2 Basic Band Saw Tire Maintenance Questions Answered

A band saw is a tool that can have a variety of uses, but there are many people that are not particularly experienced with these devices. As a result, they may not be familiar with the components that are needed to make these saws work. In particular, the band saw tire is one part that many people seldom think about, but this component is essential for allowing the saw to cut. If you have recently purchased a band saw for the first time, these two questions and answers will likely allow you to better care for this tool. 

How Do You Know When It Is Time To Replace The Band Saw Tires?

There is a warning sign that can alert you to the band saw tire starting to reach the end of its usable life. Typically, cracks will start forming along the edges and middle of the tire when this starts to happen. These cracks may not seem like a major problem, but they can cause the tire to snap when the band is in operation. 

If the tire were to snap, it could cause serious injuries to anyone in the vicinity, and it is important for you to inspect the tire each time you use the band saw. When these cracks are found, you should immediately replace the tire, and while this may delay your work by a few minutes, it's a safety procedure that can save you from serious risk of harm. 

Is It Possible To Extend The Life Of These Tires?

Replacing band saw tires can be both inconvenient and expensive, which is one of the reasons why it is important to practice regular maintenance on these components. In particular, you should thoroughly clean the tire following each use of the band saw. When you are using the saw, it is possible for small pieces of wood to become stuck to the tire. Due to the high speeds of the tire, this wood can generate substantial friction, which may wear down the tire far more quickly. 

To minimize this type of wear, you should use a damp cloth to gently wipe away any sawdust that has started to accumulate on the tire. Before doing this step, make sure that you allow it several minutes to cool because these tires can be hot enough to cause serious burns. 

Maintaining the tires is an important part of using a band saw. However, if you are new to these tools, you may not understand the warning signs of a tire failure or the steps you can take to delay this problem. Understanding these aspects of owning a band saw will help you to get the most out of these useful tools. 

Share