On Mon, 14 Jul 2008 07:55:30 -0400, J. Clarke wrote:

PCPaul wrote:
Hi,

I'm repairing a two wheel bandsaw and need a top wheel for it. OEM
spares are very expensive (£100+, ~$200) so I was wondering if a 12"
bicycle wheel could be used? It only needs to take the pressure of the
blade and spin round when required, after all.

I can easily rig up a surface for the blade to ride on.

It's a small bandsaw and I only really use 1/4" blades so I don't need
the mega-tension on it you'd need for a 3/4" resaw blade.

Any thoughts? experience?

I can think of a number of objections on the basis of theory, but not
having tried this and being too lazy to do the calculations, I don't
know if they have any validity. If the bicycle wheel is paid for and
fits the shaft, I'd say try it, from a distance. If it holds together
let us know how it worked out. I wouldn't go out and buy a bicycle
wheel though.

Good answer ;-)

I'd obviously much prefer to use the real thing, but paying £100+ for an
alloy wheel - no tyre, no bearing, no axle! strikes me as ridiculous.

If I find a suitable wheel, I'll report back. I have other irons in the
fire too, so hopefully it may not be needed...