How Nice is a Metal Band Saw?

[jake98]

I don't use mine very often but I seem to remember the idler wheel wobble as the adjustment part looseness when no blade was on it.
And a ? for the crew, don't you oil while cutting with one? Yous got automatic oilers?

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Can you post a picture of the parts? If it's just an oilite bushing (porous bronze), they probably used a standard size you could pick up for a few dollars at McMaster Carr or any good bearing store.

I already exhausted the "any good bearing store option". No luck. I haven't taken the time yet to browse McMaster Carr, but here is a picture of the bushing. It's just a straight bushing. According to my calipers, the OD is a hair over 25/32" (0.785") and the ID is 15/32". Of course the reason I need a new one is because I have too much play between the bushing and the shaft.

 

[jake98]

Can you see the wear on it? With the amount of tension on it I wonder if it makes any difference..
The blade on mine gave up the ghost last time I used it, I'll put a new one on tomorrow and check for looseness on it.

 

[notme]

cant really help u with your bushing prblems sorry but i'm just wondering what u guys are using for lube/coolant in your saws? i dont use mine often and dont want something thats gonna stink up the garage during the hot summer..

 

[yomax4]

Most smaller shop saws that use Bi-Metal Blades do not require coolant. I cut up to 5" stock with no coolant. I would be lost without my bandsaw. I used to use a chop saw and they are ok but with an inexpensive bandsaw you can put your part in to cut and walk away until it's done. Plus you can do some free hand cutting. :thumbsup:

 

[yomax4]

I already exhausted the "any good bearing store option". No luck. I haven't taken the time yet to browse McMaster Carr, but here is a picture of the bushing. It's just a straight bushing. According to my calipers, the OD is a hair over 25/32" (0.785") and the ID is 15/32". Of course the reason I need a new one is because I have too much play between the bushing and the shaft.

You have another option. If you can't find the bushing you are after, You can also get nearly anysize thin walled shaft adaptor. Many machine shops that do repair have these thin steel slide on bushings that take up the slack between your bronze bushing and the shaft. If you can't find these let me know and I will get you a phone number in MN. Where you may be able to source one.

 

[mjncad]

My two don't use lubricants; but if I do get the itch to lube the blades, I'll try one of those dry stick types.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I'm back to mulling this over again... How I am going to get this bandsaw working.

Seeing as how bushings in 1/32" increments are not readily available, and seeing how duracraft is some cheap store brand, I've concluded that the stuff must be metric. I can't find any bushing that goes from 12 mm to 20 mm so I'm planning on getting two. One will be 12 mm to 16 mm, and the other will be 16 mm to 20 mm. Both bushings are available from McMaster Carr for about a dollar each. Maybe I'll order the bandsaw blade from them too if I'm paying shipping anyway.

Anyone see problems with using two bushings like that?

 

[DaveOmak]

Iplayfarmer, I would buy shim stock and slip it in between the shaft and bushing. maybe leave 3 thousands clearance and oil frequently. The speed everything turns should not be a problem. I run my saw on the lowest speed it goes and use the standard blade. I found bi-metal broke or wore out too fast and was expensie to boot.

 

[Gem99ultra]

I'd have no holdback on shimming the bushing as you mentioned. I think I'd try switching the bushings around first to se if that will keep the blade from jumping off.

Only problem I've had with the blade jumping was due to improper tension. Not saying that's the same cause that you have though, of course.

I'm shocked that my Duracraft is over 30 years old. I bought mine way back in the early '70s from Handy Dan, one of the very first big box stores around. Mine's not used daily, but it sure is handy to have around.

Good luck on the fix.