Hello all!
I'm an artist living in Europe who has wandered into woodworking and is currently putting together a small shop. I've been reading posts in rec.woodworking on and off for a while but this is my first post.
I recently acquired an old Inca band saw (two wheel model with a 26 cm. throat) which I'm cleaning it up. This is my first bandsaw. I've got Mark Duginske's book at hand but have a couple of rudimentary (and Inca specific) questions which I hope some of you might have answers for.
(1) Concerning the thrust bearings
The seller mentioned he had replaced the upper thrust bearing and while the surface is smooth and it does turn if you finger it -- it doesn't spin very easily. The lower thrust bearing looks like it needs to be replaced. Should thrust bearings spin freely or simply be able to turn?
(2) The saw when I received it was extremely grungy -- the guide post assembly and table tilt trunions being very hard to move. I've cleaned and polished the guide post assembly and see that I need to take the lower wheel off the saw to remove the inside trunion. The lower wheel is directly connected to the motor (direct drive) and has an allen key screw that goes through the wheel hub. I've removed the screw but cannot seem to remove the wheel. Is it simply a matter of force or do I need a special tool to do this? (I realise that this is really a specific question in relation to this model and would appreciate the advice of anyone who has a similar model...)
(3) The tires on both (flat) wheels are very cracked. They seem to be glued on to the saw. As Inca spare parts are difficult to come by can anyone suggest replacements? I've done some searching and see that urethane band saw tires seem to be good replacements for rubber tires. Has anyone had experience with fitting such tires to european (metric) flat wheels or specifically the Inca?
I appreciate all help and advice.
-- Paul