Its engine drives your car. But will a perfect machine do anything if tires are not working? So, likewise, what your ideal band saw would do if it has a functional blade, but its wheels are out of order.
So, for keeping things moving, you should think about the replacement of band saw wheels as your number one priority once it gets worn out.
But after a firm decision to change them, what is still bothering you? If it is the thought, how to do it? Then do not worry. We will guide you most straightforwardly and comprehensively.
A band sawmill is a vital carpentry device that is used for cutting the logs. It keeps moving due to the continuous motion of the wheels.
Types of band saw wheels:
There are usually two types of wheels. They are drive and idler wheels. Drive wheels are responsible for propelling the band saw blade forward. It is based on a simple pulley-like driving system.
The other one that is the idler wheel, is a supporting system. It not only acts as a motion guide but also enhances the working of the wheels.
When to consider the wheels for replacement?
You should check the old wheels for replacement. Some signs are evident from the machine’s results and speed. While you may decide on some things only after inspection of the wheels if any cracks or chunks of the wheels are missing, it’s time to consider a replacement.
Replacing wheels features:
They should be a perfect round for the actual transference of pressure to the continually moving wheels. They should have enough of the shocking quality to eliminate any harmonic vibrations, as vibrations can affect the quality of cuts produced on the planks.
Before final selection, ensure that if you are buying wheels of a different brand than the band saw machine brand, then the wheels should fulfill all the specs for that brand. Keep things balanced. Usually, bigger machines need bigger wheels.
Now you will learn a step-by-step guide on how to change the wheels.
The guidelines for the replacement bandsaw wheels
Step one – Getting things in hand:
Before you start installing the wheels, get the following ready. It would help if you had essential tools and gears such as screwdrivers, a new rim, fitting rubber, denatured alcohol, and C-clamp ready.
Step two – Changing the old tire:
First of all, you have to expose the old tire. This is done by moving away from the hood from the blade. After removing the hood and unlocking all the locking clamps of the blade, you can now remove the blade.
Once the blades are removed, here are the old wheels exposed. Now you can unlock the screws with the help of a screwdriver.
After removing the rubber tires, you will inspect the wheel rim. Move it around. If you think there is a problem with the old edge. Remove it too. Now your wheel axle is free for a new fitting. But clean it first.
Step three – Putting on the wheel rim:
Now take the new side. Clean the area of any dirt, grease, or any leftover remains of the old one. Fix the rim. Please don’t overdo it after fixing the edge.
Move it in both clock and anti-clockwise directions. This will make sure that your side is in proper alignment and free of any vibrations.
Step four – Installing the rubber:
You have to clean the wheel rim now. How to do it? No prominent protocols to follow. Just clean thoroughly with a cloth. As you know, any dust, debris, or other residues can affect the Glue’s adhesiveness.
After cleaning the rim, apply a layer of denatured alcohol on it. Let it dry completely.
Here is the time to install the rubber tires. Take the tire . It has two surfaces. The rough surface should face the rim.
Get a C-clamp. Start installing the tire on the rim. Keep doing it till the whole of it is done. Now clamp it with your C-clamp.
After clamping, take a ¼ inches rod and move it all around between the tire and rim. This will help in equalizing the elasticity of the tire along the rim.
Step five – Putting Glue under the rubber tires:
After this, slide a small pipe or rod under the rubber. Now apply adhesive Glue under the lifted part. Once done, keep moving till you have used it all around. You can take out the rod or pipe.
Let it dry for about 24 hours. This drying period will ensure the smooth and long-lasting working of the wheel, and ultimately the band sawmill.
Besides using rubber tires, there is another option. These are the urethane tires. They have the advantage over the conventional ones as they come in sizes a bit smaller than their rims.
Once you stretch it, it will get fixed with exposure to heat. As they are usually undersized, so if you cannot fix it. Then put your tire in the water heated up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keep it dipped for five minutes. It will stretch, install, and get fixed after cooling, now done with the significant task. You can now check it.
Step six: Test run:
After setting the rim and tire, you have to check your band saw machine. Open the clamps, put in your saw blade at its place carefully. Now cover it with the hood. Plugin your device and try it. You can cut some planks. Make sure there is no bubbling or vibrations.
Conclusion.
If your wheels of the machine are worn out or need replacement. You have to choose them according to the specific dimensions of your machine brand. As different brands vary in their lengths, breadths, and thickness.
After removing the blade:
- Remove the old wheels.
- Clean the area properly, apply denatured alcohol.
- Dry it.
- Fix the new rim.
- Install the new tire on it.
You can use either rubber or urethane tires. Put the blades back and enjoy your machine with a new life.