need band saw help

cjg1941 · May 13, 2004

Hi Guys

I have a Harbor Freight 14" band saw and am having problems with the saw blade not tracking on the top sheave. I am using a starrett 7' 9" -- 1/2" 14 tooth blade and it just rolls off the front of the top sheave. The saw blade seems to be straight as it guides down the table and it wraps nicely on the bottom sheave, but when I turn it by hand, the blade creeps toward the front on the top sheave. Could it be that the sheaves are not aligned properly? Could I place a shim of some sort on the hub of the top sheave to force it forward some? Any input would be helpful.

Thank you c.j.g.

J. Neilson · May 13, 2004

Your right. Sounds like the wheels aren't in alighnment. I've got the same machine but, not that trouble. Call them and let them know. I've never had a problem with HF not only replacing a faulty machine but, paying the shipping and sometimes just sending a new one without the need of sending back the old one.

cjg1941 · May 13, 2004

Thank you J.

I will contact them.

fitzo · May 14, 2004

On my Inca woodcutter there's a small adjustment inside that allows for changing the pitch of the upper wheel. It's on the inside and not real evident.

cjg1941 · May 14, 2004

J and Fitzo

Found the problem. what I took to be a locking screw turned out to be a (the) pitch adjustment. Getting old it takes a while to figure things out.

thanks for the help
cjg

peter nap · May 14, 2004

what I took to be a locking screw turned out to be a (the) pitch adjustment

I hate this phrase but.....Been there, done that! Felt Stupid and I love company!

fitzo · May 14, 2004

cjg1941 said:
J and Fitzo
Getting old it takes a while to figure things out.
thanks for the help
cjg

Glad you got it fixed. Yeah, this "old" stuff is for the birds, ain't it? Here I'm retired, have the freedom to do anything I want, and am so crapped up that I can't do much of anything. Can't help but laff at the joke in all of that, somehow! The only really good thing is we relearn "new" stuff all the time, eh?

I keep joking with my wife wondering if it'll be very exciting when I start waking up with a new woman every morning.... LOL....

One of these days we'll have to start an "Old Fart Knifemakers' Forum" to discuss the best way to keep grinding grit out from under the dentures and such.

J. Neilson · May 14, 2004

Thanks for pointing out all I have to look forward to fellas.

I'd better put a rope up so I can find my way to the shop in the upcoming years.