The lower wheel sits about 1/2" or so farther back then the top
wheel. The only way I have been able to get the upper and lower
wheels close to coplaner is to shim out the lower wheel.

Were you wheels co-planer before installing the riser?

I bought the riser at the same time I bought the saw, and installed the
riser as I was assembling the saw. I never used the saw without the riser.

As I mentioned, this is my first bandsaw. I didn't use the saw much during
the first year or two, so I only checked if the wheels were coplaner when I
started having so many problems with the saw.

It didn't help that the first blade I ordered with the saw was damaged
somehow and would not track or cut a straight line. It was a brand new
blade so it never crossed my mind that it could be defective. I was
reluctant to spend money on another blade, but the saw was unusable with
that blade.

Needless to say, I have not had the best experience with this bandsaw...

I keep trying to tune it up so it will work better, buying better blades,
shimming the wheels, installing polyurethane tires, etc. It is usable now,
but still not what I would consider a precision woodworking tool.

Anthony Watson
www.mountainsoftware.com
www.watsondiy.com