Rubber Tire


30
Jan 10

What to Look for When Buying Band Saw Tires

While very thin blades on a band saw are used for detailed and fine cutting, wider blades are used for straight cutting. The throat capacity, or the size of the saw from blade to frame, can range from 8 inches up to 36 inches. Typically the blades have two or three wheels. For woodworking purposes, the blade width can range from 1/8 inch up to 1 inch across.

If you are a woodworker by trade, then a band saw, no doubt, is a tool you use almost every day. For a great deal of straight cutting or resawing, you’ll want to choose at least a 14-inch band saw for your cutting needs. Band saws are versatile saws so they are highly prized for anyone who enjoys woodworking as a hobby or has made it their profession. In professional shops, woodworkers particularly like 17” size band saws as they are usually the most economical, although the saws also come in 19”, 21” and 24” sizes. The 17-inch band saws are particularly good for resawing and curve cutting.

Therefore, choosing the right band saw tires is key to achieving good results when you’re woodworking. It doesn’t matter then if your band saw is aligned properly. If your tires go bad, your machine will not cut wood with optimum efficiency.

Consequently, if you have an older band saw that vibrates and isn’t performing smoothly, tire replacement is a must. Every band saw has varying features; therefore, some wheels on band saws require installation that is specific for the type of tire. If you must replace your tires, you’ll need to:

  • Remove the tires currently in place;
  • Clean the rims on the band saw
  • Stretch the new tires over the rim
  • Glue the tires in place
  • Equalize the new tires, then trim and crown them
  • Rebalance the wheels

The Internet offers various brands of band saw tires, including Delta band saw tires and Harbor Freight tires. For example, you can replace an old band saw tire with model number 426020940003 from Delta. This model tire fits all Delta 14-inch band saws. The manufacturer suggests that you use weatherstrip adhesive by 3M to affix the tire to the wheel. Place the tire in hot water to make it easier to install. The tire is 1 inch across and is 1/8 inch in thickness.

A band saw tire is a vital piece of equipment on a band saw as it keeps the blade from making contact with the wheel and causing damage. The aforementioned brands offer band saw tires made of rubber or urethane. For the money, urethane is probably a better choice as it doesn’t require glue to keep the tire in place and generally lasts longer than a rubber tire. Make sure that the tires you select are sized a couple inches smaller than the wheel for a good and reliable fit. Most tires, like the products mentioned, cost from around $39.00 on average at local retail outlets and on the Internet.


30
Jan 10

How to Replace Band Saw Tires

Band Saw Tires: Rubber Tires versus Urethane

If your band saw is not running smoothly and operating at precision efficiency, it could be that your band saw tires are worn. Therefore, checking the tires is usually a good first step in eradicating any difficulties along these lines.

The Choice for Urethane

Worn tires are often brittle and show a number of grooves or cracks. If you’ve determined that this is a problem with your machine, then you’ll need to take the wheel measurement for your blade. The tire your purchase should be 2 inches smaller than the size of the wheel so it will fit correctly. Once you have the measurement, you’ll need to decide on the type of tire you want to buy. If you have a larger, higher-speed machine, it’s probably best to pick urethane tires versus rubber band saw tires. Even if your machine is smaller, urethane tires may still be better in the long run than rubber tires.

A Durable, More Reliable Choice

Rubber tires require epoxy or glue for installation while urethane tires do not need any type of glue in order to be installed. Urethane tires are often recommended over rubber tires too as they generally last longer. Although, on average, urethane tires are more expensive, you probably will be saving more over time as the tires are proven to be, as stated, more durable.

A Safe Color

Tires come in a number of styles for use on various band saws. For instance, 3 wheel band saw tires fit Inca 710 band saws or you can find urethane tires that fit the 14” wheels of band saw blades. One thing that’s nice about urethane tires is that they do not become brittle like rubber tires. In addition, installation is much easier as it only takes a few minutes as you don’t need, as mentioned, any kind of glue. If you want to achieve better tracking and a smoother running machine, then choosing a band saw tire made of urethane is a preferred way to go. Pick the orange tires for safety and to aid you whenever you inspect the blades.

The Urethane Advantage

Of course, another advantage about a urethane tire is that when it does need replacement, it won’t be as hard to remove as a tire made of rubber. It can be a long, laborious process taking off an old rubber tire versus one made from urethane. You have to make sure that all the glue and residue is removed so the new tire fits well. Therefore, removing an old rubber tire involves a lot of scraping and brushing of debris. In addition, water and cleaning solvents aren’t recommended as they can damage the machine. Consequently, choosing to buy a urethane tire is a suggested choice if you want to save yourself future hassles and you want your machine to perform with maximum efficiency.

Take a look at the Internet. They offer a variety of tires, one of which is sure to fit your particular machine.