RIKON Power Tools 10-346 - Manual (Page 21)

21
CHANGING THE MOTOR DRIVE BELT
(Refer to “Frame Assembly” parts diagram on page 24 and “Wheel Assembly” parts diagram on page
26)
Before changing the belt, make sure that the bandsaw is unplugged from the power source.
Release the saw blade tension from the drive belt by turning the quick release blade tension lever.
From the rear of the machine, loosen the two Hex Nuts (Part #54) that secure the motor to the frame.
oosen the Hex Nut on the top of the Motor Adjusting Rod (Part #103). The motor should now be loose
enough to move downward for adjusting the belt.
Remove the lower wheel (Wheel Assembly, Part #131) by removing the hex head bolt (Part #123)
and washer in the middle of the wheel’s hub. Carefully slide the lower wheel off of the lower wheel
shaft, and at the same time remove the saw blade from this wheel.
Remove the old drive belt from the wheel’s pulley, and install the new belt. Make sure that the ribs in
the drive belt are seated correctly in the pulley before reassembling and tensioning the drive belt.
Reverse the procedure to re-assemble the saw parts. Tension the drive belt until there is 3/8” to 1/2”
of deflection. For less tension on the drive belt, push the motor downward. For more tension on the
drive belt, lift the motor upwards.
NOTE: There is a second hex nut on the motor pulling rod that is located under the frame. This
second hex nut must be loosened to allow the motor to be lifted upwards. When the belt tension is
correct, tighten the motor mounting nuts that were loosened in the above steps.
TROUBLESHOOTING
CHANGING BANDSAW TIRES
Use a putty knife to get underneath the tire and pull it up and away from the wheel. Work the putty
knife all the way around the wheel to loosen the tire. Then, use the putty knife as leverage to flip the
tire over and off of the wheel. Clean the inside of the groove, removing any dirt, debris or cement with
lacquer thinner.
Soak the replacement tire in warm water to make it more flexible. Dry the tire, and while it is still
warm, lay it on top of the wheel. Start by setting the tire into the wheel groove at the top of the wheel.
Using a putty knife, work the new tire around the wheel, making sure not to slice the tire. If rubber
cement is to be used as a binder, make sure to distribute it evenly. Having high spots between the
wheel and the tire will cause a vibration and effect blade tracking.