Bandsaw wheel alignment

[thejimster]

Hi,

I just took the plunge and bought a used Mark V 510. I have not done woodworking since I was a kid and decided it was finally time to start making some sawdust! :)

Unfortunately I am having some problems with the bandsaw that I got with my Mark V. The top and bottom wheels seem to be out of alignment. I've searched for info on this and understand that the top wheel should be about 1/8 of an inch back from the bottom wheel, but when I place a straight edge on the bottom wheel, it shows that it is at least 1/2 of an inch out from the top wheel.

I first noticed this because the bottom wheel is rubbing on the faceplate of the bandsaw.

In case it matters, this bandsaw was made in 1993.

Any hints on how to adjust the bottom wheel?

Thanks,
Jim

[SDSSmith]

1/2 inch out from the top wheel sounds extreme, but I have not measured mine. Is the lower wheel bearing retainer still in place (number 31 on the following diagram)?

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/partscat/bandsawexpview1.htm

[thejimster]

Actually it's not just the top of the top wheel that is off, but the entire top wheel is offset by about 1/2 of an inch from the bottom wheel. Because the bottom wheel is rubbing on the cover, I am assuming that this is the wheel that is off.

I believe the bottom retainer is in place, but I'll have to check that out tonight to be sure.

I think my next step is to start taking it apart and see if I can figure out why it is like this. Specifically I'll take the bottom wheel off to see if I can see why it is out so far.

Jim

[dusty]

Actually it's not just the top of the top wheel that is off, but the entire top wheel is offset by about 1/2 of an inch from the bottom wheel. Because the bottom wheel is rubbing on the cover, I am assuming that this is the wheel that is off.

I believe the bottom retainer is in place, but I'll have to check that out tonight to be sure.

I think my next step is to start taking it apart and see if I can figure out why it is like this. Specifically I'll take the bottom wheel off to see if I can see why it is out so far.

Jim

Be aware. There is a sale in progress on bandsaw repair parts. Don't delay getting your order in place.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/specials/8BS061OP.htm

[SDSSmith]

Because the bottom wheel is rubbing on the cover, I am assuming that this is the wheel that is off.

I believe the bottom retainer is in place, but I'll have to check that out tonight to be sure.

I think my next step is to start taking it apart and see if I can figure out why it is like this. Specifically I'll take the bottom wheel off to see if I can see why it is out so far.

Jim

It does not sound like the bottom wheel's bearing is seated all the way in the frame. The retainer then keeps the bearing/wheel in place.

[dusty]

Actually it's not just the top of the top wheel that is off, but the entire top wheel is offset by about 1/2 of an inch from the bottom wheel. Because the bottom wheel is rubbing on the cover, I am assuming that this is the wheel that is off.

I believe the bottom retainer is in place, but I'll have to check that out tonight to be sure.

I think my next step is to start taking it apart and see if I can figure out why it is like this. Specifically I'll take the bottom wheel off to see if I can see why it is out so far.

Jim

I agree with SDSSMITH, it does not sound like your lower wheel is properly installed.

I took a couple pictures that are intended to show how the two wheels relate to one another (in terms of not being coplanar). The lower wheel does set forward of the the upper wheel but does not rub on anything.

I hope this help with your analysis.

3676
Straight edge attached across lower wheel.

3677
Offset about 1/4" forward of upper wheel (top).

3678
Offset about 3/8" forward of upper wheel (lower)

[JPG40504]

I agree with SDSSMITH, it does not sound like your lower wheel is properly installed.

I took a couple pictures that are intended to show how the two wheels relate to one another (in terms of not being coplanar). The lower wheel does set forward of the the upper wheel but does not rub on anything.

I hope this help with your analysis.

3676
Straight edge attached across lower wheel.

3677
Offset about 1/4" forward of upper wheel (top).

3678
Offset about 3/8" forward of upper wheel (lower)
I'm Confused! I thought it was supposed to lean the other direction(top toward 'frame').:confused:

[dusty]

I don't know about that. I just know that what you see is what I have. It seems to track properly - I think.

Do you have pictures that you could post to show what you believe is suppose to be?

Anyone else have an input. I have two bandsaws and they are both similar (in this regard). Maybe I have a problem and in my ignorance I don't even know.