What is causing my band saw to bog down even on the simplest cuts?

I assume the motor has a capacitor on it, maybe two. Test them to make sure they are not weak. Also don’t run it on a long undersized extension cord.

It also sounds sick …. – sawdustmaker1961

Define sick?
Growl, screech, whine, clunk, etc….
Specifically where does noise originate from?

Band saw is pretty simple.

With blade removed, spin the upper wheel.
If tight, growls, grinds, makes any loud noises, or takes long time to coast to a stop; time for new bearings.

Turn on saw. Motor should not make any sick noises without blade either.

- Are belts loose or dirty? Are they slipping?
Could be belt tension issue, or need new belts.

Disconnect power. Remove the drive belt(s) between motor and lower wheel.
Reconnect power and turn on motor.
If it makes a soft click in 1-2 seconds, and then a subtle purr/whine, all is good.
If the there is no click, or it takes longer than 3-4 seconds to come to speed; might be issue with centrifugal switch or start capacitor.
If it growls, or screeches at all; is time for new motor bearings.

With belts removed, spin lower wheel.
Should be almost silent, spinning smoothly, just like upper wheel.

If nothing makes any noise with blade off, try a different blade. :)

My SWAG with 26 year old band saw is 1st belts, 2nd the bearings.

Best Luck!

-- If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all, - Albert King - Born Under a Bad Sign released 1967

You did not say what you were cutting. It should chew through an inch of Oak, but don’t expect a 3/4 HP to re-saw 8 inches of hardwood at more than a snails pace. Mine will go right through, but it is a 3 HP.

WhyMe had good advice. Actually hard to test. Might consider replacing.

On the belt, if it squeals, it’s too lose. If too tight, it will wear out the bearings. Usually an older belt will have set and a new belt will lower vibration. If a V belt, then an AX series Gates. Most use a multi-rib though.

Make sure it isn’t wired for 230 and being plugged into 115. Or visa-versa.

-- I collect hobbies. There is no sense in limiting yourself (Don W) - - - - - - - - Kenny in SW VA

Thanks guys, all good advice, when I get home from work I’ll check out everything you had to say! As far as what I was sawing, it was just 3/4 ply.

-- Two Wrongs don't make a right !

Should we assume the blade is sharp? Even a good saw will have trouble cutting with a dull blade.

-- No trees were harmed while sending this message; however, a rather large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.

Way too little info – way too many possibilities. I would start with what Ken said – make sure it’s wired correctly and you are providing the proper voltage. Symptoms do sound a lot like trying to run a machine wired for 240v on a 120v circuit. Then we can move on to figuring out the “Sounds sick” problem.

Cheers,
Brad

-- Brad in FL - In Dog I trust... everything else is questionable

The label you showed has the wiring diagram. Make sure it’s wired for correct voltage.

-- I intended to be a woodworker, but turned into a tool and lumber collector.

It’s wired for 110v, after checking the bearings like the Captain suggested, it appears to be ready for new bearings. I’ve been trouble shooting for a little while & now I’m figuring out how to pull the bearings.

-- Two Wrongs don't make a right !

I’ve never pulled bearings that were installed like this, anybody else?

-- Two Wrongs don't make a right !

This is the motor side

-- Two Wrongs don't make a right !

I pulled a snap ring off of the motor side, and have been tapping on it using liquid wrench, with no results

-- Two Wrongs don't make a right !

New information:
It takes a really bad bearings to starve cutting power from 3/4” plywood cut.

Which bearings need replaced, and how bad are they?
Noisy bearings alone may not be the source of cut power loss, and only be making it worse.

Suspect a possible capacitor or centrifugal switch issue due issues with wimpy 3/4” cut.

How many capacitors are mounted on motor? 1, or 2?
A bad run capacitor will suck power from a motor.
A start capacitor is only used for first 1-2 seconds of start up, assuming centrifugal switch is working properly. Switch would have to be stuck on, for it to effect motor power. Would also over heat start capacitor, and/or trip breaker.

Make sure to inspect the motor carefully.

Best Luck.

-- If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all, - Albert King - Born Under a Bad Sign released 1967

Captain, I don’t see any capacitors mounted on the motor, at least not the ones I’m familiar with

-- Two Wrongs don't make a right !

It’s the lower bearing on the 14 ” wheel that made the noise when I ran the motor without the blade

-- Two Wrongs don't make a right !