Delta bandsaw question

[Ron B]

Just bought my first bandsaw, and need some pointers. I purchased a Delta 14" 28-243 bandsaw from an individual who had purchased it at a school auction and never used it.  (I have no idea the age-serial # is 83I13179).  I backed off the thrust bearings and set the steel guides about the width of a sheet of paper from the blade, cleaned the tires with mineral spirits, fired it up, and it keeps throwing the blade.  I then took the band saw blade off, and turned it on because-well I don't know-for the same reason I open the hood of a car and look at an engine, thinking that will fix it.  Anyway, I noticed that the lower tire seem to have some flap in it.  To make sure this was not an optical illusion, I took a sheet of paper, and eased it toward the wheel and somewhere between 1/4" and 1/2" the flap of the wheel started hitting the paper.  So I assume I need to replace the tires, and I am assuming I cannot just turn the tires inside out.  I was wondering if there was any preference on what type of tires to replace with.  Also, while ordering those parts, anything else that I should consider replacing?  The guides are steel and thought those should be replaced.    Just a rookie here and would appreciate some pointers. 

 

[kevinculle]

If the tires are rubber they need to be glued to the wheel for retention, what you describe sounds like a rubber tire that was either not glued initially or the glue failed.  Urethane tires are typically not glued.  If you aren't aware of it this website is essential for maintaining old woodworking machines:
http://www.owwm.org/

 

[Ron B]

Thanks!  No, my tires came right off so either no glue or failed glue.  I did find out the saw is a June 1983 model so probably just old dried up glue.  I am searching the website now that you gave me to see if it tells me what type of glue to use.  Lack of glue is probably why the tire on the drive pulley was flapping so much. 

 

[dlu]

If you don't already know about them, I highly recommend calling Itura Design and getting their catalog of bandsaw supplies and parts. They are old school – no website – but they do answer their phone, it's 904.642.2802. They really know their stuff when it comes to small bandsaws and their prices are, at least, fair.

 

[rmhinden]

Also check out Carter Bandsaw Products.

They have lots of upgrades for bandsaws like you Delta and are very good if you call them.

I have an 1990 era Delta bandsaw that I have upgraded using the Carter products.

Bob

 

[Bob D.]

A photo of the issue you're having would be helpful. Tires are easy to replace.
Since yours are most likely original yes it is time to replace. Look at the drive
belt too and check all bolting of the stand and all over the saw. Find a manual
online for your saw and go through the initial assembly/setup procedure will get
you to a good starting point.

Get a new, decent quality blade. They are inexpensive and this will eliminate
some problems.

Removing the blade and checking rotation of the wheels is the place to start.

Clear up any issues there then move on to installing a blade.

When the saw is running and tracking smooth you can get to the guides.

 

[Cheese]

I have a Delta 28-303 bandsaw circa 1990. Over the years it has had many Carter and Itura parts installed on it. I believe your bandsaw had urethane tires and not rubber ones, that's the reason they came off easily.

Like Bob D said, find a Delta owners manual on-line and that will be a great starting point.

A new blade for it is a must as they are better than the original item.

The Itura Design catalog really is a must have. It's less a catalog and more an operators/trouble shooting book as it contains 248 pages.

I have an extra copy I'd be happy to send you if you're interested. Just PM me.

 

[Ron B]

Thanks everyone for the info about my recently purchased bandsaw.  As recommended, I called Itura and ordered a catalog.  I think they picked the phone  up on the 2nd ring.  He asked where I heard about him, and I said Festool Owners Group.  My top spindle has a little play in it, and I asked him if that was normal or a problem.  He told me it was made that way and told me why.  I appreciated that-someone who knows what they are talking about.  Anyway, thanks for the help, will get this thing running soon. 

 

[BarneyD]

I bought that same saw back in the early nineties. About a year ago I swapped out the original tensioning knob with one from Highland Woodworking. It's their #185193. The thing is just a dream to use compared to the original. It's got 3/8" acme threads that make it really smooth.

 

[Cheese]

About a year ago I swapped out the original tensioning knob with one from Highland Woodworking. It's their #185193. The thing is just a dream to use compared to the original. It's got 3/8" acme threads that make it really smooth.

Ya the standard tensioning knob and the trunion knobs are the worst. The sharp plastic edges are tough on the hands.

 

[Cheese]

Thanks everyone for the info about my recently purchased bandsaw.  As recommended, I called Itura and ordered a catalog.  I think they picked the phone  up on the 2nd ring.  He asked where I heard about him, and I said Festool Owners Group.  My top spindle has a little play in it, and I asked him if that was normal or a problem.  He told me it was made that way and told me why.  I appreciated that-someone who knows what they are talking about.  Anyway, thanks for the help, will get this thing running soon.

While you're waiting for that catalog to arrive, check out the upper wheel tracking arm. This is what holds the upper wheel in position. It's pretty common for them to bend after a while from all of the bandsaw blade tension that's applied to them.

I noticed some minor blade tracking issues and every so often a grinding noise, then suddenly the noise would go away and everything was fine again. Here's the wheel tracking arm I pulled out, it's supposed to be flat.  [eek]

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

I installed the Iturra tracking arm manufactured from billet aluminum rather than the standard Delta item from cast aluminum.  You'd also want to change out the tracking arm if you plan on using a high tension spring from Iturra or Carter.

Another consideration is to change the belt/belts over to Fenner Drive Link belts. They run smoother than the standard v-belts. I've changed over to Fenner belts on my bandsaw, metal lathe & drill press.

[attachimg=3]