Cheap bandsaw tune-up

[@mdouglaswray]

Your enthusiasm for this work is very pleasant to watch. Your tinkering is really top notch.

[@brianminghella3312]

My absolute favourite KZbin woodworker. I am humbled in the presence of such greatness. Words fail me. Its like everything I thought I ever knew pales in comparison. I am not worthy to witness such greatness yet something draws me back, an irresistible pull. Many have tried but none can match that exquisite quintessence of all that makes the Wandel woodshop special. Nobody Does Bandsaw like Matthias. He is the God emperor of bandsaw wisdom. His competitors are as dust and ashes in comparison. Teach me Lord Mathias in your ways. I will no longer fear those who dare to question your word. Stand back you dogs ! Speak to us master.

[@petertyrrell6690]

I have a cheap bandsaw that needed a new tire but it is not worth the $30 + shipping to buy "proper" replacements. I went to our local thrift store and purchased solid leather belts to make tires the "old fashioned way" (?). The leather was 5/32" thick and the belts were $1.00 each. I can get two tires strips from one belt and I cut them to fit between the ridges of my band saw wheels. I glued the leather tire to the rim with a silicone type adhesive (Shoe Goop), rolled the rim so that the tire laid evenly around the rim, taped it to hold everything in place and left it 24 hours. I then installed and tested and it worked great. I did not bother crowning as the other wheel is crowned and it was easy to track as is. Time will tell if all stays well but the repair was cheap and easy and that is what I wanted..

[@alrachal6489]

.Thanks for sharing that info going to try it myself.

[@simonhopkins3867]

Thanks. Worth keeping in mind 👍

[@merijn1254]

Peter Tyrrell did it hold up?

[@mobyduck3672]

There is a very good video here called "Bandsaw Clinic with Alex Snodgrass" . It is the best tutorial that I have ever seen. In it he explains why planar alignment of the wheels is not important. They are designed to be out of alignment. Having said that, congratulations on the good video and the work that you have done in improving this machine.

[@startingfromscratch7469]

I always learn so much from your videos no matter what the project is you are working on. Your intelligent approach to problem solving as well as your pragmatic approach to getting the job done is inspiring

[@PaymonAzizi]

I have never done any type work that relates to your videos (I'm a scientist), but for some reason I enjoy watching them. I've been subscribed for over a year now and I still get happy when I see your videos pop up in my subscription box.

[@WesselLemmer]

I also received a small cheap band saw for free because my uncle found it to be more trouble than its worth. thanks to you its running very well now, looking at all your videos gave me excellent insight into how these tings should work. For the pulley tires i just used a hard leather strip which i milled into a crown and that seemed to work well.

[@billderinbaja3883]

I wasn't looking for such a good education, but I got it anyway! Excellent breakdown of all the parts of a simple bandsaw... much easier to see the things that can go out of whack. Thanks!

[@flashgordon6238]

I just used your tip on electrical tape to fix my bandsaw. I picked up a larger saw for free but it had no tires and no motor. I have plenty of adjustment travel so the number of wraps was not critical (it runs a 78 inch blade). Even so, I used three wraps and it works great! I also have the same saw in your video made by Ryobi - another freebie from a retiring co-worker. He used silicone to make his own bandsaw tires.

[@jonwilson7555]

I just got a three wheel 16" Delta band saw ( cast iron frame ) and after I found some tires for it I found it set up really well. I had one of those band saws from CT...I'm happy to say I chucket in the garbage. I enjoy your videos Thanks

[@louisencalitz1]

Thanks Matthias, I got an old Einhell saw from my son, and your video provided all the help I needed to fix it up again.

[@danseman1]

Finally, after all these years, I finally found someone more meticulous than myself. Enjoyed watching you work. I like the precision you strive for. Keep up the good work, and thank you for the video.

[@trreb1]

I have a bandsaw that my dad left me when he moved to Az. and it's missing that bottom wheel rubber piece, I'm going to try that with the tape. Thanks for that idea. On a different note, after seeing this video, I decided to check out my other bandsaw that looks like the one you have here. It never seemed to cut right and I discovered that about 3yrs ago I had put the blade on with theeth facing the wrong direction, points up, not down. Cuts great now. Thanks for the video... LOL.

