren

I certainly will! I'm certain I'll need some feedback and corrections/suggestions from some of the more experienced users here anyway!

heathicus,
Take a look at some of the modifications that I have made to the SS bandsaw and you will end up with one sweet little saw.
ldh

ldh wrote:heathicus,
Take a look at some of the modifications that I have made to the SS bandsaw and you will end up with one sweet little saw.
ldh

And where can I find the pics/info on these modifications?

Here are some random pics of the bandsaw.

heathicus wrote:And where can I find the pics/info on these modifications?

Some more interesting? stuff!
https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=1648

BTW I looked in my 1991 manual re belt/wheels, and it also says the same as yours.

Your tires do not look as bad as mine! I AM living with them until they no longer work. I do not look forward to their removal

You have an older style trunion clamp bolts. Consider yourself fortunate! I also like the bright colored trunion angle scale better than my black oxide one.

You have some slight rust problems, but we both know that WILL clean up nicely.

ENJOY the rest of your restoration voyage!