bandsaw tyres

[sunnybob]

I cant find a new bandsaw that doesn't have several really bad reviews about it, so I'm having one last attempt at repairing my own particular piece of junk (after all, I've repaired most of it now and don't want to start all over again).
The top wheel tyre snapped, so I want to replace it.
Question 1, should I replace both? or is the top only sufficient.
Question 2, what is the best method of making sure the rubber stays on the wheel?

 

[Rhossydd]

I cant find a new bandsaw that doesn't have several really bad reviews about it,

You can find bad reviews on everything if you seek them out.
The important part is to seek a balanced view of new products.


It would help anyone wanting to give advice to state what machine you have.

 

[finish_that]

If the top tyre rubber snapped then I would expect the lower one to do the same as they would
be from the same batch of rubber - unless you know exactly why it failed.
So replace both or order both and replace one and have the second if needed.

Go with what the tyre supplier advises - I would hope to get tyres that are tight enough not to need any glue .

Before fitting new tyres I would want to ensure that the wheels are clean and with the smalles amount of runout possible - needs to be corrected if you can.

 

[sunnybob]

I cant find a new bandsaw that doesn't have several really bad reviews about it,

You can find bad reviews on everything if you seek them out.
The important part is to seek a balanced view of new products.


It would help anyone wanting to give advice to state what machine you have.

problem is, whats a balanced report?
I've searched just about all of the web and EVERY machine has a horror story. Most of the "good" reviews state "I bought it this morning and it looks good". most of the bad reports come after usage.

Even on here, every bandsaw thread has for and against posts.

My own particular horror story is a Fox 10" wheel machine. Over a year now, and parts are still breaking without any obvious cause. But untll I find a machine at the right price that has mostly good reviews I might as well carry on with it.

I was about to buy the axminster £500 model when someone said that there were several problems, from as serious as the bearing guides didn't reach the blade, to the fact that the bubble on the sliding scale is so high that the wood is tilted. Whats wrong with these suppliers?

But to get back to the original reason for posting, I thought that the rubber tyres were supposed to be glued on?

 

[blackrodd]

You don't give a model number for you're fox bandsaw, I hope this link is including you're particular model, for tyres.
Many bandsaws need fettling and setting up, I trust you have seen mr Snodgrass's vid on u tube?
He really knows his stuff and would be recommended by many on here, including me, on how to set up.
Most of the newer machinery needs fettling or fine tuning as it's all built to a price.
So don't get too disheartened, get fixing!
Obviously the glue, or not to glue question will be answered in the instructions.
HTH Regards Rodders

http://www.poolewood.co.uk/acatalog/Fox_Band_Saws.html

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from= ... w&_sacat=0
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from= ... w&_sacat=0

 

[blackrodd]

I can recommend the e bay urethane tyres from the tyre warehouse,
I put a pair on mine and they are really good,
Sorry for the second reply,my computer is playing up.
Regards Rodders

 

[Rhossydd]

problem is, whats a balanced report?

The words I used were 'balanced view'
In other words, look at all the reviews and evaluate which to take seriously and which to ignore.

It's quite common to see reviews mark down kit because of supply and delivery problems, nice to know, but irrelevant if you're trying to find out about the kit itself.
Some 'reviews' are so badly written they're not worth taking seriously. If someone can't be bothered to write clearly there's a good chance they all won't have bothered to read the instructions or fully understand what they've bought or use it correctly.
As you say, Day One reviews aren't much guidance, but reviews written after a period of use have more validity.
See if there are any common problems that effect multiple buyers and see if the issue may have been addressed if the reviews are old.

Finally you have to appreciate that nothing is ever perfect and there will be some faults that get through quality control, then it's important to see how the suppliers deal with faults.

 

[graduate_owner]

Would you consider buying second hand? I'm very pleased with the capabilities of my Startrite 351. Rock solid.

K

 

[woodpig]

Never heard a bad word about the old Startrite's.

