Hi all,
New to LJ as a member, but I have been gleaning tidbits of know-how from the site for over a year now - love this community!
I tried searching forums for some info, but didn't really find what I needed.
I just picked up a "used" Ridgid BS1400 14" bandsaw. I quote used, as the unit is in MINT condition - he said he used it some, but you would never know from looking at it. The only sign of age was the thin film of rust on the table, but that came right off.
I knew that the vibration of this saw is a well known feature, and was prepared to deal with it following the various recommendations. But my question has to do with wheel alignment. Currently, the blade is tracking great on the upper wheel, with the gullet running dead centre, and staying there. But the blade is noticeably off-centre on the lower wheel, riding about a 1/4" from the outer edge (towards the user's side).
I wanted to know if this is a problem, in particular if it could be causing some of the vibration, or if it will shorten blade life. The saw cuts really nicely, great straight lines with no fence, and the curves are a dream (compared to the old Craftsman 3 wheeler I just dumped). The only way I see of fixing this would be moving lower wheel towards the frame, although it doesn't appear to have any room to move, or pulling the upper wheel out from frame.
I can tell that the 2 wheels are not in perfect alignment with each other, as a straight edge across both wheels does not touch the tops and bottoms of both wheels.
It cuts so nice, I am wondering if I even need to worry about it, if it's not contributing to the vibration.
Thanks for any replies and suggestions!
New to LJ as a member, but I have been gleaning tidbits of know-how from the site for over a year now - love this community!
I tried searching forums for some info, but didn't really find what I needed.
I just picked up a "used" Ridgid BS1400 14" bandsaw. I quote used, as the unit is in MINT condition - he said he used it some, but you would never know from looking at it. The only sign of age was the thin film of rust on the table, but that came right off.
I knew that the vibration of this saw is a well known feature, and was prepared to deal with it following the various recommendations. But my question has to do with wheel alignment. Currently, the blade is tracking great on the upper wheel, with the gullet running dead centre, and staying there. But the blade is noticeably off-centre on the lower wheel, riding about a 1/4" from the outer edge (towards the user's side).
I wanted to know if this is a problem, in particular if it could be causing some of the vibration, or if it will shorten blade life. The saw cuts really nicely, great straight lines with no fence, and the curves are a dream (compared to the old Craftsman 3 wheeler I just dumped). The only way I see of fixing this would be moving lower wheel towards the frame, although it doesn't appear to have any room to move, or pulling the upper wheel out from frame.
I can tell that the 2 wheels are not in perfect alignment with each other, as a straight edge across both wheels does not touch the tops and bottoms of both wheels.
It cuts so nice, I am wondering if I even need to worry about it, if it's not contributing to the vibration.
Thanks for any replies and suggestions!