For making professional cuts on wood, metal, fiberglass, or any hard material a bandsaw is the only reliable power tool. It might be pricey, but its workmanship totally worth it.
But for that, you must learn how to measure band saw tires and replace them yourself like a PRO!
Usually, band saws are used for resawing woodwork and metal cutting. However, with proper blade and speed, any band saw can cut any material as long as the blade is well aligned.
If the blade is not cutting straight, then the worn-out wheel-tire must be the culprit and needs replacement. Today’s discussion is all about how to measure bandsaw tires so that it can be replaced properly.
Step By Step Guide To Measuring & Replacing Band Saw Tires
Though the wheels or tires are probably the cheapest part of a bandsaw but play a vital role. The type ensures that the blade does not slip on the wheel.
It gives the metal blade proper cushioning and alignment so that it runs smooth and straight, without wobbling. The tire also prevents metal to metal friction and lengthens the blade life.
Follow the step by step guide to measure and replace all kinds of band saws:
- Check Whether They Need Replacement
When the blade starts running out of line, gets loose, or wobbles then the first thing that needs to check is the wheel and its tire.
If the tire is cracked, chipping off, or simply wearing out, then it is time for a replacement of the tire.
If the blade is dull, then it is best to replace that as well. If not replaced on time, the tire, as well as the blade, can be a potential weapon to cause accidents. - Measuring The Band Saws
Now, the million-dollar question, I know the bandsaw size, but what is the size of the tire should be? Well, the size of the tire doesn’t depend on the size of the band saw, it depends on the wheel size.
Measure the diameter of the wheel using an inch scale. Measure from one side to the opposite side. If the wheel is 12 inches, then the tire it uses will be 2 inches shorter than that, which is 10 inches.
So, no matter what the size of the wheel diameter is, the tire will always be 2 inches shorter. Usually, the size of the tire available online also has a gradient of 2 inches. It starts at 10 inches and rides up to 20 inches. - Rubber vs Urethane: Picking The Right Kind
The band saw tires are available in two different types-rubber and Urethane. Both have a few advantages and disadvantages. It is better to know all the pros and cons before choosing the right tire.
Rubber tires are cheaper, but a chip off fast, wear out easily, and hard to install on the bandsaw wheel. Rubber also creates glue residue that affects the bandsaw itself.
On the other hand, Urethane tires are pricey by a few bucks more but last very long. These tires are easier to fit on the bandsaw wheels too.
No matter which material you choose, don’t forget to get a bright colored tire. The bright color is easily detectable compared to a black tire on the black wheel. - Preparing the Wheel for Replacement
If the bandsaw tire needs replacement, simply take a flat head screwdriver. Pass the flat head in between the wheel and the tire, and scoop out the old tire.
Clean the wheel and glue residue (if any) using Denatured alcohol and leave it to dry. - Fitting a Bandsaw Tire
Now, as band saw tires are different, so is the procedure of fitting those on the wheel. Here, the procedure of fitting rubber and urethane tires are explained separately.
- Replace Rubber Tires
To fit a rubber tire, the things you will need are two C-clamps, a flat head screwdriver, industrial glue, metal pipe, scrap thin wood pieces, and denatured alcohol.
Use two C-clamps to fix the rubber tire on opposite sides of the wheel. Now, pull and set the other two sides of the tire on the wheel. Use the flat head of the screwdriver to equalize the tire on the wheel. Pass the flat head of the screwdriver all around the tire.
Now use a metal pipe and pass it under the tire, just like the flathead. Now roll the pipe all around the tire slowly and keep applying glue using a thin wooden scrap piece.
Any general-purpose industrial adhesive will do. Make sure to apply a thin layer or it under the rubber tire and leave for 24 hours before using the band saw. - Replace Urethane Tire
Fitting a Urethane tire is even easier. Simple over the counter items are enough to do this within minutes. The things needed for this are a C-clamp, warm water, dish soap, and a towel.
Fixing the Urethane tire requires some preparations. Take a tub with warm water and dish detergent to soak the tire for 5 minutes. It will help to loosen up the tire a little bit and make fitting in easier.
Pick the tire after 5 minutes and wipe it dry. Now use one C-clamp and fix it on a point of the wheel. Now pull and fix this tire on the edge of the wheel.
Fitting a Urethane tire is as simple and that. Unlike rubber tires, this tire can be used instantly.
Table Saw Vs. Band Saw: Which One is Better?
There is a dilemma about the useability of a table saw and a band saw. Many people become confused while choosing a saw for their needs. Here is a short overview of both kinds of saws. Hope this helps to clear out the confusion.
- Band Saw
The band saw has a very thin blade. It runs downward between two to three different size wheels to keep it straight. This makes this type of saw perfect for working with large wood stocks.
Besides, its thin and straight blade is perfect for making curved or unusual angle cuts. As the blade is thin, it also eliminates jerking of the material you are cutting with it.
Bandsaw costs multiple times higher compared to the table saws. It also requires a large space to set and work with. That is why band saw is only used in professional woodworking shops and carpenters workshops.
- Table Saw
The table saw is handy, space-saving, cheap, and convenient for most regular jobs. Work fast with thin wood stocks and regular angles, then a table saw is the easiest to work with.
Again, its enormous circular blade is made only for making regular cuts on small stocks. It is unable to deliver the perfection a bandsaw does.
So, the table saw is mostly used for DIY projects or small projects. On the other hand, the band saw is used in professional carpentry
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The bandsaw tire guides the bandsaw blade and gives the wheel grip to drive. Usually, a bandsaw tire is made of urethane, rubber, or other similar cushioning materials mounted inside the bandsaw around the perimeter of the metal wheels.
Yes, without the wheel tire, a bandsaw can’t cut well.
The rubber tires can stretch when needed to offer versatility and great fit. For this advantage, band saw wheels are fitted with rubber tires.
When there is not enough tension to keep it on, the bandsaw blade will keep coming off. You need to tighten it every now and then.
In short, measure the diameter of one of the wheels and subtract 2 from the result.
Bottom Line
Please note, if your band saw has three wheels, then take the measurement of each bandsaw tires separately. Also, replace those old tires with the same type of tires simultaneously with the saw blade.
Otherwise, the different tires will last different spans and will require replacement at different times.
The same goes for the blade also. If it is not changed with the band saw tires, your saw will not deliver its best performance. After all, you are learning how to measure band saw tires and replace them to achieve perfect results.
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