I have a 93" vertical Delta band saw and when I cut something the blade derails off the 2 wheels with fairly lite pressure on what I'm cutting. It's a 1/2" multi purpose blade. I've adjusted the tilt on the top wheel many times and have the 2 roller brngs near the table just a few thou behind the blade, so the blade spins those 2 brngs right away. Tho there's a guide in the back how tight to make the blade depending on the width of the blade, I feel it needs to be tighter(?), or something else wrong? Thanks guys
Metal band saw question
- Thread starter groucho
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Rookie2
Well-known member
maybe bad bearings on the wheels, do they move if you tug on them ?
Can you post more specifics? What exact saw do you have? With a 93" blade I'd assume you are running a 14" Delta, standard. Is it an older wood/metal model w/ the transmission? Have you checked your wheels for being coplanar? Which way does the blade come off the wheels? What is the condition of the tires?
Yes, 14" w/trans for wood/metal. New polyurethane looking tires. Adjusted as outlined. Honestly haven't noticed, but I think blade comes off to the rear as I somehow recall it getting stuck behind 1 wheel (it's been a while-I just now thought of askin you guys) THX
If the band is tracking correctly under no load, it will continue to track correctly under load with the right tension.
The usual cause of slipping off the wheels under load is inadequate tension as previously suggested. However, even with the right tension it is possible to pop the band off the wheels if the feed force is high enough.
The usual cause of slipping off the wheels under load is inadequate tension as previously suggested. However, even with the right tension it is possible to pop the band off the wheels if the feed force is high enough.
Zeke
Well-known member
I agree with A_P. You might be deflecting the blade. Both sets of guide bearings have to be in alignment. The back bearings, upper and lower, should engage the instant you begin to cut simultaneously.
Milton Shaw
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- Feb 11, 2011
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Are you sure it takes a 93" instead of a 92 1/2 inch blade. They of course look the same but you cannot tension the 93 on machines that take the 92 1/2 blade. I have a Grizzly that as I remember takes the 92 1/2 blade.
Major Ramifications
Well-known member
Some pictures would help.
Yea it does kinda sound like the blade is not properly (under) tensioned. The next question would be why. Your tension spring may be a bit mushy over the years, but not sure if it would be that bad. I still think you have an alignment issue. What version of the saw do you have? I have 3 of them, so I'm pretty familiar with the old W/M delta's. Mine are all the flip lever type engagement, compared to the newer knurled knob shifter. Other than that, not much has changed for the past ~75 years.
Really 1/2" blades are knida the top end for that machine to tension. The scale on the back is just a rough guide. I personally use the "flutter" method to tension, if you're not familiar, do a google search for it. Milton may also be correct on blade length, especially if you are running thin tires, which can contribute to a greater axle to axle length for a fixed blade length.
Really 1/2" blades are knida the top end for that machine to tension. The scale on the back is just a rough guide. I personally use the "flutter" method to tension, if you're not familiar, do a google search for it. Milton may also be correct on blade length, especially if you are running thin tires, which can contribute to a greater axle to axle length for a fixed blade length.
For what its worth, my 14" 28-300 Delta takes a 93" blade as well and tracks true with the tension set correctly. Not to say his wont be different, but i would find it strange for it to be so.
OK, I don't use the saw that often. I think last time I used it I cut something thick like 3" tube and forgot to lower the guide(?). This put the upper guide bearing far from the work I cut last. Also, I'll get a 1/2" shorter blade since I'm out of adjustment. Anyone know if 1/2" is enough? If I go 1" shorter will it be too short to get on the wheels? Thanks for all the responses
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gus1962
Well-known member
Here's a free downloadable manual http://bandsawmanuals.com/manuals/view/363