I have an OLD Delta 14" bandsaw that has been in my family since the
40s. It's been a great saw. However a couple weeks ago, I dropped the upper wheel, and took a 2" chunk out of the rim of the wheel. I found a used upper wheel, but the used wheel is a newer aluminum wheel, and the spokes are thicker than the original, which is steel (I think), much heavier, but thinner spokes. Problem is, that there is an indentation in the cover for the tensioning knob, and spokes of the aluminum wheel hit the cover. I've drilled out some washers to space out the wheel a little bit so that it clears, and I assume I'll have to do the same on the bottom wheel to get them in plane, but I "think" I'll be able to get it to at least run. However, the used aluminum wheel I found seems a bit abused. It looks like the previous owner had problems getting the bearings in, and banged up the center hub a bit near the bearings. I'm curious how the bearings on this saw are installed and removed. Is each bearing put in put in from the outside, and is there something that keeps them from going in too far?? I notice that there is a spacer inside the hub that seems to keep them separated, but if there isn't a positive stop for the bearing, I'm not sure what keeps the wheel from coming off, except for the very tight fit. (Hope that makes sense.) Other question is how are these bearings removed? Can you just bang them out from the other side? Should you use some kind of puller that can be inserted into the hole? By either method, can they be pulled or banged out via the inner movable portion, or is there some way to get to the outside. I want to take the bearings out, because the bearings on the used wheel I found feel rough, and I think I should replace them if I can do it without further damaging the hub. I don't have a manual for this saw, so I'm not sure what the proper procedure is for replacement of the bearings. As I said, I'm pretty sure that the previous owner of the wheel had similar problems and partially damaged the wheel, and I didn't want to do more damage. However, I am starting to think that my original wheel might still be usable. The chunk broken out of it is only at the edge of the wheel, where the rim that holds the tire in place is, and doesn't affect the bed that the tire sits on. I'm thinking that perhaps I can get the broken piece welded back on, just to keep the wheel pretty much in balance, and hopefully welding it won't warp it. I'm curious what people think about what my best option would be, ie using the old original wheel, or the newer aluminum wheel with extra spacers? Or is there any hope of finding a replacement steel wheel for this saw? I feel really bad about damaging this saw, as it belonged to my father, who used it for many years, as have I. I'd really like to make it good as new again. Thanks for any suggestions.- posted
19 years ago