Replacing a band saw tire is a common maintenance task for a woodworker to ensure the consistent running of a band saw. But changing the band saw tire requires some measurement, and it should be the right way. It means if you don’t know how to measure band saw tires properly, you won’t get the right fit to protect the wheel and prevent damage to the saw blade.
Though a band saw tire performs many difficult responsibilities, measuring the right size tire isn’t a hard job at all. After reading this guide, you will feel like measuring band saw tires, and picking the perfect one is an amazingly straightforward task. Plus, you will learn how to remove and install a band saw tire to maintain your band saw safely and properly without spending service charges on experts.
Measure your Band Saw Tires
Measuring band saw tires is quite a simple task. You can find the measurement by checking the band saw tire’s user manual. But if you lose it or don’t have time to search, you can take the measurement practice, which is also straightforward.
The band saw tires come in inches and round figures, unlike the codes or complicated numbers like car tires. These are thin rubber bands that fit around the edge of the wheel. The steps to measuring the band saw tires are:
First, measure the wheel’s diameter from the center. You should get an even, simple number from the measurement.
Deduct 2 inches from the result. For instance, if your wheel diameter is 12 inches, the band saw tire should be 10 inches.
A common rule is that the band saw tires should be exactly 2 inches smaller than the saw wheel. Thus, measuring the wheel is a good decision to get the right fit for the band saw tire. Though you can measure the tire before removing it from the wheel, you won’t get a good and solid measurement.
How to Remove Band Saw Tires
You should learn how to remove the band saw tire from the wheel for multiple purposes. It must replace the worn tire and is also essential for measuring the wheel correctly. Apart from being worn out, you should replace the tire if it operates unevenly or cracks down.
You need to take out saw blades before removing the band saw tire from the wheel. Follow band saw’s guideline to remove the blade.
There is the glue holding the saw tire in place. Cut this glue with a sharp knife to remove the saw tire from the wheel. It will release the seal and you may notice some residue on the wheel surface that should be cleaned before placing a new one.
Remember, only a completely clean surface will allow you to have a perfect installation of the band saw tire. Conversely, any existing residue can cause rough wear and lead to an inaccurate operation.
You can use a screwdriver or a putty knife to clean up the residue. A stiff brush is also an effective tool to remove residual. To make the surface neat and clean, use isopropyl alcohol after applying the knife.
Which Band Saw tire is better: Rubber or Urethane?
As a replacement for your old band saw tire, you can choose between two materials for saw tires, including rubber and urethane.
Rubber saw tires are affordable but aren’t long-lasting as they wear down quickly. Its glue can cause gumming over time and also need extra effort for installation on the band saw.
On the other hand, urethane bandsaws can be slightly expensive, but they endure for a long time. This band saw hardly wears down, and it doesn’t require any glue to remain in place. It means using a urethane bandsaw won’t build up any residue on the wheel surface. As the urethane bandsaw doesn’t use glue, it’s quite easy to install with minimal effort.
Urethane tires are also preferable if you need to operate the band saw at high speed, as they can withstand high pressure and don’t crack down easily.
Apart from the material, consider a safe color for your new bandsaw tire. An orange-colored band saw tire will let you inspect it easily, while a black tire makes it challenging on a black surface.
Benefits of Measuring the Band Saw Wheel for Tires
As mentioned above, the size of the wheel determines the size of your new band saw tire. Measuring the tire size based on the wheel brings plenty of benefits.
- Help determine the accurate size of the band saw tire
- Ensure a perfect fit on the band saw wheel.
- Allow it to settle in place properly.
- Keep the saw tire from slipping while it is running.
The standard band saw tire comes in a range of sizes which ranges from 10 inches to 20 inches, and the increment of size is 2 inches.
How to Install Rubber Tires in a Band Saw
Tools require:
- C clamps- two piece
- Small scrap wood- two piece
- Screwdriver
- Rubber adhesive
- Small pipe
Place the rubber tire: Place your new rubber tire on one side of the wheel. All your adjustments will begin with this part of the wheel.
Set up the Clamp: Placing the clamp can be a little hard. So, it’s better to use scrap wood over the saw tire to place the clamp firmly. You have to place two clamps on the both sides of the saw tire.
Pull out the tire: Now pull the remaining part of the saw tire onto the wheel. Roll the wheel a little bit to pull the remaining tire easily. It also helps adjust the tire conveniently.
Adjust the saw tire: The next task is to roll a flat-headed screwdriver or a pipe around the wheel. It will help maintain equal wheel-tire tension.
Apply Adhesives: Finally, apply some rubber adhesive under the tire and on the surface of the wheel. This will help keep the saw tire in place and prevent slipping. Place a pipe between the saw tire and the wall to efficiently apply the adhesive.
How to Install a Urethane Tire on a Band Saw
Tools require:
- Warm water
- Soap
- 1 clamp
- 1 bucket
Warm Soapy Water: Mix some dishwashing soap with warm water in a small container and mix it properly.
Submerge Urethane Tire: Now soak your new urethane band saw tire in the soapy water for a minimum of five minutes. But don’t leave the urethane tire in warm water for too long, as it can damage the saw tire.
Set Up Clamp: Place one part of the saw tire over the wheel and clamp it tightly to keep it in place.
Pull Out the Remnant tire: Then pull the remaining part out around the band saw wheel rim. Gradually roll the wheel to pull the remaining tire efficiently.
Remove the clamp: After pulling the whole tire, remove the clamp. Don’t run the tire immediately after installing it. Leave the urethane tire for a few minutes so it can cool down while soaked in warm water.
FAQs on How to Measure Band Saw Tires
Why did the bandsaw wheels accept the rubber saw tires?
Rubber band saw tires are versatile and stretchable. Therefore, rubber tires are compatible with almost any type of stationary or portable band saw. Due to their flexibility, rubber tires perfectly fit in place. Some rubber band saw tires can also be cut through to match the width of some band saw wheels.
Why does a saw blade keep slipping out?
The blade can keep coming out for plenty of reasons, including, its grips being over, being loose, or not having enough tension. After consistent use, the saw blades tend to become loose. To prevent this, you can either tighten it or replace the blade.
Is it OK to clean a band saw tire?
Of course, it is preferable to clean the saw tire regularly. It’s good practice to protect the tire from wearing down and maintain good condition. Even though it brings a great opportunity to check the condition of the blade and prevent an accident that may occur due to running on a damaged tire.
Final words
Remember, if your band saw has a three-wheel, measure each one separately instead of depending on guesswork. As you learn how to measure band saw tires, and it only takes a minute, take a measurement tape and find out those accurate numbers. Despite comparing the material of the saw tire and installing the perfect one in your band saw to enjoy safer and higher productivity.
