The blade keeps comming off my 14 inch Delta Bandsaw. When it comes off the top wheel feels like it is rubbing on something. I can reposition the bladeandget it totrack but then it goes bad once it is on.
Also, I used to be able to loosen the vertical threaded rod behind the top wheel and the top tire would easily go up/down on its mechanism. Now it seems like it is difficult to move at all without taping it with a mallet. I am tempted to dismantle clean and lubricate the entire thing.
Any ideas
Replies
My only thought on the blade coming off is that the blade isn't tensioned adequately. Either the tension isn't set high enough or the QR is disengaged. From paragraph two, this doesn't sound like the problem though.
With the blade removed from the upper wheel, can you adjust the vertical threaded rod any easier?
Chris @ www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
With the blade removed, I can turn the rod so that it shortens and doesn't engage the yoke that the upper unit sits on (the frame of the saw). This used to promptly cause the upper wheel to drop. Now it will only go down if I tap the mechanism with a hammer (which I don't want to do).
Thanks
Frank
A clean and lube should fix it. I had the same problem with my Ridgid bandsaw. I used some spray Teflon as the lube.
-Steve
Thanks
FB
Biscardi ,
There may be a spring on the rod that adjusts the tension , it could be broken or otherwise hung up and that could be causing the hard to move up and down .
Have you also used mechanism to center the blade on the crown of the top tire ? besides placing the tension you may also need to adjust the tilt .
good luck dusty
I had that problem with mine. It turns out the wheels were not aligned straight up and down with each other. This was due to me installing a riser block and not adjusting properly, once I adjusted it is fine. HTH.
Dana
Bis,
I can commiserate with you, I own a 14" Delta also. It required a lot of time and effort to get close to right, and has put me off of Delta forever.
What I found with mine was a problem with the tracking adjuster. On this particular Delta "tool", the thumbscrew under the tension adjuster pushes on a triangular shaped deally that tilts the top wheel in and out to track the blade.
Delta's pi$$ poor quality control missed the fact that the adjuster was hitting the wheel cover and the thumb screw was stripped. So even though I turned the thumbscrew in and out the top wheel never moved.
I took the "tool" apart, used a jig saw and a file to enlarge the hole enough for the adjuster to clear, cut threads for a 5/16" bolt to replace the stripped 1/4" thumbscrew and reassembled the "tool".
Problem solved.
One of the symptoms was that the tensioning bracket, hence the wheel, wouldn't move freely, so it sounds very similar to your problem. It's easy to take apart, just don't lose the spacers that go between the wheel bearing and the adjuster bracket. If you do, you will have to deal with Delta "Customer Service". Then you will really be $crewed.
The owner's manual has a pretty good exploded diagram that shows how it's supposed to go together. Use your digital camera to take photos as you disassemble if you don't feel comfortable.
Good Luck.
You are absolutely correct. That triangular piece that changes the pitch on the wheel was hitting and impeding the movement of the wheel downward. Also, it needed an oiling as the tracks were dusty.
I am sorry you have had so much problem with Delta. Mine has worked ok till now, but I only use it as a hobbyist.
Thanks
Bis,
Glad you found the problem.
One other thing I had really bad luck with. On my, "tool", the trunions that hold the table onto the frame broke. They are very flimsey, almost look like pot metal. You might check yours for tightness/integrety while you have your machine down.
I'm a hobbyist too, but I've had A LOT of trouble with this saw for the little it has been used.
I have replaced the table, (miter gauage wouldn't fit right from the factory), the trunions, and had the adjuster problem. Oh, well, If I wasn't working on my band saw I would just be wasting time making furniture and jewelry boxes...
Regards,
Fred
I assume you have a newer model. It's sad that Delta has gone this way. There are a few after market add ons that can solve the problems. One was a replacement for the blade alignment made by Iturra Design. Mine was warped over the years and this fixed it. Check out Iturra Design. I don't think he's on the web but you can call them at 866-883-8064. They are really nice folks. Order a catalog from them. It has a wealth of knowledge.
I'm sure the knotheads are tired of me showing off but here's my thread on my restored bandsaw.
http://forums.taunton.com/fw-knots/messages?msg=40157.1Len
"You cannot antagonize and influence at the same time. " J. S. Knox
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