Help with Bandsaw.

[scoly]

Bought an old, used, Toolcraft 14" bs about a year ago and have used it only for quick little things. Couple of days ago I noticed instructions on speed for different applications. Metal, plastic and wood. Showed for cutting wood that I had the belt on wrong. When I moved it to the correct combination the speed was about double and it began making a lot of noise, blew the breaker. Inspection showed that one of the tires had come off and that the motor was making some bearing noise. Decided this was the time to address the problems.
With the tire off I had the opportunity to examine the wheel. Surprised me. The wheel had a raised rim on each side. It's about 1/8 inch tall and wide. Wasn't what I expected. Do all the wheels have this? Will be ordering new tires so what should I get and how do I go about getting the right size? Is it one size fits all in the 14" or do I measure the diameter of the wheel?
This is just the first installment on my bs journey. Will return with many more questions but first things first.
Thanks
Steve

[JR]

Steve, I'd suggest you get one of these books before going much further. These will tell you everything you need to know about how bandsaws are put together, tuned up, and maintained.

Lonnie Bird
http://www.amazon.com/Bandsaw-Book-L...6317790&sr=1-2

Mark Duginske
http://www.amazon.com/Band-Saw-Handb...6317853&sr=1-2

[Ken Massingale]

Hey Steve,
First measure the width of the wheel between the raised rims. Also look closely at the inside of the rims and see if the walls are straight down to the flat or are sloped. If there is a slope on both or one side, measure the flat, do not include the slope. For example, the HF BS has a slope on the back side but not the front. I oreder the 1" Orange tires for the HF I had and didn't notice the slope. The tires raised on the back side causing problems. Carter was the only tire I found with a 7/8" width, and it turned out they were better tires anyway, plus the colbalt blue is pretty. ;-D
A call to Carter may be useful, when I called a tech lady spent 15 minutes with me explaining lots about bS wheels and tires. I found Woodline.com to have the best prices on Carter tires.

[LCHIEN]

Hey Steve,
First measure the width of the wheel between the raised rims. Also look closely at the inside of the rims and see if the walls are straight down to the flat or are sloped. If there is a slope on both or one side, measure the flat, do not include the slope. For example, the HF BS has a slope on the back side but not the front. I oreder the 1" Orange tires for the HF I had and didn't notice the slope. The tires raised on the back side causing problems. Carter was the only tire I found with a 7/8" width, and it turned out they were better tires anyway, plus the colbalt blue is pretty. ;-D
A call to Carter may be useful, when I called a tech lady spent 15 minutes with me explaining lots about bS wheels and tires. I found Woodline.com to have the best prices on Carter tires.

I hear www.suffolkmachinery.com (source for timberwolf blades) is also a good place to buy tires, they can help with selection, too.

[scoly]

JR
Thanks for the reference. Will stop by the library and see what they have. I've seen lots of reference to both but never even thought about getting a book.
Ken and Lchien,
Thanks. Will check the wheels this evening and look or talk to both suppliers. Probably will order blades at the same time. Just have to see what I need and who handles what.
Thanks again.
Steve

[calec]

Lonnie Bird's Book

I have Lonnie Bird's book. Highly recommend it.