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Any ideas how to remove the lower wheel on an Axminster 14" bandsaw (I assume most of the modern designs are similar?)...I've ordered some circlip pliers but after that point I'm not sure how to get the wheel off...and what balancing I need to do when I put it back on.
Cheers
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Those who danced were thought to be quite insane by those who could not hear the music - Angela Monet
Most have two bolts that hold the motor in place, one acts as a pivot, and the other usually sits in a slot. So you loosen both, and the motor pivots allowing the belt to be replaced/tensioned. They should not be difficult to locate. I would be VERY surprised if you needed to remove the pulley to change the belt.
After you replace the belt, you just make sure it is tight but not overly so. Then you adjust the blade tension and tracking. I usually back off all the blade guides from the blade. And adjust the tracking (usually there is a knob or bolt that tilts the upper pulley wheel). I generally like to see the blade tracking in the center of the wheel. (do this rotating by hand until you get it looking right, then power it up and verify it runs in the center) . Next adjust the side to side guides so they just barely touch the blade (no friction). They should be positioned just behind the teeth. Then adjust the guide behind the blade so it is about 1/2mm behind the blade. (There should be two sets of guides above and below the saws deck.
Run it again (keep damned clear of it), and look see if all the tracking and guides are positioned right. If it looks good, close up the covers ad cut a test piece, and see how it goes.
I do ALL of the above every time I change a blade, and it takes probably less the 5-10 minutes max.
I've downloaded the manual and, although there is no specific section regarding the drive belt replacement, the diagram seems to suggest that the wheel must come off...it also advises against touching the bolts securing the drive shaft as these serve as a datum for the geometry of the machine set-up.
I'm a bit concerned that there is a problem with my machine - some of the guys on this site have built an awful lot of guitars but don't appear to have had to change a drive belt - I wonder if my base is not steady enough and is causing aggravated belt wear?
...thanks very much for your input Jeff, much appreciated.
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Those who danced were thought to be quite insane by those who could not hear the music - Angela Monet