New bandsaw, wheel is locked up, help...

R

razorhunter

Joined
Jan 27, 2002
Messages
470
Guys,
I just got the new MSC version of the Harbor Freight bandsaw home today, to try out.
I have a couple issues.
First off, I've never owned a cheap bandsaw like this, so bear with me fellas.
In the vertical position, is the motor only held in place by the belt itself? I don't see any kind of "stop pin" or anything like that, that holds the motor in place. In the HORIZONTAL position, it seems there is an adjustment bolt, with a black plastic knob on it, that keeps the motor from pivoting too far. However, as I said, I cannot see what holds it in place in the vertical position.
I have about a 6" angle bracket/bar left over, that I don't ,know what it is though....
Also, I turn the switch on, and the bottom wheel seems to be locked up. What the hell am I missing here? I have looked everywhere, and cannot figure out why on earth the wheel is so hard to turn. You CANNOT turn the bottom wheel by hand, when the blade is mounted in the saw. When you turn the switch on, the motor strains to turn it over. I immediately shut it off, and am afraid to turn it back on again.
Please help fellas. There are NO assembly instructions included, with the exception of "mount the stand on the base". ?????? What the hell is that? Freakin china.
Thanks for any help fellas...
 
Well fellas,
Upon first thinking that the gearbox was locked up, I finally got it working. This is the first bandsaw I've seen, where the blade CANNOT be rotated, simply by turning the bottom wheel, or grabbing the blade itself, and pulling up/down. However, when you take your hand, and manually turn the pulley on the OUTSIDE of the bandsaw, where the belt connects up, it will turn with some resistance however. Is this normal?
I tried cutting a few pieces of scrap TI and steel, and it cuts good though.

My only remaining issue is with the left over brace/bracket. I don't know what it is for. I cannot see from the lousy picture on the front of the manual either.
I can only assume it is some kind of brace for the motor maybe???? I hope so, as the motor could use a LITTLE bit more stiffening. As it is right now, when the bandsaw is in the vertical position, the motor simply hangs by the drive belt itself. There is also an adjustment bolt, (with plastic knob), that screws in and out, and keeps the motor from going too far one way. When the bandsaw is in the vertical position, this bolt also helps keep the motor from "bouncing" up and down, while running. Like I said, there is a small amount of excess vibration, that can be stopped, when you put your hand on the motor while it is running. It's not bouncing up and down extremely bad or anything, but like I said it could use a tad more stiffening. If this unknown bracket is NOT for this purpose, then I can rig something up myself. Just a little added insurance.
Just a note:
The bracket/brace that I don't know the use for, is approximately 6-7" long, and it has a bend on each end at APPROX 22 1/2 degree angle maybe? It has a SLOT in one end for a bolt/screw and a HOLE in the other end for a bolt/screw. It is about 3/32" thick black metal, and about an 1 1/4" wide.
Anybody know what this brace/bracket is for? Manual is complete, utter garbage. Not worth the paper it is written on. Thinking about sending it back to China and tellin em' to use it for TP....
The little saw does cut good though.

Some mods I am likely going to make in the future:

1. Of course, a new table. Probably use 3/8" steel plate.

2. Stiffen up legs/frame a little with plywood or do away with legs and permanently mount on a dedicated workbench. If I don't do this mod, I will put some axles on this baby, and some good wheels. The stock wheels suck and bend the legs/frame under the saws own weight..

3. Stiffen up motor a little. Only concern here, is that if I ever want to use the saw in the horizontal position, or change belt speeds, I might have unbolt the "stiffening bracket" to do so. Not a big deal though. This is not really necessary either. Just my perfectionism chiming in.

Overall I am actually pleased with this saw. It is much nicer than the HF saw IMO, and was on sale from $270 down to $199.00 at MSC this month. Catalog says it is on sale for $219, but when I got there, they said sale price was really $199!! Paid $209 including tax!

Thanks for everything fellas. If you anyone knows what the mysterious bracket is for, please let me know!
 
The angled brace/bracket is probably for the table when used in the vertical position. I have a Delta version of the universal 4x6 bandsaw and mine has a table brace that sounds like what you are describing. On mine, when facing the blade it resides below the table at the right rear.

Allen
 
Thanks bud,
Guess I overlooked that option, cause I'm going to junk to stock table anyway. Nice to know what it is though. Thanks bud!
 
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