Bandsaw...will it work?

[Josh Sawyer]

Hello All,

Found a local guy selling this bandsaw at a decent price. I’m wondering if it would be sufficient enough to cut maple and walnut stocks all things considered? I’ve posted pictures for reference. Thanks for the help.

Best Regards,

Josh Sawyer

 

[pilot]

Check the tires first. That's the rubber or plastic wheel treads. You can replace them, but it is easier if they are good. Then get a new blade.

How much? I would think anything over $100 is probably too much.

 

[forty_caliber]

I restored a different model (14" 3/4 horse) Sears Craftsman bandsaw. It took quite a bit of work to make it decent. Replacement of blade guides and tires with neoprene. One thing I don't really like about it is the non-standard width of the miter slot (after market accessories won't work with it) and the lack of a fence.

Works like a champ now. Prefers 3/8" or wider blades. Has a hard time tracking 1/4" for some reason.

I used it to resaw a pecan log into planks. It was all it could do to get through 6".

.40

 

[Josh Sawyer]

Check the tires first. That's the rubber or plastic wheel treads. You can replace them, but it is easier if they are good. Then get a new blade.

How much? I would think anything over $100 is probably too much.

If you’re saying no higher than $100 then I’ll pass on it. The guy is asking $350 OBO. I haven’t seen it in person yet and pictures only tell half the tale.

Thanks.

Best Regards,

Josh Sawyer

 

[eggwelder]

yeah, used tools i know about. Used tools are cheap and a dime a dozen.
most are not worth what’s being asked, if they are they are still in the sealed box. If those are cheap- they`re probably stolen.
Would only buy older brand name solid tools, not plastic cased- especially if they need work to make operable.unless i only need it once.
once paid $40 for a craftsman tablesaw-who remembers when their colours were brown and gold/yellow?
table weighted over 300 lbs, and original motor was salvageable. When working, i might have had another $100 into it.still working for my friend- i replaced it with a new craftsman 10 years ago that i now have to replace....
have a delta three wheel bandsaw i got for free- don`t use it because its a blade breaker

 

[Sam squanch]

That saw is not worth $350. You can get a new one for that.

 

[Ames]

I still work with my 30 year old 14" Delta. Never needed anything else. For re sawing hardwood I use a 3/4" blade.

 

[GANGGREEN]

Yep. I just sold a Shop Fox 14" that was 10 times the saw this one is for $450. I'm not sure that saw is worth $100. I think bandsaws are great shop tools, but as some have pointed out, they're dime a dozen and for $300 or $400, you should be able to get a fairly good used one.

That saw is not worth $350. You can get a new one for that.

 

[Sam squanch]

I bought a old bowsaw and sharpened the blade on it. It’s slow, but less aggravating than keeping a junk bandsaw running. Cheap bandsaws are ok when new, but get out of adjustment quickly.

 

[tallpine]

I had one just like it, total junk, I gave it away. A two wheel bandsaw is what you want, don't settle for anything less

 

[Josh Sawyer]

I need something that is powerful enough to cut through hard maple but won’t break the bank. The little amount I’ll be using it doesn’t justify spending $1,000+ on a professional rig from a place like woodcraft. I’m just looking for something to have on hand so I don’t have to make a special 1.5 hour trip to my parents house to use my dads grizzly when I want to cut out a stock profile. Is there anything new on the market that is sub $500?

Thanks.

Best Regards,

Josh Sawyer

 

[Shorthanded]

Worked for a man when I started out as a Carprnter, he said buy any tool you want from Sears as long as it doesn't have moving parts. Parts for Sears power tools that are over 10 years old are sometimes non existent. Hand tools used to have a lifetime replacement garentee. Not any more.