[@1joshjosh1]

This is the third episode of this channel I watch this morning!!

[@matthiaswandel]

Hey, what I did worked, and took less time.

[@TheMick26]

Hi 12345NoNamesLeft, I agree. I've made aluminum washers just as you've described several times in the past. Very stable and works great. Matthias is a KZbin icon, no doubt. But, I have to say this... The process he used to remove metal from the lower pulley/wheel on the band saw is called "Turning", not Milling as he stated in the video. His first attempt at turning is called "Gouging". ;o)

[@matthiaswandel]

Wheel wobble causes variation in tension, and that causes a lot of vibration.

[@chronos1002]

He is talking about "tooth set". If you look at most saw blades, the teeth protrude out of the plane of the blade body. This has advantages by clearing chips, and preventing heat build-up from friction as the blade body passes through the wood. It also allows for curves to be cut, since the set of the tooth allows it. Since "tooth set" increases the width of the cut, and hence the load on the motor, saws this small often don't have much tooth set on their blades.

[@bheckel1]

Mathias will one day make a viable metal lathe from primarily wood. Been enjoying your videos for years. Thank you for them

[@ToeCutter454]

another thing that would have worked good for removing some material on the wheel would be a thin strip of emery cloth(or even some sand paper on a wood block pushed in there), being an aluminum wheel its soft enough to sand down. Matthias you are a true icon in the field of fixing and re-purposing tools to make a more accurate instrument. truly something that has been lost it seems over generations as todays society says "if it doesnt work right throw it out!".

[@Sparky1701]

this was one of the most fun and awesome videos I've seen regarding refurbishing power tools. I got the 9 inch Mastercraft at a garage sale this weekend and it had poor and busted tires. Going to try the electrical tape tomorrow Very nice vid!

[@matthiaswandel]

Do read the linked article as well

[@BengtRosini13]

wow, the cutting tool incident scared me slightly. but hats off to you sir, you put a lot of time and effort into getting the saw to run correctly. thank you for the suggestions and ideas to tune up my P.O.S. Ryobi 9inch(22.86 cm) band saw.

[@burning_lemons4514]

"thats cus i got it for free" *flick of the wrist and smug look* I WAS DYING.

[@czellner5894]

It's amazing how much that Canadian Tire saw looks like my little Ryobi. Probably share lots of parts too. hahaha

Probably the same blueprint and pumped out of the same factories.

[@youyou1253]

Totally love your videos. For getting the wheel running perfectly round you should consider using a grinding attachment for a dremel (or similar) and grind the surface while the wheel is spinning. That should eliminate the wobble almost completly.

[@BroBeans1]

Where can you buy a blade for these small 6 inch band saws. I have one but I can't buy any new blades for it. Help

[@trahtrebor]

Loved the tuneup. I have a ten inch Sears that could use a tuneup just like this. Just a tip for the shim you mounted. A touch of thick grease or vaseline will stick the shim for truly blind spots making it a lot easier to deal with. Great vid!

[@nowherebrain]

you can put your plastic "shim/washer" material between two pieces of wood and drill straight through instead of using the hole puncher....just an after thought.

[@BengtRosini13]

justin barrett totally . I was wondering why he didn't use a drill of the correct size. and a metal file to true up the wheel.

[@1976ClassicCelica]

Someone dumped one of those behind our warehouse and the only thing wrong with it ' was the lower wheel belt like yours. I have a 12" band saw so I make my craftsman into a 1" belt sander which woks amazingly well. I may modify it so I can use bigger belts and cut them into 1" strips (saves money). Always enjoy your videos. Cheers

[@matthiaswandel]

Thanks for clearing that up. The squishiness makes the tape not suitable (it's under constant pressure when the bandsaw is stopped), and the price not cost effective.

[@Atheistic007]

Canadian Tire saw, President's Choice pop bottle. Oh Canada. Greetings from Winnipeg.

