Changing bandsaw tires

Before installing a new tire, pry off the old one with a flathead screwdriver, or cut it off with a sharp utility knife. Scrape away old adhesive or remaining tire fragments with a putty knife, then remove any adhesive residue from the wheel using a rag and lacquer thinner.

As a final step, clean the wheel rim with denatured alcohol and allow it to dry thoroughly before mounting the new tire. You want a bare-metal surface for the tire to adhere to, and some solvents—including lacquer thinner—leave behind a residue that can reduce the adhesive's effectiveness.

To install a rubber tire, slide part of the tire onto the wheel rim with the rough-sided surface of the tire against the rim. Clamp it with a small C-clamp and a ¹⁄₄ "-thick piece of scrap. Stretch the tire to the wheel's opposite side; then clamp it. Work the tire over the rim, as shown below, using a wood or steel lever, if necessary.

Slip a short piece of ³⁄₄ "-diameter rod or pipe between the tire and wheel. Roll the pipe around the rim once to equalize the tire's elasticity. Squeeze a small amount of industrial rubber adhesive (3M-TIRE, 888-622-7837, carterproducts.com) onto a scrapwood applicator and apply it to the tire and wheel surface, as shown below. Roll and repeat all the way around the rim. Let the adhesive dry for 24 hours before using the saw again.

Note: Bandsaw tires fit a range of wheel widths, and may require trimming along one edge. Mount the tire flush to one side of the wheel, glue it in place, and then run a sharp utility knife around the edge.

Urethane tires come slightly undersized so you can install them without adhesive for a firm hold. If you have limited hand strength, soak the tire in hot water—up to 120° F—for 5 minutes to make it pliable enough to stretch over the rim.