Replies

1. 
   rsaunders | Feb 23, 2008 05:43am | #1

   Heat them in as hot a water as you can stand while wearing gloves. They are a bear to get on, you might even consider using some dish soap to help. It's worth the effort.

1. 
   EricT | Feb 23, 2008 06:07am | #2

   Does this look right?  I'm using the tire-change tools from my bicycle and still can't get them on.

    

   
1. 
   rsaunders | Feb 23, 2008 06:14am | #3

   From the picture they look too small, try the very hot water. It's hard to go by pictures.

2. 
   saschafer | Feb 23, 2008 11:13pm | #8

   I recently installed some Carter tires on my bandsaw (14"), and yes, when you first compare them to the wheels you think they're way too small and will never fit. But with enough hot, soapy water, perserverance and swearing, they do eventually go on. They have to be very tight to avoid lifting at speed.

   -Steve

    

1. 
   Joe Sullivan | Feb 24, 2008 05:24am | #9

   That was my experience. Hot water, soap, lots of leverage, lots of swearing, and a bit of time. The tires have now been in place for a couple of years and are doing well. I hope they do well for a long time, as I really don't want to put more on any time soon. Joe

2. 
   chabber | Feb 24, 2008 09:53am | #10

   Steve - any idea why the Carter tires are so much more expensive than other tires? I see that they run about $35 a tire where other ones run about $30 a pair. That is quite a difference.Mostly asking because i bought some of cheaper ones before and I am questioning the quality. In your opinion, are the Carters that much better?Josh

1. 
   saschafer | Feb 24, 2008 08:22pm | #11

   No, I don't know what the difference is, other than that the Carter tires actually have a name associated with them (as opposed to "generic orange urethane tires"), and also have a very good reputation.

   -Steve

    

3. 
   blewcrowe | Feb 26, 2008 09:24pm | #13

   But with enough hot, soapy water, perserverance and swearing, they do eventually go ...........

   The swearing: that's the effective part. You must have a diversified repertoire and state with proper volume and inflection.

2. 
   Disputantum | Feb 23, 2008 07:15am | #4

   Another trick is to use a pair of clamps to hold part of the tire in place while using levers to get rest on. I just put urethane tires on my 14-incher and it was struggle. I took the wheels out though.

   ne sutor ultra crepidam

   
   

   ---

   Edited 2/22/2008 11:17 pm ET by Disputantum

3. 
   JohnWW | Feb 23, 2008 04:39pm | #5

   Eric,

   Heat them in very hot water, and then quickly stretch the tire by putting your foot through it and then pulling upward while the opposite side is pinned to the floor, then turn the tire 90 degrees and stretch it a second time. Move fast, you don't want the tire to cool off and it will start shortening from the stretching after a minute or so. Using clamps or having a second pair of hands is also a big help.

   John White

4. 
   mike4244 | Feb 23, 2008 08:13pm | #6

   Usually the hot water thing works, not always though. As a last resort try this method. Measure the wheel first. If it is 12" then cut four pieces of 3/4" plywood that will make a circle at least 12 1/8" in diameter. Temporarily fasten the four pieces of plywood. Cut a 12 1/8" circle from this setup. Remove the temporary fasteners.

   Install a short screw in each piece where they meet in the center, this is so you can pull up all four pieces at the same time. When you pick up the pieces a little bit the radius gets smaller.Now the tire can go around the form. Slightly push the form down until you meet some resistance. Now heat the tire with a blow dryer or heat gun set on low.You may be able to use the hot water method instead if you have help. The hot water will evenly heat the tire, the hairdryer has to be quickly drawn around the tire so it doesn't cool.

   When the form is flat the tire will be slightly over sized.Have someone hold the form on the wheel so you can pry it off onto the wheel.

   I had to do this twice on an old no name bandsaw with 16" wheels. Another fellow tried gluing on rubber for tires. This only worked for a few days .I have not seen or heard of this before but it worked for me.

   mike

5. 
   Vic Damone | Feb 23, 2008 08:28pm | #7

   http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/SkillsAndTechniques/SkillsAndTechniquesPDF.aspx?id=2258

6. 
   PeteBradley | Feb 25, 2008 02:43am | #12

   Those tires look right. Forget the hot water. This article should get you there:

   http://www.owwm.com/files/PDF/FAQ/1992-FWW-BandsawTires.pdf

   Pete