How to Maintain Your Rikon Bandsaw

Rikon 14" bandsaws are very well tuned at the factory. Assuming your saw is set up properly, you can expect to enjoy years of trouble-free use.

What ongoing maintenance is needed?

Turn off the main power switch or unplug the saw before making any adjustments or performing any maintenance.

Routine maintenance should include vacuuming accumulated sawdust from the inside and taking care of the cast iron to prevent rust. Periodically apply paste wax such as Veritas Tool Wax or Boeshield T-9. Obviously coffee cups and water bottles are a no-no!

If rust does appear on the cast iron, spray on a light coat of machine oil, let it soak in and scrub with a fine abrasive pad. If the problem is extensive, use a random-orbit sander with the fine abrasive pad.

The Rikon manual details several points that should be periodically lubricated. The belts should be checked periodically for wear and adjustment.

It’s a good idea is to go through the manual annually and give your saw a thorough check-up.

How important is it to regularly release blade tension?

The prevailing wisdom is that releasing blade tension daily is not only good for the blade but also many of the other components of the saw that operate under tension, notably the spring, wheel bearings and frame. The good news is that Rikon makes this quick and easy with a tension-release lever on both sizes of saw.

Can I cut Plexiglas and aluminum?

Yes. Reduce the speed and use a fine-toothed blade. The feed rate should also be somewhat slower than for wood.