Howling bandsaw

[Ken M Nelsen]

I've had my Delta 14" extended depth band saw for many years - no complaints except that over the past couple years it has been howling and after just changing blades, it's much louder. Any suggestions?

[Geoff Crimmins]

Check the thrust bearings and the bearings in the wheels and motor. I would check the thrust bearings first, as they can be quite loud once all the grease is dried up. A lot of saw dust falls on the lower one, so it's likely to be the worst of the two.

--Geoff

[Bill Dufour]

If it is easy, take the belt off and run just the motor to see if it is the saw or motor bearings. On my lathe the motor had a high frequency whine but only for a few minutes until it warmed up and only when the shop was below 45 degrees. Replaced both shielded bearings with sealed for about $10 for both. 3hp motor so one of the bearings was a good size. Bearings had visible slop in them. I am sure the grease had dried out since 1978 or so when the lathe was built.
Bill D.