Band Saw Maintenance: A Key to Keeping Your Pallet Recycling Costs Low

Operating a pallet dismantling band saw that’s out of tune can significantly shorten the lifespan of your pallet dismantling band saw blades and lead to premature wear on the saw itself, resulting in higher pallet dismantling costs and potential downtime. Regular maintenance is essential for peak performance and longevity of your equipment. Below are detailed steps for checking and tuning your pallet band saw to ensure smooth, efficient operation.

Note: While these guidelines apply to most band saw models, always consult your specific machine’s user manual. Follow manufacturer recommendations, and if uncertain, hire a professional mechanic to service your equipment. The user assumes all risks in applying these guidelines.

Items to Inspect with the Saw Blade Removed

1. Wheel Bearings

   With the blade removed, carefully spin each wheel or pulley by hand. Check for signs of bearing wear, wobble, or any play in the movement. The wheels should rotate smoothly, with no resistance or noise. If you notice any irregularities, contact a professional mechanic, as worn bearings can cause alignment and tracking issues.

2. Wheel Balance

   Determining wheel balance with the tires on can be challenging, but there are indicators. If a vertically mounted wheel consistently stops at the same spot after being spun, it may be out of balance. For a proper balance check, wheels with tires can be serviced at a tire store. Wheel imbalance is rare during normal wear, but correcting it can improve blade performance.

3. Tire Pressure

   Tire pressure is crucial for stability and blade tracking. Refer to your manual for the recommended pressure; if no information is available, 50 psi is a typical standard. Underinflated tires can compromise saw tracking, so it's better to slightly overinflate than to underinflate. The tire should be firm with a slight crown along the tread's center for optimal blade alignment.

4. Wheel Alignment

   Ensure both wheels are vertically aligned and on the same plane. Use a level held vertically against each tire to check if they’re 90° to the base (the bubble should be centered in the sight glass). Stretch a string horizontally from the far end of each wheel to verify alignment. The string should sit flush against the surface of both wheels, confirming they are in line.

Items to Inspect with the Saw Blade Installed

1. Wheel Roundness

   An out-of-round wheel can cause uneven blade wear and tracking issues. Place a business card or small object parallel to the tread within ¼” of the blade. As you spin the wheel, observe any dips or rises in the blade. Even slight imperfections can disrupt smooth operation, so adjustments may be necessary if you detect irregularities.

2. Blade Tension

   Proper blade tension is critical. Refer to your machine’s labels or documentation for the recommended tension. Some saws come equipped with a built-in tension meter; if yours doesn’t, use a blade tension gauge, like the Lenox Band Saw Tension Gauge. To use the gauge, de-tension the blade, attach the gauge, and gradually increase the tension until it reaches the recommended reading. This ensures optimal performance and reduces the risk of blade breakage.

3. Adjusting Guide Bearings

   Guide bearings help keep the blade on track, acting as guard rails without constant contact. After removing the guide bearings, observe the blade’s tracking path. Adjust set screws or other alignment components to ensure the blade tracks on the wheel’s crown. Once satisfied with the tracking, position the guide bearings 1/16” from the blade. Properly adjusted bearings prevent blade wobble and prolong blade life.

Additional Tips for Long-Term Band Saw Health

• Avoid Over-Tightening

  Some operators over-tighten blades to “solve” tracking issues. This can strain your saw and potentially damage the blade. If tracking issues persist at the recommended tension, consider it a sign that further inspection or repair is needed.

• Initial Tension Settings

  If your machine lacks tension information, a starting point of 12,000 lbs. is generally safe. Test from this setting, making minor adjustments as needed. A properly tensioned blade should deflect no more than ¼” when pressed with the palm of your hand.

• Replacing Tires

  When it’s time for new tires, always replace worn tires with the same-size bias ply tires. Radial tires can affect tracking and wear patterns, so they are not recommended for most band saw applications.

Final Considerations

It is a common tendency for operators to increase blade tension well above the recommended setting as a quick fix for tracking problems. While adding tension often “fixes” a problem, it is a short-sighted solution. A saw that exhibits problems at the recommended tension is a saw calling for help. If the tension rating for your saw can not be found, start with a tension of 12,000 lbs. and make adjustments from there. A properly tensioned saw blade will deflect no more than ¼” when pushed with the palm of your hand.

Regular maintenance may seem time-consuming, but it’s an investment in your saw's longevity and productivity. A well-maintained saw not only runs more efficiently but also reduces operating costs by extending the lifespan of the blades and minimizing the need for frequent repairs. Make these maintenance steps a routine, and your band saw will remain a reliable and cost-effective asset in your recycling operations.