Actually Russ, and don't take this the wrong way but, you don't need to wait to gloat. On the other hand, if you report back in a couple/few and yell us you've failed, well, you really might need to turn back your credentials for being a man. No really, it's that easy.
Well, I just woke up... OK, we really don't need to go there. Oh! You meant how hard is it to change out the tires. If you visit the OWWM you'll find articles on band saws and if memory serves me you'll find Bob Vaughn's article on changing out the tires and tuning a band saw. He might give a little more info than you'll find here.
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Okay one more. This band saw looks to be 30-or forty years old.
They (Delta) have hinged the wheel covers. I suspect that any other changes were/are value engineering stuff like changing the upper guide post from hexagonal to round and that sort of thing. Basically the saw you have is pretty close to being like the saw today which is pretty close to being like the saw as it was re-introduced back in the mid/late 30's.
Now, you say it's 30 years old? I'll be willing to wager that the saw is older than that. Just call it a hunch.
Just an FYI- I acquired an old Delta 14" metal cutting bandsaw a few years back, called Delta with the serial number, and they sent me copies of the parts lists & manual. Told me it was made in 1946.
I got mine for free, missing a few parts. Cost me about $100 for the parts, and it's served me quite well.
You are right I did try and sneak in a little underhanded gloat there.
I am in this saw so right that I am going to start by putting a few more bucks into it... timberwolf blades, rubber for the wheels, maybe guids and maybe a riser.
I wonder is there a measurable differance between types of wheel covering?
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