[@1mtstewart]

when you go to mount the motor with the upper bolts holding your shims, use two long studs in the bottom holes to start your motor in alignment in the bottom holes and it will all lign up. if you had to shim in any other plane use the longer bolts in the un shimmed holes. best of luck Matthias!

[@athiker7209]

Thanks, I learned from this video. I recently purchased a 10" Craftsman Band Saw at a yard sale. It works but I seem to throw the blade easily. After watching this video, I went out to the garage and examined the blade guides. The lower guide had the left side completely missing and the right one loose. That explains that problem. Now to replace the blade with more set so I can make tighter curves. Thanks!

[@stegra5960]

Late comment, but I wonder if self-almalgimating electrical tape would be preferable. It doesn't really stick to anything but itself however it's quite rubbery and multiple layers would form a unified single tyre. It's best applied under slight tension which might make it difficult to maintain an even thickness.

[@matthiaswandel]

too sofr

[@11Aldebaran11]

Hi Matthias, this mini band-saw it seams to be a great copy of my discontinued “Delta 28-180” band-saw.

[@chronos1002]

I am unfamiliar with Harbor Freight Company, but Canadian Tire is a kind of general tool, Automotive, and Hardware store. They specialize in Automotive parts, Tools for automotive and Woodworking craft, Plumbing and Electrical, Kitchen Wares, Gardening stuff, Fishing, Hunting and Outdoor activities. Kind of a generalist place thought, nothing exceptionally high quality, a moderate selection, and they don't sell major building materials. It's a good place for the average handyman to go.

[@zabelos]

I believe RentAnEducation means self vulcanising tape. You stretch it and it starts vulcanizing (rubber starts polymerizing) and so becomes one solid body. I have used it to cover mast spreader screws with great success

[@CWR032]

A gasket punch set works more cleanly for making round holes in stuff like pop bottle plastic.

[@squabok]

The tape he's talking about, (I think), is actually silicone. I use it for taping up a florescent bulb I use at work. I've found when electrical tape gets hot the adhesive lets go and creates a gummy mess when you try to re-tape it. So if heats a concern for you it's worth considering. I've seen it for $10 - $20 a roll from Uline, or MSC It is thick and squishy so the blade may dig into it and shred the tape though.

[@12345NoNamesLeft]

Aluminium soda pop cans make nice shims too. Plastic can deform as you tighten and disintegrate/oxidize over time- the aluminum is more stable.

[@SheWhoWoodworks]

I have a Spectra Tools bandsaw that is nearly identical to this one. Having so much trouble trying to get the blade tension correct to keep the blade on. If I get the tension right then the wheel hits the screws on the case behind it. So frustrating. Haven't seen any bandsaw remotely like it until this one.

[@toddanonymous5295]

Hi Mathias, For a tire I wonder if a slice from an inner tube would work. Like a large rubber band. Stretch it over the tire.

[@zeratul575]

sooo youd reccommend using one of those dinky little ones to make a bigger better badder one? right?

[@JasonHoogerhyde]

We were using duct tape as a tire for a 8ft blade bandsaw for about 6 months. Its however a metal sheet cutting bandsaw so it only spins at about 130-175sfpm. It was fine though .

[@B0M0A0K]

This was a very useful video as I have a bandsaw almost identical to yours. The biggest problem with this is that it never cuts in a straight line but always veers off at an angle. Any thoughts on why it might be doing this would be great, I have ordered a wider blade to see if that solve the problem.

[@matthiaswandel]

+B0M0A0K Look up "bandsaw resawing" on my website

[@B0M0A0K]

+Matthias Wandel Thank you for taking the time to reply Matthias, much appreciated.

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

+B0M0A0K Check the blade tension. There is a blade tensioning video on youtube that tells how yo "pluck" a blade, and tell tension by the tone that is produced. Also, drift is caused by a blade worn on one side, from hitting metal in the wood or by misalignment of the guide inserts. Adjust the inserts and try a new blade.

[@vmitchinson]

I have a simpler size bandsaw with same problem. Solution is to aline the blade so it tracks 90 to the wheel. The guides also have to be at the same angle.

[@acme663ryo]

I ave about 1/8 thickness of electrical tape on mine for years now. Just make sure you wrap more in the center to crown it some.

