The saw is equipped with bearing guides, but a much cheaper imitation of Carters that use only a single bearing on each side. So the only choice I have left is to remove the blade, dismantle the guides to get the bearings off, and give the blade a good cleaning with blade cleaner. For the bearings, I usually use a razor blade and spin the bearing by hand.
Every 15 hours of operation, put one or two drops of a light-weight machine oil on the tracking bearing, the lower backup bearing, and the upper backup bearing. If you own a Bandsaw manufactured after June 1984, your Back-up bearings require no additional lubrication. Replenish the grease in the upper wheel bearings about once a year.
Cleaning and re-greasing shielded bearings My neighbour Reg has this ShopSmith accessory bandsaw. The bandsaw is designed to track the blade hard against the thrust bearings all the time. With three more bearings to re-grease now, I made another jig, this one to go on the end of my grease gun, and fitting one of the ball bearings, to pump grease through the bearings.
For precise tracking and smooth performance, the wheels, bearings, and tires must be in good shape. If the blade tracks like it should, you’re in for a cleaning and minor tune-up; if it doesn’t, plan on spending time dealing with worn tires or wheel bearings. If the tires are sound, clean them with a synthetic abrasive pad. For good tracking, keep the wheels as clean as possible.
If you have rubber tires then you might consider going to urethane tires because the gunk might not stick to it as well as rubber tires. As far as the blades go… I use an air drill with a wire-brush to clean the gunk off my blade between cuttings, and then apply a mix of wax and mineral oil in order to lubricant the blade. Sadly it doesn’t take long for this coating to wear off when cutting green wood, but I found that to be true for any lubricant suggestions.
how to clean bandsaw bearings Related Question:
Should you lubricate a bandsaw blade?
Band saw blade lubricant is essential for keeping temperatures low and stopping the metal or wood from being treated by the heat generated during sawing. In fact, heat dissipation is one of the primary roles of the band saw blade lubricant and coolant.
Should you oil a bandsaw blade?
A band saw blade is a tool. You must lubricate both sides! In both cases, we know for a fact that lubrication of the body of the band increases band life by over 30%. Applied sparingly, you can cut grade lumber with NO staining to your product.
How do you maintain a bandsaw blade?
You can help keep your bandsaw in the best condition by following a daily cleaning and lubricating routine, including lightly oiling the bearings where possible, and using an airline to blow away any swarf that has built up in the blade and mechanism.
How much tension should a bandsaw blade be?
For carbon steel toothed blades (cutting blades) this is typically 15,000 to 25,000 PSI. Slitting type blades typically are tensioned in the range of 12,000 to 20,000 PSI. In general bandsaw blades are never tensioned past 35,000 psi.
Are bandsaws loud?
The bandsaw seems to be a great machine. When I first turned it on without the guide bearings adjusted against the blade it was very quiet. Probably the quietest machine in my shop. However when I move the bearings in against the blade it makes a lot of noise.
What oil do you use for a bandsaw?
BAND SAW KLEENKOOL is a premium quality oil specially formulated for the unique problems associated with high speed band saws. BAND SAW KLEENKOOL is engineered to lubricate, cool, and clean residue from band saw blades.
Why is it important to use lubricant when using the blade?
The lubrication system acts as a blade wash, removing the hairs. For many products lubricating the blade also greatly assists the cutting action and eases the passage of the blade through the extrusion. This will reduce blade wear & lessen the cutting power needed to cut the product.
Why does my bandsaw blade keep coming off?
Blade Tension Is Too Loose The most common reason why the blade is slipping off is that there isn’t enough tension to keep it on. Blades can slowly become loose after years of wear and tear, and eventually, you’ll need to tighten or replace them.
Why do bandsaws shake?
Band saw tires are another likely source of vibration. Tired tires, caked with pitch and dust or full of cracks and missing chunks, can not only contribute to blade and saw vibration but can also cause major blade tracking problems.