Thread: Tuning a Pentagon UF-14 bandsaw

Hello, my son-in-law purchased an old neglected Pentagon bandsaw model UF-14 made in the 1980s in Taiwan. It has not been used in 15 years, he tells me.

The tyres look like hardened rubber with a crown, and the guides are two blocks of some material or other, and a thrust bearing. Maximum blade width looks to be 1/2"

There is a spring tensioning winder, and what looks like a tilt winder for the upper wheel.

I have been asked to tune it for him

First thing is to get a new blade from CSK at Deception Bay, or from Henry Bros. Then replace the thrust bearings, and possibly the guide blocks. And possibly the tyres.

A few questions:
Q1. Can anyone please advise where I might get suitable parts?
Q2. What are the guide blocks likely to be made of - steel?
Q3. Does anyone know how to set this up so that there is zero blade drift? i.e., so the natural cut of the blade will run parallel to the mitre slot on the table
Q4. What is the best way to determine if the blade tension is OK?
Q5. What are the recommended blade widths and TPI s to get for starters? It is mostly used for repairing cricket bats, fitting new handles, cutting a new V slot
Q6. Waht determines if the tyres need replacing?

Hoping someone can assist please

nameplate.jpg frame.jpg