[@DaveG1]

I have the same saw but brand is Power Max. With a tune up its does my bandsaw needs just fine, thanks for the ideas.

[@yusufsager]

this size or a little bit smaller, but made in your way, I mean made of wood, is it possible to do?

[@sandpatch133]

Great one, as always. I wonder though. If you have blade guides both above and below the cutting area. What difference does it make if there is a slight wobble in the wheels?

[@12345NoNamesLeft]

Harbor Freight in US is more like Princess Auto in Canada. Canadian tire is leaning more towards housewares and general merchandise, more like Sears now than the hardware store it started as .

[@felixjpc9609]

What if you were to put less or more tape on the side of the tire that wobbles? You think that might help.

[@EdwinDueck]

I bought one at a garage sale for $25.00 dollar, I have used it a lot, but it never cut straight. I don't need it much but it's useful if you need to do a small cut. The last time I tried it the top wheel came off, the holding guid broke and the plastic that holds the bearing in place, any thoughts on how to fix it? Or just throw it out and buy a new one?

[@nextstorming3908]

It's stuffed, chuck it out and buy a new one

[@paperjack93]

Dear Matthias, do you think a bandsaw that big is good for cutting mid gauge steel ? (2mm or so)

[@61doodle]

nice little bandsaw, would come in real handy :) my band saw is vibrating so much now I can't really tell where the blade is going to start cutting

[@willsansome7145]

I just picked up the same saw for free. Only problem there is no blade . What length blade does this one take? Thanks for the help

[@mpetersen6]

Math challenged? D x pi x (2 x center distance)

[@matthiaswandel]

Good to know it lasts. I already had a crown on the rim, so didn't need to make one with the tape.

[@iysiwes]

Thank Matthias. You inspire me to tune up my cheap bandsaw.

[@jessicadaigle5501]

This question might be way off but here goes. I have the base of an old Ryobi table saw that I would like to turn into a router table. Do you have any helpful hints for this project. I always try to use what I have to make things work. If you would be so kind as to have time to help me I would be so appreciative. Thank you! Have a phenomenal day! Jess

[@matthiaswandel]

I had a cheap table saw top that I was thinking of doing the same thing years ago. tossed it when I moved. step 1: free up some space by getting rid of that junk. step 2: build router table.

[@sergiomercado1905]

Please help!! I saw this beautiful but I have not managed to cut straight . Whenever you attempt to cut, the saw moves and never NEVER short straight . I 've done everything and do not know how to solve this. I appreciate any advice on that because I have never been able to use this beautiful machine. Thanks and greetings from mexico

[@danielmacdonald6828]

+Sergio Mercado 9 out of 10 times blade drift is caused due to a dull blade !

[@MrNicktheBeat]

+Sergio Mercado There are some videos on the Tube explaining how to fix blade drift. First make sure you have a good sharp blade then set the fence up to correct the drift as per the videos. In my case, I bought the Draper 8" bandsaw and (luckily) it is possible to alter the orientation of the table so that both X and Y axis are corrected to give a straight cut. I can now cut 1mm veneer strips for my model boats which was not possible 'out of the box'.

[@apinakapinastorba]

Hi, thanks for the video. One question: what it means that a band saw blade "has little set"? Just a small language barrier here, but I'd like to know this if I buy a band saw, and I don't have that much money to spend on the high tech models :)

[@Darwinpasta]

I could be wrong (been a while since high school wood shop) but from what I'm seeing, set is the measure of how far the teeth stick out from the blade. If they're flush, the blade can't go around corners. A little set and it will do gentle ones like he showed. A large set would be better for sharp corners but would remove more material (wider cuts).

[@apinakapinastorba]

Darwinpasta Ah, that makes sense. Thanks for reply.

[@apinakapinastorba]

***** Thanks for your reply too :)

[@Rubbergunner]

Great to see making a custom insert for the saw. My cheap band saw needs a new insert too.

[@MicroRCFiend]

Your generally pretty much a genius but I was stunned at how daft an idea pliars and cutter idea was. Glad it's not wedged in your head, stay safe!

