Leaky Bandsaw?

Fletch Helical

Fletch Helical

Joined
Sep 29, 2009
Messages
1,614
Hello forumites (if anyone remembers me). Been lurking a bit and haven't really gotten any shop time in for quite a while, but I do pop in to drool over the knives you guys are making and liked the KITH thread. Quite a few things got me jammed up like work, a new house, etc etc..... Anyway I'm hoping to get back working in a shop (once I set it up) and I recently moved my bandsaw. I've got the ol fashioned HF red one that has served many on here for quite a while. Now the way it was positioned I either never noticed it when I was using it or something went awry when it was just sitting there (which seems odd). However when I went to move it to my house I noticed where the motor is there is what appears to be oil dripping down the back of the stand. Logic would lead me to believe it was happening when I was using it because it was mixed with wood and steel. But I never had a problem with it running when I did use it. Is this something I will have to just write off as a standard HF tool, is there anyone else who encountered this with theirs? I haven't attempted to take the thing apart for 2 reasons really:

1. I just got it home late yesterday.
2. I really don't know what the heck I would be looking for or doing anyway.


Thanks in advance.
 
Tighten the bolts on the gear box and maybe run a seal of silicone on the edge. First be sure it has oil in it and did not all drain out.
 
Hey Fletch,
I remember you well, good to see ya back!

The guys are probably right, the gearbox is the only thing I think could be leaking oil on that saw. Mine is usually fairly oily because I oil the blade guide roller frequently but if you haven't lubed the saw lately then it's probably the gear box. Mine is an older Dayton model but is essentially the same saw. My gear box has a gasket on it. It could be as easy as replacing that gasket if the red model is outfitted with one.

Good luck.
 
Welcome back big guy.
The gear box is filled with a thick oil/grease. It tends to leak a bit at the seal and shaft. Tighten everything, and don't worry too much about it unless you think a lot has drained. Just like a few drops of blood, a little oil looks like a big leak.
 
Thanks for the warm welcomes. Well it looked like a lot leaked out, I mean it was in a garage on asphalt and there was a puddle probably about 8" in diameter at the base of it. I don't know how much oil that little motor holds but it looked like a fair amount, definitely was not a few drops. Can it be added back in? If so anyone know what kind of oil it is? Are we talking like automotive gear oil or something different?
 
Its good to hear from you; Its been a while. Hope you get some shop time soon.

Fred
 
Go on HF's website and look up the manual for the saw. It should show the fill port as well as the grease type. If thats doesn't come up with any info, call their service dept. Additionally, there are several other saws out there that are identical. One of those manuals might be found online.
 
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