 

[Logger]

I have a very old bandsaw which i was kindly given by a friend. Not sure of the make, but it works brilliantly. I had a rubber go and as i couldn't get the right size, i used cork which i purchased from scott and Sargent. They also sold me the correct glue which works for both cork and rubber. It is uhu +150c. It is quite expensive, but i did it 8 months ago and it has been perfect and had daily use.

I didn't change the other rubber but purchased enough cork in case but had not other failures.

Cheers

Nick

 

[RobinBHM]

I imagine Bobs location might make 2nd hand not an option.

I tried urethane tyres, they are a tight fit and should stay on but on my machine they didnt stay on long. I tried gluing them on, but that didnt work either. Ive since bought some cork from scott and sargeant which has worked very well.

I do believe the urethane tyres work very well for other people.

Bandsaw tyres arr usually sold as pairs so you might as well fiy both.

 

[blackrodd]

If the top tyre rubber snapped then I would expect the lower one to do the same as they would
be from the same batch of rubber - unless you know exactly why it failed.
So replace both or order both and replace one and have the second if needed.

Go with what the tyre supplier advises - I would hope to get tyres that are tight enough not to need any glue .

Before fitting new tyres I would want to ensure that the wheels are clean and with the smalles amount of runout possible - needs to be corrected if you can.

If the bandsaw was cutting OK before the tyre disintegrated, then leave it alone!
Just fit the new tyre to the makers instructions.
Rodders

 

[sunnybob]

As Robin has noticed, I do have a supply problem. I have been quoted shipping from £90 (axminster) to £385 from Poolewood for a £500 new machine. Shipping a used machine personally will exceed the highest of those.
Strangely, Startrite seems to have a better report than any other type, but all the ones I have seen for sale seem to be a half ton or more and covered in rust. I'm not into restoration, I just want something that will cut straight and true in any hardwood. Its only a hobby and I don't want to spend a grand and upwards.

I'm in the UK till new year and don't remember the exact model of my Fox, but it has been an uphill battle against very poor machining and non existent quality control from the factory (the top wheel was hanging off straight from the box, despite a quality insurance certificate telling me it had been thoroughly tested before shipping). Sadly, it was already in Cyprus before I got it working and all the seller offered was a replacement as long as I paid for the original to be returned. The top blade guides aren't even level and the rear fouls the sides on a narrow blade. It goes on and on......

I have discovered alex Snodgrass, and also tuffsaw blades. I would buy carter guides if they were made for my model, but that would double the cost of it.

I don't remember seeing rubber replacement in the handbook, but I do have it, so I shall check it out when I get back home.

 

[blackrodd]

I don't remember seeing rubber replacement in the handbook, but I do have it, so I shall check it out when I get back home.[/quote]
The tyres may not be in you're handbook, but some are listed on the link I posted for you, above.
Enjoy you're visit and have an excellent Christmas and new year
Regards Rodders

 

[sunnybob]

Rodders, thanks and the same to you.
But I have caught the obligatory Uk cold, AGAIN! I can barely see the screen through my blurry eyes and snuffles
Much as I love to see my grandchildren, I think from now on they can come visit me.

 

[Ian B]

Instead of buying tyres for your bandsaw, there are other options that work remarkably well. Wrapping the metal wheel with tape for instance. Masking tape works well (better than you'd expect), as does 3M friction tape. If you want to stick with rubber, there are self-vulcanizing rubber tapes around. Ebay has most of these.

HTH,

Ian

 

[andersonec]

Axminster supplied us with a tyre for a bandsaw no longer availabe so try them if you cannot find a supplier. Replace both and soak in hot water before trying to fit, this will allow some stretch as they will be very tight. There is no need for any fixative, your tyres are ill fitting because they have stretched.

Andy

 

[sunnybob]

I've bought two new tyres from poolewood, and a new circular blade insert.

The soaking idea is good. I shall remember that one.

Not too sure about maskng tape, how do you get a crown on that?