 

[GANGGREEN]

You can probably buy an acceptable Grizzly (or other brand-name) saw for around $500 new. If it were me, I'd be far more inclined to really pay attention to the for sale ads and find a good used 14" saw with 3/4 or 1HP motor, cast wheels, etc. for around $400. They are out there and you'd do far better that way, might get half a dozen decent blades if you buy used as well. If you only intend to use it for cutting 10/4" gunstock blanks, you use a good blade and take your time, most any saw will do it.

I just upgraded my shop saw to a $1000 Rikon from my old Shop Fox and honestly, if I were only interested in cutting a few gunstock blanks per year, I would have stuck with the Shop Fox, but I use the saw a lot and I'm happy with the Rikon so far.

 

[pilot]

I can't answer about a $500 saw. Like your dad, I bought a new 17 inch Grizzly last year. No way could I justify the purchase. I bought it anyway. I was tired of fighting Craftman level tools, like my table saw and joiner..

 

[1950DAVE]

If I am not mistaken that saw didn't retail for that price . When it comes to most power tools I avoid anything that says electronic, regardless of price. $350 is not a decent price. Even $100 is too much for that one. I prefer cast iron tables. Someone mentioned a fence. Fences on bandsaws are a problem as typically bands rarely track parallel to them and pressure against the blade will cause binds and wandering.keep lookin you will find a decent saw for a reasonable price. I have had a Craftsman 12" for nearly 50 yrs still use a lot. Has original1/2 horse motor. Tires have been replaced once. It is not electronic, it has C/I table, and head does not tilt. I don't plan to replace it. Use sharp blades, adjust properly, KEEP TEETH AWAY FROM GUIDES. Improper guide setting can ruin a blade before you make the first cut. Good luck
Dave

 

[poker]

Delta, which also went by Rockwell, 14” bandsaws are very good. You can find very good older machines for your price of 500 or less. Some have risers so you can cut really deep. Some are 2 speed gearboxes for use on wood or metal. The late 60’s was the peak for their quality but they were still very good up until they shifted production overseas sometime in the 90’s I think.

 

[Josh Sawyer]

If I am not mistaken that saw didn't retail for that price . When it comes to most power tools I avoid anything that says electronic, regardless of price. $350 is not a decent price. Even $100 is too much for that one. I prefer cast iron tables. Someone mentioned a fence. Fences on bandsaws are a problem as typically bands rarely track parallel to them and pressure against the blade will cause binds and wandering.keep lookin you will find a decent saw for a reasonable price. I have had a Craftsman 12" for nearly 50 yrs still use a lot. Has original1/2 horse motor. Tires have been replaced once. It is not electronic, it has C/I table, and head does not tilt. I don't plan to replace it. Use sharp blades, adjust properly, KEEP TEETH AWAY FROM GUIDES. Improper guide setting can ruin a blade before you make the first cut. Good luck
Dave

Not knowing power tools it “seemed” decent. My misguided assumptions have been corrected. Lol.

 

[OldRust]

Hello All,

Found a local guy selling this bandsaw at a decent price. I’m wondering if it would be sufficient enough to cut maple and walnut stocks all things considered? I’ve posted pictures for reference. Thanks for the help.

Best Regards,

Josh Sawyer

Josh,

I bought the twin to that one new and used it hard during my duck & decoy carving years. It was a good saw but I think I may have only paid $350 for it new. Don't walk away run ! Its a $75-100 dollar saw if the tires and bearings are good.

I believe Tallpine gave the best bandsaw buying advice. That one is a 2 wheel but when shopping stay away from the 3 wheel saws.

Thanks
O.R.

 

[oldwood]

.Industrial arts teacher neighbor clued me in on band saw blades. Buy Skip-A-Tooth blades and almost double the cutting power of your saw. worked good for me.

 

[Commodore Swab]

I just upgraded to rollers on my bandsaw (14"). It's about 40 years old now and will hack thru some pretty massive wood (4 inch walnut) with ease provided I have the right blade in it. Many of the fitting are pot metal unfortunatly but when they break which is rarely they are common cheap replacement