[@NigelTolley]

One of the better videos on fixing and tuning. Thanks!

[@altoidyoda]

What do you mean when you say the saw has almost no "set"? How does that influence its ability to cut curves?

[@altoidyoda]

It was tricky to find on Google (it kept showing me sets of saws), but I understand now. Set refers to how much the teeth are curved away from the blade. I assume since it makes such a narrow gap that the blade is unable to turn to make tight curves.

[@matthiaswandel]

Correct.

[@JamyRyals]

The blade can have "set" which means the teeth cut to the side a bit. If the teeth cut to the side a little it will help you turn the blade in wood.

[@alyouresocool]

I just got this exact saw given to me, also with a missing tire -- Thanks for showing me how to set it up!

[@DeanMarksShow]

Amazing. A dial indicator, Wow. Thank you for the electrical tape idea. Saved me 33 euros! Did you try duck tape? Love your homemade band saw.

[@aerofart]

There was a screw hole on the bandsaw case adkacent to where you were using the cutter head. If you had mounted a bolt at that location, it would have made a nice tool rest.

[@bfflorida2311]

Tip.. use tab of grease to hold shim stock..great vid as always

[@Captleemo]

On that band saw wheel being a little out of round, what if you put a partial wrap of electrical tape on the low spot and then do a complete wrap with the idea of "shimming up " the low spot

[@jonfarrell9053]

What causes blade drift? I’ve tensioned the blade I’ve set the blade guides, but I keep getting drift instead of a straight cut

[@moejunior]

I didn't understand the purpose of the bearing touching the blade near the blade guides. What is it for? Seems to me it will not rotate due to the position of the blade relative to the bearing. Could you tell me?

[@ShahromAbdullah]

I would lije to know why my Enhell bandsaw blade look like cutting to right angle. I already ajusting the guide according to manual. It seem the angle of the blade not right.

[@davismichael1034]

Hi Matthias, I have the newer mastercraft bandsaw, and the blade does not have enough tension, even with the adjustment maxed out.. do you have any suggestions on how to increase the blade tension? Michael

[@matthiaswandel]

Without seeing it in person, can't suggest anything.

[@FedoraSpunk]

If you like to avoid safety, maybe craft a very thick tire

[@jrgal27]

when you use the dial to check wheel maybe mark area thats low and put on a bit of tape to build up before putting on final continuous strip .Just a thought

[@jim_no_rulers]

nice vid! I just bought a mastercraft 6'' jointer on sale for 150. The tables are not adjustable other than hieght for the infeed, and they aren't completely parallel. There is only one corner that is high by about 1\32''. I end up planing the first half then nothing at the end, (like a wedge.) Im thinking about sanding down the bad spot. I always feel like I'm playing the lottery with buying stuff at CT, but Ive won a few times lol..

[@Summerride]

Got mine for 25$ , and your video was very helpful to get it running again. Thank's !

[@Craftsman538]

Matthias I have an old Emco BS2 bandsaw, the old treads have worn out. To buy new treads would cost me over £60 here in the U.K. What would you recommend I do as an alternative?

[@matthiaswandel]

watch the video

[@milekzdf2436]

wahwahwahha yup

[@Gaccusgaccus]

It can't do any tight curves you said, but couldn't catch why. Can anyone explain?

[@MrThunderbolt3]

Hows about finding a way to mount the bottom pulley in I lathe and turning it true to the center hole

[@tonyprice5726]

Greetings Matthias I have just tweaked my band saw and the saw blade wasn't running central on the bottom wheel so I slightly pulled the wheel along the keyway and now it runs central but I feel its not a good idea do you have any thoughts on the matter please. Tony

[@matthiaswandel]

Not without having a look at the saw in person

[@tonyprice5726]

Shipping from Australia is out of the question But if you are passing this way I will put the kettle on Cheers and thanks anyway

[@SuperiorEtchworx]

It may not stay there but you can now measure it and make a spacer to position the wheel.

[@beatnic50]

The run outs on the wheel are pretty close for a cheap tool. You should get a metal lathe. I think you would do well with it.

