Hem Saw Belts

Diagnosing a Drive Belt Problem
A loose or worn drive belt can cause intermittent chirping that increases in frequency as the band saw speed increases.  This can be the result of belt vibration caused by misaligned drive pulleys.  As a misaligned drive belt enters the grooves of a pulley - initial contact is made with only one side of the groove. The greater the misalignment angle; the greater the radial sliding length experienced by the belt ribs as the belt seats in the pulley causing frictional vibrations or chirping.

Low belt tension, oil contamination and belt vibration are other common sources of variable drive failures. A screeching or squealing noise that occurs when pulling away from a stop normally indicates a lack of tension.  Check belt tension.  A tapping or grinding noise caused by a steel shaving embedded in the drive belt is a common occurrence. Grinding sound also can result from damaged pulley bearings which must be replaced.