Metal bandsaw enco vs doall

[Jeeper75]

Hey everyone. So been keeping my eyes open for a bandsaw for the garage to cut steel. These two have popped up locally. First is a 14" enco that's been converted to 110v and has adjustable speed. The blade welder doesn't work which doesn't concern me.

Next one is a 16" doall. Still 240v 3 phase. It would need converted to single phase 240 or if possible to make it easier where I would put it to be 110v if that's even possible. Looks like the motor would be fairly easy to swap since it looks like the variable drive is like a couple conical cones or something.

Obviously I like the doall being USA made and well made but the enco is ready to rock. I'm just a hobby user who would use this maybe a few times a month maybe depending on my project

Any opinions or advice converting to single phase. Not really up on doing vfd etc. when it comes to that my mind melts just thinking.

 

[Firebrick43]

A metal cutting band saw running on 110v is going to be anemic and slow as hell.

Get the do all and put a vfd on it. Its not that hard.

Hell I have 2.5 hp on my 14" wood band saw and its not a hot rod by any means.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Get a VFD and go with the Do-All and the existing motor. Note that the reeves belt drive is tensioned using the weight of the motor. The ones I have seen use a very heavy motor for the proper preload. Swapping a lower weight 1 phase motor will have issues unless you compensate for it.

 

[Jswain]

I used to think the same on VFD and bypassed all the 3ph equipment.

I just brought home my first 3ph lathe last week. Did some research. Bought an Amazon 3hp VFD (1.5hp lathe) and had it wired / programmed in maybe 2 hrs tops. Super simple.

I will happily buy 3ph equipment in the future.

 

[GeoBruin]

There is so much info out there in such easily digestible formats (think step by step video tutorials) on wiring VFDs, it really shoudnt scare you.

Both saws look nice but those DoAlls are sure sweet.

 

[RTM]

DoAll is a beast normally. Don’t know the Enco

 

[Firebrick43]

Also if you are willing to spend some more money and don't want to program anything, there are these drives that are adjusted strickly with potentiometers inside the case.

I would assume the do all has a 3 hp motor so if not buy the correct one.

KBAC-29 Black (9528) AC Drives, Nema 4x Inverter 3 HP, 230 Vac 3-Phase Input, 230 Vac 3-Phase Output, Nema 4x Enclosure, Variable Frequency Drives

kb-controls.com

 

[Steve from Socal]

The old DoAll is a much heavier frame that translates to a better cut. The saw motor is three phase, the welder is single phase. An inexpensive VFD is all you need.

 

[slowtwitch73]

Enco doesn't have a speed setting for meteorite so........

 

[cannuck]

Add another vote for the DoAll. Easier to support, unquestionable quality. I have one small bandsaw set up for quick tilt to use a small table for vertical cuts, and realized I use if far more than my big horizontal, so a DoAll came home one day. The variable speed, ***********, tilt table, feed slot all make it a far better solution. I stayed 3 phase since the saw will sit right beside my Bridgeport clone and can use same rotary converter.

(on edit) one thing to consider: once you get a really good vertical you might find yourself feeding really big stuff or a long cut or just a wee nip, so think about putting it on locking wheels. I even have an 85 ton punch on a swivel table for that reason. Few shops can swing a 20' anything around a big tool.

 

[slowtwitch73]

That Doall looks very tidy and unmolested. Interesting the blade welder is mounted off to the side instead of to the rt inside the cover plate.

Better support for the Doall, better resale.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Enco doesn't have a speed setting for meteorite so........

Or Asbestos

 

[nadogail]

if i had the budget, i would find a Doall with a blade welder.

 

[txvwnut]

The ENCO would probably serve you well for a hobbyist setting but I'd get the DoAll. The only issue I could see with the DoAll is if the blade welder is three phase, I don't think they were, it might not like being on a VFD.

 

[jabberwoki]

I have Doall and boy is the quality first rate, you`ll smile every time you use it.

 

[slowtwitch73]

The ENCO would probably serve you well for a hobbyist setting but I'd get the DoAll. The only issue I could see with the DoAll is if the blade welder is three phase, I don't think they were, it might not like being on a VFD.

They are 110..

 

[tarbellb]

Agreed the Do All is the better choice but that Enco isn't a bad machine either

I've done 2 VFD conversions without knowing much about the process, it's doable, but ...

that motor is super accessible and likely a easy swap. Gives you plenty of choices to power it.