Band Saw Tires

Band Saw Tires are an integral part of your band saw, whether you have a horizontal or a vertical band saw. So what are they?

Well, a band saw tire is basically a large rubber band that attaches to the wheels that drives the saw blade. It provides friction to keep the blade turning, as metal on metal will just slip. They also protect both the wheels and blade from wear that metal rubbing together would cause.

In time the tires themselves will need to be replaced, as they will become worn. If you start to feel excessive vibration, then this may be the first hint that they need replacing. Old rubber tires tend to harden, become brittle and crack with age, so it is good to get into the habit of making regular checks for wear and tear.

Fear not as they are not overly expensive. If you search around you can find a replacement for about a dollar an inch, perhaps for even less if you were to buy in bulk.

I have heard of people using rubber inner tube as an emergency replacement, but I wouldn’t recommend that, not even as a stopgap. It is far better to spend a few bucks up front and have a spare lying around.

Band saw tires do not have to be made of rubber, even though they are the most common. There are longer lasting tires that are made from urethane, which is a type of plastic. These are available in bright colors, blue, orange etc which makes spotting defects like cracks or chips easier.

Solid rubber band tires are the most common but are also the more tricky to replace. The tire needs to be stretched to make it fit the wheel, which isn’t too difficult on smaller wheels up to 12”. With larger wheeled vertical band saws, 14” and over, you may need a jig to assist with the fitting of the tire. Also a rubber tire needs to be glued to wheel, an added complication.

Urethane band saw tires can be soaked in hot water, not boiling, to make them more pliable. Then simply fitted to the wheel. They will then shrink to fit as they cool down. They are slightly more expensive being about $25 depending on size, but then they are longer lasting and easier to fit than the rubber version.

As with all machinery, regular cleaning and maintenance will keep your band saw in tiptop condition. A good way to keep the tires in good condition is to fit a small brush that will make contact with the lower wheel. This will keep your band saw tires clean when in use by removing debris such as dust and pitch that can damage the band