Are you a bandsaw user and befuddled about how to change its tires? Well, it’s natural to feel this way if it’s your first time doing it. There are a few technicalities that are involved in the process to get the job done correctly.
Now you might be thinking about instructions already. But we suggest not to tire yourself by walking some extra miles, because we have all ready for you. In this guide, we’ll teach you to step by step how to measure band saw tires and replace them with new tires.
It’s a butter-smooth process but all you need to do is to stay focused and follow the instructions carefully to do the job correctly. So let’s deep dive into the article to know bout the rest.
What Is a Band Saw?
The bandsaw is a versatile power tool that is greatly used by metalworkers, woodworkers, and lumberjacks. It is somehow similar to a scroll saw in creating unique patterns and adding precision to the work. But the bandsaw is more powerful than the scroll saw and can effortlessly deal with a variety of materials.
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It is recognized by its distinct design. The blade of the saw is attached to the motor with the help of a wheel. You can find it in tabletop, benchtop, and cordless designs. There are compact bandsaws also available that lack nowhere in delivering a sufficient amount of power.
How To Measure Band Saw Tires
Are you one of those who think measuring band saw tires is harder than you think? Well, the measuring process is as smooth as butter. You just need to consider some of the instructions and you’ll get the job done effortlessly.
Start with measuring the diameter of Tires
The diameter is the distance from the center point to the endpoint of the circle, the tire in this case. Its recommended that you use an inches scale for this measurement. Align the scale accurately on both the points at wheelbase and measure it away.
Minus 2 inches from the measurement
In order to get the exact figure of measurement, subtract 2 inches from the measured digit. The reason because there’s room for adjustment to achieve the most accurate results. If you ignore the adjustment, there is a high chance that you end up getting a band saw tire that isn’t in accordance with the right size.
Band Saw Tire Replacement
You’ll get to know that the tire needs replacement if your saw operates unevenly and you can’t handle it correctly. Do the proper inspection and if the substitution is needed, unfasten the tires and proceed further.
The other benefit of opening the tires is that you’ll get an accurate measurement of your tire. There will be no loophole left for the inaccuracy in the sizing of the tire.
Now after the initial examination is completed, remove the saw blade. You need to follow the instruction from the manual about how to remove the blade properly. Remove the tire from the bandsaw wheel either with the help of a razor or a knife which will part the glue pasted to place the tire.
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After releasing the tire from glue, clean the extra glue residues properly from the saw wheel surface to cleanse the area.
YOu can use a putty knife or a screwdriver to easily remove the residues. After that rinse the surface off using any solvent such as isopropyl alcohol. And then brush it off using a sturdy brush.
The reason for this deep cleaning after the tire removal is to ensure that the band saw wheel is perfectly clear of any extra glue resigns. If the procedure isn’t done correctly, it can obstruct the installation of a new tire.
Choosing the Right Band Saw Tires
When you plan to pick the tire for your bandsaw you’ll find two different options available for them. Urethane and rubber are the materials you’ll have to select from. Before making the final decision, you need to know the pros and downsides of both.
The rubber tires are less costly and run faster. But it can deteriorate in short term.You can also face a hard time installing them to the bandsaw wheel. When you install the tire with the help of glue, it can also affect the bandsaw in the form of residues.
And on the contrary, Urethane tires may differ in price are highly durable. You can easily install and fit them into the bandsaw wheel.
The tire selection is totally dependent on you. Pick the one that suits you the best. The only thing recommended is to select a -tinted tire. A bright color will look different and will be more detectable on the black wheel of the bandsaw.
Installing The New Tires
Once you have removed the old and worn tires, you need to get educated about how to remove the band saw tire correctly. You find that there are two types of bandsaw tires but the installation procedure for both of them is quite distinct. Tires can be of either urethane or rubber build which are installed in the band saw.
Fitting in the Rubber Tires
There are a few tools you need for the bandsaw rubber tire replacement. A flat-headed screwdriver, two C-clamps, metal piece, industrial glue, scrapped thin wood pieces, and denatured alcohol.
First thing first, start by fixing the rubber tire in the opposite direction of the wheel. Then try to pull and adjust the other sides of the wheel and for that use the screwdriver for equalizing the tire over the wheel.
After that, get the metal pipe and shift it to under the tire. Then wrap the pipe all around the tire by applying the glue side by side with the help of a spare wooden piece.
For pasting, you can use any good quality industrial adhesive but be vigilant to put in the right amount of glue so that it serves the purpose correctly. After all the applications and pasting, let the bandsaw untouched for 24 hours so that it dries off properly.
Fitting in the Urethane tires
Urethane tires are much easier to fit in as compared to leather tires. You can do it effortlessly using warm water, a C-clamp, dish wash, and a towel.
Start off by preparing a water tub with an added amount of dish soap. Soak the tire in the solution for almost 5 minutes to loosen up it a bit to ensure smooth fitting.
After that time, remove the tire from water and dry it off. Now with the help of a C-clamp, fix the tire on the wheel and try to fix it correctly on the edge of the wheel. And boom! You’re good to go.
There is no extra hassle and fatigue you need to face while fixing a urethane tire. It’s an easy peasy process overall.
Concluding How To Measure Band Saw Tires
We are hopeful that you have learned a lot about how to measure the bandsaw tires and replace them with new tires. All you need to do is to follow the right steps and be vigilant of missing out on any of them else you’ll lose the accuracy of the work done.
Measure the diameter correctly and buy a tire 2 inches less than the actual measurement. Overall, you’ll find the bandsaw tire replacement an easy task once you have learned it in a proper manner. We wish may this job be easier for you!
We hope you have liked the information about replacement of band saw tires, below are some faq’s about them too.
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FAQ’s-How To Measure Band Saw Tires
How To Install Urethane Bandsaw Tires?
Installation of urethane tires is a lot easier than that rubber tire installation. All you need to do is to soak the tire in the solution of hot water and the dishwasher for a maximum of 5 minutes. After that time, take the tire out of the water and dry it with the help of the tire. After that, fix the tire on the wheel with the help of a clamp and you’re ready to go!
How To Replace Bandsaw Tires?
Replacing a rubber can be a bit trickier for you. First of all, place the tire in the opposite direction of the wheel and start fixing with the help of a screwdriver by pulling it. Then wrap the metal pipe all around the tire and fix the tire by applying the right amount of glue to it using a wooden piece. Finally, leave the bandsaw for 24 hours for the glue to get dried off properly.
I’m Thomas Steven with more than 12 years of experience in woodworking. It has always been my passion to become a successful woodworker. I have completed hundreds of successful projects. This blog is a way of sharing my woodworking experiences and what tools get the best results. I write about woodworking while being an associate with Amazon and I earn a little commission from every qualifying purchase.