Band Saw Tire Warehouse: Capacity, Blade Choice, and Setup
You need band saw tires and you want to know where to buy them and how to choose. Band saw tires are the rubber or urethane rings on the wheels that provide traction for the blade. You need to know the types, how to size them, and where to buy them. You need a guide that covers band saw tire sources.
Band saw tires are the rubber or urethane rings that fit on the wheels of a band saw. They provide traction for the blade, absorb shock, and protect the blade teeth from contacting the metal wheel. Worn tires cause blade tracking problems, poor cuts, and premature blade failure.
Types of Band Saw Tires
Rubber Tires
The traditional type, found on most older saws.
Material: Natural or synthetic rubber. Installation: Requires adhesive to attach to the wheel. Lifespan: 5 to 10 years. Cost: 10 to 20 dollars per pair. Pros: Inexpensive, readily available. Cons: Hardens with age, cracks, requires adhesive, can slip.
Urethane Tires
The modern upgrade, preferred by most woodworkers.
Material: Polyurethane. Installation: No adhesive needed. Stretches over the wheel. Lifespan: 10 to 20 years. Cost: 20 to 40 dollars per pair. Pros: Does not harden or crack, no adhesive needed, lasts longer, better traction. Cons: More expensive than rubber.
Crowned vs Flat
Crowned tires: Have a slight crown (high spot) in the center. Help keep the blade tracking in the center of the wheel. Standard on most saws. Flat tires: Flat across the width. Used on some metal cutting saws.
Sizing
How to Determine Tire Size
| Measurement | How to Measure |
|---|---|
| Wheel diameter | Measure the diameter of the wheel |
| Wheel width | Measure the width of the wheel tire surface |
| Tire thickness | Typically 1/8 to 3/16 inch |
Common Tire Sizes
| Saw Size | Wheel Diameter | Tire Size |
|---|---|---|
| 9-inch | 9 inches | 9-inch tires |
| 10-inch | 10 inches | 10-inch tires |
| 12-inch | 12 inches | 12-inch tires |
| 14-inch | 14 inches | 14-inch tires |
| 16-inch | 16 inches | 16-inch tires |
| 18-inch | 18 inches | 18-inch tires |
| 20-inch | 20 inches | 20-inch tires |
Portable Band Saw Tires
Portable band saws also have tires, but they are smaller and model-specific. Check the saw manual for the correct size.
Where to Buy Band Saw Tires
Dedicated Suppliers
Bandsawparts.com: Specializes in band saw parts including tires. Wide selection of sizes and materials. Craftsman/Delta parts: OEM tires from the manufacturer. Carter Products: Urethane tires and tire upgrade kits.
Online Retailers
Amazon: Wide selection of rubber and urethane tires in all common sizes. eBay: Good source for older and hard-to-find tire sizes. Woodcraft: Urethane tires for common saw sizes. Rockler: Urethane tires for 14-inch saws.
Industrial Supply
MSC Industrial Supply: Tires for industrial saws. Grainger: Tires for some industrial saws. McMaster-Carr: Standard urethane and rubber sheet material for custom tires.
Installation
Urethane Tire Installation
- Remove the old tire. Peel off the old rubber tire and clean the wheel surface. Remove any old adhesive.
- Soak the new tire. Soak the urethane tire in hot water (150 to 180 degrees F) for 5 to 10 minutes to make it flexible.
- Stretch the tire over the wheel. Start at one point and work the tire around the wheel. Use a dull tool to help stretch the tire.
- Seat the tire. Press the tire flat against the wheel. Make sure it is seated evenly.
- Let it cool. Allow the tire to cool and contract for a tight fit.
- Check tracking. Install a blade and check that it tracks in the center of the wheel.
Rubber Tire Installation
- Remove the old tire. Peel off the old tire and clean the wheel.
- Apply adhesive. Apply rubber tire adhesive to the wheel surface.
- Install the tire. Press the tire onto the wheel, starting at one point and working around.
- Clamp and let dry. Use clamps to hold the tire in place while the adhesive dries (24 hours).
- Crown the tire. If the tire is not pre-crowned, use a tire crowning tool or sanding block to create a slight crown.
Signs You Need New Tires
- Blade tracking problems: The blade will not stay centered on the wheel.
- Cracked or hardened tires: Visible cracks or the tire feels hard and brittle.
- Rough cuts: Worn tires cause vibration and poor cut quality.
- Blade damage: If the tire is worn through, the blade teeth may contact the metal wheel.
- Excessive vibration: Worn or flat-spotted tires cause vibration.
FAQ
What size band saw tire do I need?
Measure the wheel diameter. A 14-inch saw needs 14-inch tires. A 9-inch saw needs 9-inch tires. Check the saw manual for the exact size.
Should I buy rubber or urethane tires?
Urethane tires are recommended. They last longer (10 to 20 years vs 5 to 10), do not harden or crack, do not require adhesive, and provide better traction. They cost more (20 to 40 dollars vs 10 to 20 dollars) but are worth the investment.
How do I install urethane band saw tires?
Soak the tire in hot water (150 to 180 degrees F) for 5 to 10 minutes to make it flexible. Stretch it over the wheel, starting at one point and working around. Press it flat and let it cool for a tight fit. No adhesive needed.
References
- Carter Products. “Band Saw Tire Guide.” Carter Products.
- Bandsawparts.com. “Tire Selection Guide.” bandsawparts.com.
- Olson Saw. “Band Saw Maintenance Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Fine Woodworking. “Replacing Band Saw Tires.” Taunton Press.
- Woodcraft. “Urethane Tire Installation Guide.” Woodcraft Supply.
