Fixing My Wen Benchtop Metal Bandsaw

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Fixing My Wen Benchtop Metal Bandsaw

Рет қаралды 25,652

Күн бұрын

In this video I take my Wen benchtop metal cutting bandsaw and fix the issue where the blade constantly flys off the wheels. It was driving me crazy and this simple to do fix made it perform like it was brand new again. While I did have problems with this tool, i still recommend it, its been great for almost 2 years now...
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Пікірлер: 93

@FullMetalFox2 5 жыл бұрын

The fotage actually gives a clue as to what is really the issue, the top wheel tracking seems fine at first, but the lower wheel has some serious issues. Note from 4:32 how the blade is moving off and back onto the wheel under cutting tension, at 0.25 playback speed you can see on one frame how the blade slips off the lower wheel first. There is something wrong down there, depending on the machines construction it could just be some loose or overstretched bolts, possible slightly stripped holes on the housing or worst case a loose bearing or bend shaft. The retaining plates youve installed will help but they put additional stress on your blades teeth and will get mangled up over time, might be worth it to check the lower assembly before the plates start causing issues too. Cheers!

@curiosity2314 Жыл бұрын

I agree that there is a root cause and this video did not get to it. Band aid at best. Comment below leads to a bearing issue.

@Mate2Frio 5 жыл бұрын

That price point it's not a matter of if it will break .. just a matter of Wen.

@BITTYBOY121 2 жыл бұрын

I have this identical 125mm (5 inch metal cutting bandsaw) I bought second hand last month which had the same problem and the problem turned out to be a badly warn bearing in the motor gearbox where the slow speed output driveshaft is (this is the shaft that holds the driven band wheel) It seems that the person who owned the saw before I got it had been very over enthusiastic ! with the amount of blade tension and this resulted in the gearbox output shaft bearing wearing out prematurely and having enough play to allow the blade to come off the band wheel when the machine was under heavy load and cutting. A new bearing off eBay fixed the problem - Hope this helps.

@jacobgigilal4125 Жыл бұрын

I have a similar problem. Can you share the link to the bearing you bought? thx

@MakeBrooklyn 5 жыл бұрын

Always nice to be able to fix things rather than replace them so well done!! Very cool to have run into you again at MC2019!!

@urbanflyguide 5 жыл бұрын

Although they are hardly perfect, I have 2 of these exact saws for 2.5 years. One I had to replace bearings and other is this problem in the video. Let me say, I have made 50 giant grill/smokers with these saws in that time. 5/8" round bar, tons of 1/8" stainless angle, miles of 2" sq tube. Cuts incredibly straight and quickly, you just need to know how to tweak it, just like any saw whatever the price. Nice fix I think ill call warrantee!

@SamRalls-ti1be 9 ай бұрын

If you notice, there is an Allenhead set screw below the two wheel mounting screws on the idler. Hand-tighten the mounting screws and set the speed to low. Put an allen wrench in the set screw and trigger the motor. Watch as it moves and slowly turn the adjusting set screw. If the blade starts moving off of the pulley .... turn it the opposite direction. When the blade tracks right, tighten the mounting screws uniformly.

@zerge83 5 жыл бұрын

first page of the user manual: remove sticker before use.

@MakeEverything 5 жыл бұрын

damn i know that paper was for something...

@littles3439 5 жыл бұрын

The "pitch" of the top wheel is the blade tracking, just like a belt sander. It needs adjusted as the blade is running so the blade is just touching the rim of the wheel.

@MakeEverything 5 жыл бұрын

Yeah its similar to the other bandsaws i have but unfortunately didn't do enough to keep the blade on the wheels...

@motormaker 5 жыл бұрын

I’ve had a similar problem with an old Dayton bandsaw from the 70s. As I’m sure you know the wheels are no longer coplanar. The reason why is because the frame of the saw is warped. It is warped from keeping the blade tensioned for too long. My Dayton is cast iron it took many years to warp the wen appears to be some type of chinesium die cast. Shelf life under tension seems to be 18 months or so.

@rodrigoosorioporras7029 Жыл бұрын

would you say that removing or losing the tension when you are not using it would increase its lifetime? I know it has been 3 years now.. not sure if Wen ever fixed this issue.

@BradsWorkbench 5 жыл бұрын

I just picked up a Wen 4x6 used for dirt cheap. Can’t wait to get to use it when I get back home

@davebauerart 5 жыл бұрын

I already knew the twist ending, but it was good to see the entire problem solving process.

