Used Skil Band Saw

[Rebecca (Guest)]

I bought a used band saw, but don't know the first thing about it. How do I get the blades on and when I tried the first time it broke!

[handi]

Rebecca,

First, try a web search and see if you can find a website for Skil. I think they are owned by Bosch nowadays. Also, there are a number of good books on bandsaw basics that you might want to read over at the bookstore or library.

Most bandsaws work the same basic way: In the back of the head, behind the top wheel should be a tensioning device of some sort. Blade changing is done by loosening that device (usually a knob)until the blade is free. You should NOT have to force the blade on or off.

The blade needs to run around both wheels and through the guide blocks above and below the table. Once the blade is over the wheels, retighten the tensioner. Typically there is a gauge that tells you how much to tighten the blade. Also, in the same place should be an alignment adjustment too. It sets the "tracking" of the blade, keeping it from running off the wheels. By turning the top wheel by hand you can see if the blade is tracking correctly.

Hope this helps,

Ralph

[TDHofstetter (Guest)]

It should be noted, too, that the band should be "tracked" with the rear guides (the little ball-bearing wheels) backed off completely, then the rear guides should be advanced until they just brush the back of the band while the band is moving. The side guides should almost, but not quite, touch the band on either side.

Rebecca, did you replace the band with a new one or an old one? If it was old, it may have already been ready to break. If it was a new one, they're not hard to weld back together with a propane torch and the right (and cheap) repair kit.

[bandsawgal]

Hi Rebecca, A good book to get is "Bandsaw Handbook" by Mark Duginske. (you can get it through Amazon.com (http://Amazon.com) if you can't find it locally) It explains the setup = alignment, adjustment of the thrust bearings, blade selection and tensions you will need to know. Also a section on cutting techniques with simple patterns. I found it helpful when I first started out and you probably will too. It should answer all basic questions about operating your bandsaw safely. :)
Best wishes
Bandsawgal