Band Saw: Why does my band saw blade slip off the wheel?
A damaged rubber tier, worn wheel bearings, loose blade tension or a dull saw blade can cause the blade to slip off the wheel. Check blade tension by pressing in on the side of the blade using a gloved finger. Tighten blade tension if you can easily push the blade in more than 1/4-inch.
If blade tension is okay, a dull saw blade could be causing the problem. If the saw blade is dull, you have to push the work piece with more force to move it through the cutting area. The extra force could push the saw blade off the wheel. Replace the saw blade if it's dull.
If the saw blade is sharp and the blade slips off the wheel even when you only use light pressure to push the work piece through the cutting area, check the rubber tires for damage or wear that could lead to the blade slipping off the wheel. Replace worn or damaged rubber tires.
If the rubber tires are okay, manually spin the wheels and check for wobble. If a wheel wobbles while you spin it, replace its bearings because they're no longer supporting the wheel enough to keep it from wobbling.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR BAND SAW PROBLEM
Replace the band saw rubber tire
The band saw rubber tires fit over the upper and lower wheels and grip the band saw blade to prevent slipping. Examine the band saw rubber tires regularly and replace worn or damaged tires.
Band saw rubber tire
How to replace a band saw tire
If your band saw blade wobbles, wanders or won't move, the band saw tire might be the problem. This repair guide and video show how to replace a band saw tire in 15 minutes or less.
Replace the band saw wheel bearings
The band saw wheel bearings support the wheels and allow the wheels to spin freely on the wheel shafts. A wheel has bearings on each side. Examine the bearings if a wheel isn't spinning true. Replace both bearings on the wheel even if only one bearing appears damaged.
Band saw wheel bearings
Replace the band saw blade
The band saw blade becomes dull with use. Cutting hard wood or metal hastens blade dulling. The band saw blade is dull when you must apply significantly more than normal force to push the piece you're cutting through the blade. Replace the band saw blade when it's dull or damaged.
Band saw blade
How to replace a band saw blade
If your band saw takes a long time to cut, the blade could be dull. This DIY repair guide and video show how to replace a band saw blade in 30 minutes or less.
Symptoms for band saws
Choose a symptom to see related band saw repairs.
Main causes: damaged rubber tire, worn wheel bearings, loose blade tension, dull saw blade…
Main causes: dull blade, improper feeding, loose blade tension, not using a work piece guide…
Main causes: dull blade, using the wrong type of blade, feeding work piece to quickly, loose blade tension…
Main causes: broken saw blade, bad drive belt, damaged rubber tire…
Main causes: angle indicator needs adjustment, dull blade…
Main causes: dull blade, using the wrong type of blade, weak drive motor…
Main causes: lack of electrical power, broken power cord, bad on/off switch, faulty drive motor…
Repair guides for band saws
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your band saw.
How to replace a band saw on-off switch
If the switch won't turn the band saw on or off, it could be defective. Replace the switch, using these steps.…
How to replace a band saw blade
If the saw blade is dull or damaged and isn't cutting cleanly, replace the blade following these steps.…
How to replace a band saw drive belt
If the motor runs but the blade doesn't move, it could be that the drive belt is broken. Here's how to replace it.…
Articles and videos for band saws
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your band saw.
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