I recently acquired a Sears 12″ bandsaw. It sits on a stand with metal legs and is belt-driven by a motor which hangs below. It takes 80″ blades, which seem to be readily available. It seems to run and cut fine, however the tires are not snug on the wheels. This doesn’t seem to be an issue when it’s running, but the tires slip off slightly when I try to put a blade on.
Anyone else have this type of saw? If so, how do you like it?
Also, what can I do about the loose tires? Can I tighten up the ones I have, or do they have to be replaced?
Replies
Gotta get new ones. They are very affordable. Better material than original too.
If the tires have lost their elasticity and are easy to move on the wheels, which happens eventually with rubber tires, they will need to be replaced. On Delta style 14" band saws this is easy, new tires are readily available and they just snap into the grooved rims of the wheels. On your saw the tires may have to be ordered as spare parts from Sears, but a search may turn up another source. With luck your tires won't have to be glued on and will also just snap over the rims of the wheels. You should be able to tell easily if the old ones were glued on.John White
Shop Manager for FWW Magazine, 1998-2007
Hartville Tools and Carter Products carry urethane replacement 12-inch tires. To install you will need a pair of spring clamps and a pan of hot water. Clean any gunk or other detritus off the wheel. Toss the urethane tires in the hot water for a few minutes, this will soften them and make it easier to stretch around the wheel. You will be able to fit them about half way on without much force, spring clamp them to the wheel, clamp the assembly in a bench vise or some way of holding it and stretch the tire around the rest of the wheel. Job complete.
Roland Johnson
I have the same BS.
New tires available from Woodcraft. I just took the old ones to the store and had new ones on a few hours later. As I recall, they were about $20.
Good luck!
Cheers,
EW
The 12" bandsaw I have has three wheels! Little wheels at that! When one of the tires dry-rotted off, I just went out and bought a drive belt for a Dirt-Devil. A little triming here and there to get the fit right AND the "crown" needed, but it has been flawless ever since. Since they are sold in pairs, I have a "spare tire" for either of the other two wheels.
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