@ohhpaul7364 5 жыл бұрын

Your wheels are not staying coplanar while you are applying cutting pressure. It looks to be coming from the wheel the motor is attached to, maybe check the mounting bolts for the motor to the frame(my guess), the bearings may not be seated correctly inside the wheel, the motor shaft may be bent a tiny bit (doubt it), a bearing may be bad and it is hanging just enough to cause the wheel to wobble (maybe), or you could have to shim the uphill side of the motor relative to the blade or file down the cutting side of the motor mount just a bit. Those plates will eat your blades up faster than you care to replace them and wont really fix the root cause of your troubles. Just some guesses, thanks for the videos.

@philreynolds7216 5 жыл бұрын

Is the motor bolted to the lower part of the housing? If those bolts back out just a hair, the lower wheel could get out of alignment. When the saw is up, the motor falls into the correct alignment. As you tilt it forward in the cut, the motor falls out of alignment and pulls the lower wheel with it.

@MakeEverything 5 жыл бұрын

Interesting idea, i honestly didnt check that. but I will now! Thanks!

@BradsWorkbench 5 жыл бұрын

Smart

@closeenoughmachineshop1832 5 жыл бұрын

@@MakeEverything Yes... When you put tension on the blade, the lower wheel/motor gets out of alignment?

@michaellinahan7740 5 жыл бұрын

why don't you make the top 'washer' move with the blade so it doesn't cut into the plate as much just like the bottom washed attached to the motor?

@benwilson1979 5 жыл бұрын

How pissed were you when it popped off the bottom pulley?? Hahaha. Great video, and great problem solving.

@randycox4633 5 жыл бұрын

I have a Klutch version of what looks like the same thing and just happened to need to replace the blade the other day. Managed to find manual and one thing they specifically said was that if the blade tension was too tight it would tend to pop off or come out of the guides. Possible your tension is just too tight. Mine has a guard that spans the wheels which also has a slot the blade follows. Wondering if that guide might help keep the blade on even though you wouldn't think that should do it.

@AlAmantea 5 жыл бұрын

I wonder about the lower thrust bearing not being low enough against the back of the blade. This would cause the blade to be pushed back at the cut area, causing it to lever against the factory flange on the lower wheel. during a cut, this would change the blades angle of attack to the lower wheel, walking it off the bottom wheel.

@derekmctavish 5 жыл бұрын

Certainly a fix that works in the end -- no critique there! Would love to know if over time the teeth wear down or wear into the plates you made. Having used this saw pretty extensively on a school bus conversion I did, some thoughts: - You're pushing far too hard into the material. Right around 4:30 in the video, listen to the pitch of the screeeeeech. It keeps going up and up until -- pop! Metal band saws, especially small ones like this... take it easy, go slow. When I used this saw, I ended up finding a chunk of steel that I could prop up near the handle that was the right weight to pull the saw down at a reasonable speed for the material I was cutting. - Don't adjust the tension while cutting! That's crazy talk. :P This is one of those stupid "how tight is tight enough?" ... "well... tight enough, but not too tight but also not too loose" things. I adjust the tension such that when I flick the blade with my finger I can hear a bit of a diiiiing. Right when you can hear the sound actually sustain a little, give it a little bit more of a tighten and you're good to go. - It's a shame these saws don't have an adjustable arm at the back of the saw. The blade twists really aggressively at the bottom/back wheel, and that's begging for the blade to pop off. - Make sure your guide bearings are all adjusted correctly. Side bearings should be touching, but not so tight you can't easily move them on their own. Back bearing shouldn't be touching, but shouldn't be far away (will likely touch and spin while under load) Also, for as much adjustment as this saw gives you, try to square up the blade to the saw table. It'll help keep the blade moving downward in a straight line, rather than trying to take off in on direction or another.

@ozisnice 5 жыл бұрын

I would check the motor to wheel alignment. Even the housing for bending too. Nothing worse than when a shop tool needs to be worked on.

@garybrown9719 7 ай бұрын

😮 great video do you like this band saw or the dry cut saw

@fiorevitola880 5 жыл бұрын

Chepe pice of C^&P. I would replace it. But thanks for informing us about that bench saw.

@TJSWOODWORKINGSHOP 5 жыл бұрын

Hey cool my Brother awesome fix I like it good idea to later :)

@ot9180 5 жыл бұрын

Smashing it with a sledgehammer? That’s is a bit violent. What is your first childhood memory?

