If you want your workshop equipment to last its full lifespan, it’s vital that you perform preventative maintenance checks. These checks may take place every day, every week, or a few times each month, depending on the piece of equipment. Keep reading to learn about essential preventative maintenance for bandsaws.
Why Do Preventative Maintenance?
In short, preventative maintenance ensures that your equipment works properly. It also gives you a chance to detect problems before they become an emergency. The benefits of preventative bandsaw maintenance include:
- Increased blade life
- Decreased machine downtime
- Lower overall costs
- Increased productivity
- Reduced number of emergency repairs
- Increased worker safety
1. Bandsaw Blades
You should check the bandsaw blade tension every day to ensure it’s working properly. You should also do this every time you switch out the blade. Before doing so, it’s important to see if the blade tracking is correct. This is the space between the back edge of the blade and the wheel flange, which should be set at one-eighth of an inch.
2. Wheel Bearings
Bearings allow the wheels in your bandsaw to turn smoothly with as little heat generation as possible. You should check these bearings every six months for unusual movement, damages, and anything else that could prevent fluid rotation. When replacing defective bearings, you should also verify that the engine has the right amount of transmission oil.
3. Guide Alignment
Bandsaw blade guides keep the blade in the correct position while cutting. You should check the guide alignment every day before you use the machine. Your machine’s manual should tell you the correct alignment. Then, every few months, check the band guides that keep the tire in place.
4. Belts and Tires
Essential preventative maintenance for bandsaws also includes checking the tires and belts for misalignment and damage. If a bandsaw tire snaps during use, someone could get hurt, and your workpiece could get damaged.
You can find high-quality replacement bandsaw tires at Texas Belting and Supply. We carry a variety of sizes, so you’re sure to find exactly the right tire for your bandsaw. We even offer free shipping for orders in the US.