Thanks for some great advise on such little information. Since I brought it home yesterday and just got a chance to look it over some more and get some pictures to share.
Saw is a rigid bs14002, 3/4 hp. Everyone is probably somewhat familiar with it. It was probably aimed more at woodworking instead of metal.
When I initially talked to the seller, it sounded as if he mostly cut wood, and had only cut a little metal with it. When I got to his shop, it was pretty clear he intended to cut metal. There was a 1" wide metal cutting blade in it, and was kind of bent up. He was trying to cut 1/4" plate steel on it. After I got a closer look today
I got the blade out and saw the problem, he had the guides all wrong. Check it out - the backer guide was cranked all the way out and being used as a side guide (instead of the blocks), and the outer block was all the way in. The blade was being pinched in the back too.
The bottom guides faired better, just kinda grungy.
I am just learning about how these saws are set up, but that aint right. I think I may get some new guide blocks.
The tires did have some shavings on them, as you guys both said.
They didn't look too bad, so I grabbd a clean rag and wipped them off. They came pretty clean.
Bottom wheel has some saw dust caked on it. Metal grit and saw dust in the bottom. I'm happy to report the wheels line up with a strait edge.
I read some reveiws on this saw that reported some vibration issues. Beefing up the base, link belts, and balancing the wheels seem to be the cure.Top wheel has a heavy spot I'll address as I bring it back to life.
Belt cover removed showed some dust lying around. Also, the belt has been loose; evidence is in the motor pulley, wheel side looks good. I measured the pulleys at 2 1/2" & 6" . I'm guessing they are what came with it - if anyone could confirm
Overall this saw looks like it's been used only a couple hours, and I got it for a song
I've wanted one for a long time, and can't wait to get it set up !