@scrapnewyork 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome video dude I had this same problem like a year ago. Looking forward to your next upload , I saw some of your current projects on your IG story I hope we get to see some of that content on YT 👍🏻

@pascualromero2855 3 жыл бұрын

Mine hasn't had that issue other than when there oil on the blade, wheel and bearings causing the blade to skew and pop off. So i usually just clean it with a rag while its running to get that gunk off. Unfortunately my issue is finding replacement brushes and or motor swapping the frame for longevity. love the frame of this cheep beast.

@pascualromero2855 3 жыл бұрын

p.s. i found alternative brushes w/ little modification that would work. BOSCH motor brushes with pig tail. just a few MM sized to big, nothing some sandpaper cant take care of.

@lloyd4768 5 жыл бұрын

It could also be you have a dull blade and putting to much tension on it is causing it to pop off. I've had that problem.

@MakeEverything 5 жыл бұрын

I was under the impression that was the problem too but I've replaced the blade and messed with eery type of tension, the plates are holding up well though!

@Badgerworkshop 5 жыл бұрын

Nice fix. Hope it gives you years of trouble free service

@ballzack4866 5 жыл бұрын

Turning the wheels on a lathe might work also. The profile isn't appropriate to retain the band. Slight taper into retainer perhaps.

@MakeEverything 5 жыл бұрын

Another great idea if these plates work out I will likely do that!

@lcainformatica745 2 жыл бұрын

*Making a hardwood fence for the miter makes all the difference **MyBest.Tools** Tune the saw with a combination square. Adjust the laser so its in line. See the photos.Every part in this saw is adjustable.*

@anonymousgeorge4321 5 жыл бұрын

Good trick. Thanks

@kerryheimer1874 5 жыл бұрын

Sweet content, bro ⚔️

@KarlBunker 5 жыл бұрын

That chipmunk in your pocket sure had a lot to say during the fast-forward scenes. 🐿 😃

@yoimerlambertinezortega7296 2 жыл бұрын

La mía es igual y tiene el mismo problema

@Engineerboy100 3 жыл бұрын

Get a Klutch, that's what I did. Blade fixed lol :)

@eddietolbert5308 3 жыл бұрын

I just got my klutch today. Blade popped of 8 times cutting 1 inch square tube. Sending it back

@garygilbert1440 5 жыл бұрын

The Amazon ad states that there is a 2 year warranty. Why not get a new one?

@larspetersen2688 3 жыл бұрын

Hallo. Are you saw still running? if so have you tryed not run with a upper disk? Don´t think you han any problems with the top wheel. best regards Lars

@jasonblume2707 5 жыл бұрын

How many blade changes in 1.5 years?.. just curious cuz my HBS blade broke last night, im wondering if the blades stretch faster than the teeth wear out?... thanks for your awesome content!!!!

@richardarsenault1471 5 жыл бұрын

Perhaps in the future it's a good idea to not throw away the tools user manuals

@rogertaylor8615 Жыл бұрын

The bottom wheel looks like it was wobbling after you put the plate on it

@btrswt35 5 жыл бұрын

If the blade doesn't stay on the Wen, what bandsaw was used to cut out the circle?

@NavinBetamax 5 жыл бұрын

The suspect you are looking for is the machine in Green at 0:27 behind the Drill Press. He is AKA Table Band Saw !

@MakeEverything 5 жыл бұрын

I have another portable bandsaw with a table for cutting flat items.

@skdemars 5 жыл бұрын

So if you have the Evolution and the other vertical band saw, what's the purpose of this one that the other two can't do???

@MakeEverything 5 жыл бұрын

Shane DeMars i prefer using this saw to both the others for miters and straight cuts just because it makes so little mess. The chips don’t go flying and it makes a nice clean pile of shavings. It’s also really safe for students to use and not that loud in comparison.

@MakeEverything 5 жыл бұрын

@wetdedstuocm 5 жыл бұрын

It had no rubber tires on the wheels ? However that works good..

@MakeEverything 5 жыл бұрын

Nope, no rubber on the wheels from the factory

@davidgagnon2849 5 жыл бұрын

@@MakeEverything For 30.00 you can get a set of orange urethane tires that will last quite a while, and it will run quieter and smoother.

