Recently found a 16" Grizzly band saw and I'm in the middle of tuning it up.

1) How much is this used saw generally worth? Guy seemed knowledgeable and said it had a really good motor.
2) What does the bearing above the two guide bearings do? Doesn't seem to touch anything.
3) Guy said the thermal overload dial should be set according to certain parameters but I'm not sure what they are.
4) Any clue about it's model number? All I could find was the sticker stating 16" band saw.
5) The bottom wheel has some play in it so I need to replace the bearing. Any advice on replacing it? Doesn't seem like a socket has enough room to fit over that nut.

 

 

 

 

Edited July 19, 20214 yr by bradleyheathhays

Can't help with the compressor belt but, that bearing on the band saw ( thrust bearing?) Is to help keep the bade aligned. Ideally, the back of the blade should contact that bearing lightly during the cuts. When it starts squealing, that's my cue to ease off my feed rate.

Thanks Gene.  I figured out the compressor belt problem and just deleted it from my post.  I'll bet you're right about that third bearing.  Guess I'm just not that familiar with the mechanics of band saws yet.

2 hours ago, bradleyheathhays said:

5) The bottom wheel has some play in it so I need to replace the bearing. Any advice on replacing it? Doesn't seem like a socket has enough room to fit over that nut

 

Socket should fit in wheel and over nut.  If it doesn't, get an expendable socket and grind it until it fits in the hole.  Once the wheel is removed, check to be sure the shaft is rigid in it's mount and not worn from previous bad bearings.  Check for snap rings before hammering on the bearings. 

The bearing above the two guides is to be adjusted for the back of the blade to ride against. So when a person is pushing the blade through the wood the 2 bearings are there to keep the blade straight and in line as it side against the back bearing.  

  Also anytime a person changes blade size, everything has to be changed.

What is showing on your blade as it is set up now the back bearing should be moved back where all the blade is between the two bearings except where the teeth are bent out for the set angle of the teeth.

If I change blades the first thing I do is is to loosen all the guides and set them back where nothing is touching the blade where the blade will run in the middle of the big wheels.  If the blade is running on either side of the big wheels then adjust the top wheel where the blade will center while running. This is the first and most important thing for a band saw to saw straight down the middle of a piece of wood while sliding along the fence.  

  Then set the two side bearings with about the smallest feeler gage between the blade and the bearings. I set mine with just enough enough play I can feel it move back and forth. Then if all is running smooth and you are satisfied then set the back bearing where it is almost touching when the machine is running but not turning the bearing and when you push a piece of wood through you will see the bearing spin.... Each and every time a blade is changed to a different size, all these setting needs to be reset.

Its good for you to show the close ups for a person can tell the back bearing is set too far in thus not hold as much of the blade as is possible.

 Not the name but a guy on you tube explains exactly the best procedure I have ever watched and I think he is on you tube. Alex Snodgrass comes to mind but this might be the name of a water well drilling person????  

 I can't tell from the picture if there is a belt involved but the bottom wheel probably lock on to a shaft with a key. You will have to take to nut off and see if the wheel will come off without too much help but I think the shaft is on bearings not inside the wheel. This might be more expense than a bearing.

 A socket will fit over the nut for that is what tightens the pulley on to the shaft.

Edited July 19, 20214 yr by Smallpatch

I will echo Patch Alex Snodgrass has a video on YouTube in which he will detail everything you need to know about setting up a Bandsaw.

Thanks for the info and walk though Smallpatch.  I'll get myself over to youtube and look up Mr. Snodgrass and see what else I can learn.