How universal are universal bandsaws?

**JimmyD** · 19th June 2016, 10:45 AM

Hi all,

I have an older Taiwanese 14" saw that has been a mainstay of my workshop for many years. It is a 'Klass' brand saw, manufactured 1986.

Yesterday while tensioning a new blade I heard what can only be described as a "bad noise"

... upon inspecting the saw it appears the part of the upper wheel tensioning assembly that controls the pitch/tracking of the wheel has cracked.

Pics:

IMG_4068.jpg IMG_4069.jpg

This pic isn't my saw (didn't snap a pic of the whole unit) but it is identical:

834252.jpg

I've been looking online for a replacement part but I was hoping for some guidance from those with experience with these types of saw.

I can find parts that are described as being for "Delta/Rockwell/Reliant/AMT/Jet bandsaws", such as this:

56_800.jpg

My question is: how generic are these universal bandsaws? I'm hesitating to order a part like this from overseas, for over $100, when I'm not 100% sure it will fit my saw.

Especially when I could probably find a secondhand replacement saw cheaply on gumtree etc. I think I only paid $80 for the saw itself, when I bought it off an old woodturner many years ago... Still I'd prefer to keep this ol' girl going if it can be done for a reasonable price. Anyone ever had to replace these types of parts on a generic saw?

Thanks!
Jimmy

**bueller** · 19th June 2016, 01:44 PM

I would suggest taking some measurements of the part on your saw and hit up some of the US forums to see if someone can compare. They look the same but you never know, there could be minor differences.

**orraloon** · 19th June 2016, 03:05 PM

I would inquire at Hare and Forbes. I bought that part for a uiniversal saw there when I had the H&F brand universal. It was about 8 years ago but they may still stock spares.
All the main components are pretty much universal.
When you get it fixed don't use any blade more that about 16mm. That is about all the tension they will take.
Regards
John

**JimmyD** · 20th June 2016, 09:04 AM

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll disassemble and measure it up, and give H&F a call too.

Originally Posted by orraloon

When you get it fixed don't use any blade more that about 16mm. That is about all the tension they will take.
Regards
John

Oh absolutely, in fact I've never used more than a 6mm blade on this saw... it's set up purely for curve cutting in thinner stock.

**Jim Carroll** · 20th June 2016, 08:32 PM

This is a common part to break in these saws, I have done 2 of them over the years,

They are made from dye cast alloy so not real strong.

Hare & Forbes and carbatec stock the same part as you say they are a generic bandsaw sold by all seller with their own brand on the housing.

**Toymaker Len** · 20th June 2016, 09:07 PM

You might try to find a local welder who will fix it for ten or twenty bucks.

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