@plymouth-hl20ton37 5 жыл бұрын

David Gagnon blade speed is not high enough to make noise my Harbor Freight one doesn't have urethane or plastic of any type on them Bear Wheel fine

@plymouth-hl20ton37 5 жыл бұрын

olenick 7734 would not work there is a flange that keeps the blade from jumping off the other side your normal bandsaw does not take side loads like a chop bandsaw therefore they would not even

@elplevonrooo395 5 жыл бұрын

We’re do you get the blades from?

@plymouth-hl20ton37 5 жыл бұрын

I'll just keep my Harbor Freight one thanks

@romakayak 5 жыл бұрын

I've had one of these saw for three years and it eats blade every few hours use, don't know why!

@timsterling2949 5 жыл бұрын

those WEN bandsaws are rough man.

@Yomaster 5 жыл бұрын

roughman

@tomim7187 5 жыл бұрын

Well, at worst you've done us all a favor by dissuading us from buying a Wen bandsaw.

@irishtino1595 5 жыл бұрын

I was thinking of buying a Wen bandsaw, either this model or the next size up. Thanks for warning me off this Chinese POS.

@DerekFromMalden 5 жыл бұрын

First!!!

@techedfireman4981 5 жыл бұрын

Get back to work! ;-P

@FredMcIntyre 5 жыл бұрын

👍🏻👊🏻

@stevedoe1286 5 жыл бұрын

So the moral of the story is don't buy a Wen your going to wear it out

@plymouth-hl20ton37 5 жыл бұрын

Steve Doe that's why I said I keep my Harbor Freight one it's thirty-some years old and still makes within two thousands of an inch parallel cuts after I dialed it in

@davidgagnon2849 5 жыл бұрын

It looks like both wheels are missing the tires. That's all you needed to replace. They probably came apart slowly, with small pieces breaking off over a period of time.

@aqib2000 5 жыл бұрын

David Gagnon all he needs is double sided tape as the replacement tyre

@FullMetalFox2 5 жыл бұрын

Most cheap metal bandsaws dont come with any tires, the high tension and metal chips would obliberate them rather fast. Expensive ones on the other hand can come with special tires, which often cost more than a cheap bandsaw does.

@davidgagnon2849 5 жыл бұрын

@@aqib2000 Now that's funny!

@davidgagnon2849 5 жыл бұрын

@@FullMetalFox2 He can get a set of urethane tires for around 30.00 I just replaced, ar as you would say, added a set to a buddys saw that would not keep the blade on. There is a recess for one; why not add it. His works great now, and it's one of the cheap Taiwan ones from the 80s.

@FullMetalFox2 5 жыл бұрын

@@davidgagnon2849Well if it had a channel for it you can ofc add a cheap urethane/carbamate tire as it was designed to do so, running without one would result in the blade pushing into the recess which can actually cause blade popping. A flat wheele saw like the one in this video is another thing, adding a tire will increase its diameter which can create additional stress on the guides, without a recess you would have to cover the whole contact surface, often that means the teeth will dig into the rubber and chips will get pressed into it. Worst case the rubber might squeeze out or shift between the blade and contact surface as there is not channel or recess to contain it. All in all its not advicable to use a tire on a wheele that wasnt designed to do so.

@robertfontaine3650 Жыл бұрын

Wen will it break? Nothing really fixed. bearings warped chassis stretched bolts. No actual attempt to identify the problem and fix it. Disposable tools.

@ot9180 5 жыл бұрын

Stupid sticker,? you threw out the manual the first day? It seems you are rewriting the manual. Once it is, you will feel very good.

@19mati67 3 жыл бұрын

You are pushing to much, this is not a chip saw. Let it cut by it's own weight.

@toolman7540 4 жыл бұрын

That's not a fix ,that's just a plaster until you fix it

@MakeEverything 4 жыл бұрын

Ive made thousands of cuts with this saw in the last 9 months since doing this little modification and it hasnt failed once. Thats one sticky bandaid!

@toolman7540 4 жыл бұрын

@@MakeEverythinglol thousands of cut shows that it is a very good saw ,I was looking for great bench top model and what you said there seals it for me ,hope you remove those shields and really fix it ,bless.

@yt66228 4 жыл бұрын

Cheap piece of junk. It has lived its life. Now its time to invest in a quality machine that will serve you well for many years.

@bisonuberti 5 жыл бұрын

That's why I read the manuals when I purchase new equipment... machinery or even an egg beater. It makes these... think they know it all You Tubers look like imbeciles... Every time they throw away the instructions and try and use the tools without knowledge.