[@thatoldbob7956]

I also did all you have done and more. That 3 screws are not enough or not needed. It's a real bad design though I did use it for years for aluminum mainly. I also removed the 3 6 mm bolts and made a new shaft with a wider spacer. No matter what I do, I rum out of patient before I fix it. May be its time to buy a better one.

[@spugintrntl]

Eight years later I'm wondering if you still have this thing.

[@matthiaswandel]

it's in my dad's old shop. The top tire (the one I didn't replace with tape) failed, so that one should be replaced with tape too.

[@spugintrntl]

@@matthiaswandel Oh cool, thanks for the response!

[@MUDHD]

You can hear the engine power in Watts?

[@niklaswesterholm4942]

MUDHD o

[@jimbooth3]

Rubber electrical tape is self sealing, longer lasting than plastic tape and only a little more expensive. Available at most hardware stores.

[@fisharmor]

I love your videos and work, but man, the FIRST thing I would have done after opening up the case is vacuum it out!

[@gabyquiroga4495]

Hi Matthias, this video is very helpfut to me, could you please tell me if this bandsaw is a black & decker? I have to tune mine up. Thanks. Gabriela from Argentina

[@Nicap2]

Just one constructive criticism Matthias. Your use of the puller was incorrect. You should tighten the screw, then tap the end of it to break the hold. To keep on winding the screw with the wrench, risks damaging the motor shaft. The video was entertaining and informative as always.

[@JanSzymonGoowacz]

i have similar saw from maybe 5 years, and really is no bad. 350W 240V motor, 1450mm blade. I cut lot of briar wood on, and is tough staf. I uses it to make some curves cuts you can see some on my fb kropiwno 47 and JSG Pipes art sites, and is no bad. I often need to make some small repairing but work good enough.

[@ratiphi]

Hey Matthias! I love your channel. Can you help me out with something? I need to tune up my bandsaw (used craftsman) and I was wondering, do the blade guide and thrust bearing need to be touching or not touching the blade? Thanks!

[@sethwarner2540]

thrust bearing needs to not ride on the blade; but set it so close that as soon as you start cutting anything, it will.

[@aserta]

I was wondering why the hassle to fix this wheel and not make one yourself from wood. I mean you made the bigger ones, is there a difference in what those wheels can take and this one in relation to the power transfer from the engine to the wheel?

[@jmkyarrow]

"Thou" I love the way he says it

[@farazin_choob]

سلام استاد مهربان و با سخاوت مثل همیشه عالی عالی کامل قوی فنی حرفه ای ممنون با احترام فرزین

[@dustinreid597]

HELP PLEASE !!!! I have a master craft band saw. Might be the same as the video. Model number is 55-6722-6 and it’s a 7 1/2 inch. What is a size of the blade. I bought it without a blade and I can’t seem to find the size

[@mildyproductive9726]

Should be close to 2(pi*R + X), where X is the distance measured between the axles of the top and the bottom wheels and R is the radius of those wheels, assuming they are of the same size.

[@iceblu3710]

Hey, How much blade tension do you reccomend for these little band saws? The frame is plastic and using standard 14" metal band saw tension guidelines I find the whole "C" frame torques and wobbles!

[@DavidBrown-vv8pz]

Hi.....like this helpful video as I'm very practical too. I've just ordered a Silver line bandsaw at the cheapest price....looks just like this one. will be using mainly for shape cutting no more than half inch to an inch thick. will be putting a Draft blade on as soon as it arrives. I have number of lower priced tools that do perfect jobs! thanks once again for video.

[@RentAnEducation]

Why not use that stretchy repair tape? The kind that would bond to itself and make a solid rubber piece.

[@hilema41]

Hello Matthias, I've bought about the same bandsaw yesterday, but when I tried it, it doesn't cut straight, it always tend to curve to the right, I tough it could be because of the tracking but changing it doesn't seems to do a thing... Do you have any idea? Thanks!

[@rc3d490]

The blade on the lower wheel, need be on the center?

[@f00by]

Have a cheap 9" Ryobi bandsaw. Thanks for the video showing what a good tune-up will do! I will have a go myself :)