Band Saw Tire: Types, Uses, and Selection Criteria

You need to replace the tires on your band saw and you want to know what to buy. Band saw tires are the rubber or urethane rings on the wheels that provide traction for the blade. They harden and crack over time, causing blade tracking problems. You need to know the types, how to size them, and how to install them.

Band saw tires are rings that fit on the wheels of a band saw. They provide a surface for the blade to run on, absorb shock, and reduce noise. Tires wear out over time and need replacement every 5 to 10 years depending on use.

Types of Band Saw Tires

Rubber Tires

Material: Natural or synthetic rubber. Characteristics: Soft, flexible, good traction. The original equipment on most saws. Lifespan: 5 to 10 years. Hardens and cracks with age. Installation: Often requires adhesive to bond to the wheel. Cost: 15 to 25 dollars per pair.

Urethane Tires

Material: Polyurethane. Characteristics: More durable than rubber, does not harden or crack as quickly. Does not require adhesive. Stretches onto the wheel. Lifespan: 10 to 20 years. Longer than rubber. Installation: Soak in hot water to soften, then stretch onto the wheel. No adhesive needed. Cost: 20 to 35 dollars per pair.

Rubber vs Urethane

Feature	Rubber	Urethane
Durability	5 to 10 years	10 to 20 years
Traction	Good	Good
Installation	Requires adhesive	No adhesive needed
Cost	15 to 25 dollars	20 to 35 dollars
Hardening	Yes, over time	Minimal
Cracking	Yes, over time	Minimal

Recommendation: Urethane tires are the better choice for most saws. They last longer, do not require adhesive, and are easier to install.

Sizing

How to Measure for Tires

1. Measure the wheel diameter. Remove the old tire and measure the bare wheel diameter. Do not measure the wheel with the old tire still on it.
2. Check the wheel width. Most tires are standard width for the wheel size.
3. Order tires by wheel diameter. A 14-inch tire fits a 14-inch wheel.

Common Tire Sizes

Saw Size	Wheel Diameter	Tire Size
9-inch	9 inches	9-inch tire
10-inch	10 inches	10-inch tire
12-inch	12 inches	12-inch tire
14-inch	14 inches	14-inch tire
16-inch	16 inches	16-inch tire
18-inch	18 inches	18-inch tire
20-inch	20 inches	20-inch tire

Portable Band Saw Tires

Portable band saws also have tires, but they are smaller and model-specific.

Milwaukee portable saws: Model-specific tires available from Milwaukee Tool. DEWALT portable saws: Model-specific tires available from DEWALT. Cost: 10 to 20 dollars per pair.

When to Replace Tires

Signs That Tires Need Replacement

• Cracking: Visible cracks in the tire surface.
• Hardening: The tire is hard and no longer flexible. Press a fingernail into the tire. If it does not leave a mark, the tire is hardened.
• Blade tracking problems: The blade will not stay centered on the tire, even after adjusting tracking.
• Blade slipping: The blade slips on the tire during cutting.
• Visible wear: The tire is worn smooth or has grooves from the blade.
• Age: Tires over 10 years old should be replaced regardless of condition.

How Often to Replace

• Light use (hobby): Every 7 to 10 years.
• Regular use (serious woodworking): Every 5 to 7 years.
• Heavy use (production): Every 3 to 5 years.

Installation

Removing Old Tires

1. Remove the wheel from the saw.
2. If the tire is rubber and bonded with adhesive, use a scraper or chisel to remove the old tire and adhesive.
3. Clean the wheel surface thoroughly. Remove all old adhesive and rubber.
4. If the tire is urethane, simply stretch it off the wheel.

Installing Urethane Tires

1. Soak the new tire in hot water (140 to 160 degrees F) for 5 to 10 minutes to soften it.
2. Stretch the tire onto the wheel. Start at one point and work around the wheel.
3. Make sure the tire is seated evenly on the wheel with no gaps.
4. Let the tire cool and contract onto the wheel.
5. No adhesive needed.

Installing Rubber Tires

1. Clean the wheel surface thoroughly.
2. Apply tire adhesive to the wheel surface.
3. Press the tire onto the wheel, working around the circumference.
4. Clamp or weight the tire until the adhesive sets.
5. Trim any excess tire material.

After Installation

1. Reinstall the wheel on the saw.
2. Install the blade.
3. Apply tension.
4. Check tracking. The blade should track centered on the tire.
5. Adjust tracking if needed.

Crown

Some tires have a crown (slightly higher in the center) to help keep the blade centered. If your tires are flat, you can create a crown by carefully sanding the tire slightly higher in the center.

Note: Most urethane tires are flat. The tracking adjustment on the saw compensates for this.

FAQ

How do I know what size band saw tires to buy?

Measure the bare wheel diameter (without the old tire). Order tires by wheel diameter. A 14-inch tire fits a 14-inch wheel.

Should I buy rubber or urethane band saw tires?

Urethane tires are the better choice for most saws. They last longer (10 to 20 years vs 5 to 10 years), do not require adhesive, and are easier to install.

How do I install urethane band saw tires?

Soak the tire in hot water (140 to 160 degrees F) for 5 to 10 minutes to soften it, then stretch it onto the wheel. No adhesive needed. Let it cool and contract onto the wheel.

How often should I replace band saw tires?

Every 5 to 10 years for rubber tires, every 10 to 20 years for urethane tires. Replace sooner if you see cracking, hardening, or blade tracking problems.

Why does my blade not track after installing new tires?

The tracking adjustment may need to be re-adjusted after installing new tires. Check that the tire is seated evenly on the wheel, then adjust the tracking knob to center the blade.

References

• Olson Saw. “Band Saw Tire Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
• Carter Products. “Urethane Tire Installation Guide.” Carter Products.
• Suffolk Machinery (Timber Wolf). “Band Saw Tire Specifications.” Suffolk Machinery Corporation.
• Fine Woodworking. “Replacing Band Saw Tires.” Taunton Press.
• Woodcraft. “Band Saw Tire Selection Guide.” Woodcraft Supply.