I have a King 14″ KC-1433FX bandsaw which has treated me well for 5 years. Lately turning the tensioning bolt has gotten difficult. I try to remember to release the tension after each session – which isn’t often enough.
I have gotten some evil crude in the threads and the bolt threads are toast. The nut seems no worse for wear.
I am going to replace and am thinking that a new rod with Acme threads would be better suited to this application.
Any thoughts on this?
Don
Replies
replace it with a bolt of greater hardness to prevent thread stripping.
Expert since 10 am.
Thanks for the reply. The OEM material was likely produced in China/Taiwan with the rest of the tool so who knows how much attention they paid to material comatibility. I hope this isn't a sign of things to come although there are certainly some nicer saws on the market for gooood prices right now.
I had to buy a 3ft length of threaded rod and have to get the square nuts made up at my local machine shop. I'll have enough to make 3 sets. The Acme thread is much stronger, but I will discuss possibly making the nuts out of softer material such as oilite bronze. Will provide an update on the solution.Don
A perfect place for the use of a dry lube(mica lube) or graphite powder after you replace the bad tension rod.
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
Bruce,
I had put a Jet-Lube product called Moly-Mist on the bolt 2-3 years ago. It is suppose to be dry and not attract dust etc. It may have been incompatible with the "mystery" metal in the bolt. I have used this on my table saw screws as well. They work good for a while then start to get stiff. I have some other dry lubes to try.Don
Edited 1/2/2008 9:54 pm ET by Don01
I had a simular issue on my Jet 14" band saw I went through two tensioning shafts. I bought the Iturra "Spinner" it's a tensioning rod (13" long) with acme threads and a large (long) brass "bolt". Worked like a charm and I bought it through Highland Hardware.
http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=5620
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http://www.drawingwithlight.smugmug.com
Thanks.
This is exactly whee I am heading but I expect to have 2 maybe 3 tension bolts for that price. I meet with the machinist Friday.
Will give an update when finished.Don
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