Craftsman horizontal metal bandsaw Model# 101.22901

[ncboat]

Does anyone have any experience with the Craftsman Commercial metal bandsaws?
I have a chance to pick up a Model# 101.22901 bandsaw for $100. It is in above average condition with sears stand, motor ect. I have a HF one that I have not done any of the mods to. I am/was hoping because of the better looking fit and quality of the old Craftsman that I would be able to get straight cuts without all tweaking the HF needs. I figured I could either sell the HF or turn into a vertical.
I would love to hear from any with experience or owners of this classic piece.

 

[Mickey O]

I've got one, great saw, far superior to the Harbor Freight saw.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Just make sure that the drive gears are in good condition. It is made by Atlas and the gears do not like to be abused.

 

[ncboat]

Would abused gears reveal themselves by whining or "clunking or should I pull a cover? Do they have a gear box accessible similar to the HF?

 

[zkling]

The gears are open and not in an oil bath like the off shore 4x6 units.

 

[hemifalcon]

There are threads here about this saw.. I have one as well.. The nylon drive gear will "clunk" if there are damaged teeth>> Nylon gear drives massive (in comparison) blade wheels that are potmetal or aluminum construction. Junk builds up on the gear and when it gets bad--the nylon gear fails.. Only current source is shapeways.com at this time that I'm aware..

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=230531

 

[ncboat]

Thanks guys I am trying to set up a time to look at it. I missed the thread/threads on here somehow. I use an android tablet and I can't get search on the site to work. I typically search Google and put garage journal in the search argument.
Hemifalcon love your toy collection.

 

[ndnchf]

I have the earlier version made by Covel (108 prefix). Covel was acquired by Atlas in 1968. They continued production with almost no changes. I got mine 3 or 4 years ago, and gave my HF saw to a friend. Mine has the hydraulic feed that works very well. The only down side is that it does not go vertical.

 

[Zeeman]

I saw one like this on CL fairly recently, but did not go look at it because I was unfamiliar with exactly how big of stock it would cut etc. So what do you guys use your saw for most?

 

[ndnchf]

I use mine for cutting stock, mostly under 2". But it will take larger with no problem. I also have an ancient Marvel power hacksaw, both are very handy.

.

 

[Jawn]

I have one similar, suddenly started having some issues cutting straight plus the whole thing is filthy so I think it's going to get a full teardown/cleanup soon.

Before it started cutting crooked, I had cut off stock as large as 3" diameter solid 1144 steel. I think it's somewhere around 3x5 to 3x7 max capacity, IIRC.

 

[ncboat]

So I went and looked at the saw. It was a donation to a church about 25 miles from home. First impressions very good, doesn’t look abused or beat. Nice sears stand, paint good no rust. I am thinking this is looking good. Drop cylinder doesn't work but small matter. Turn it on and immediate grinding noise and blade not turning. Put some channel locks on the drive pulley to see if it is free and back it up a little. Turn it back on and the blade moves, no grinding noise for a few seconds and then the grinding noise. Looks like a bad spot in the drive pulley gear. Does anyone one have a source for these gears? Sears is about $300 for the set.I hate to give up and let it get scrapped if I can find an alternative. I would appreciate any information/direction possible.

 

[hemifalcon]

Read north in the thread.. Is it your nylon drive gear that failed? Hard to see the blade wheels going bad..


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[ncboat]

I didn't look to see which gear but I agree the blade gear is probably not the one at fault. If I could source the nylon gear at a reasonable price I would probably take a chance. The online parts source I found wanted 300 plus dollars for I suspect the set. Does anyone know of a source for the nylon gear?

 

[ndnchf]

https://www.shapeways.com/product/F53AJEA9B/sears-craftsman-band-saw-bevel-gear-part-341-299

 

[dkn]

Good afternoon I am looking for the large drive gear for one of these models.My father needs one. a good used is ok.

 

[ncboat]

I finally got the bandsaw in my hands. I have it in a storage unit where I am putting things until I get my shop built. I think the condition is above average. Hand cycling the machine I could see the nylon gear barely touching the bevel gear. I loosened the two collars and tapped the shaft over and retightened the collars. Now hand cycling the gears appear to mesh nicely and the blade moves like it should.I do have a nylon gear on order thanks to the tip here. The hydraulic cylinder does not work but just may be out of fluid. Does anyone know what it should have and how to fill it? Last question is what should I get for a new blade? Thanks for all the help.

 

[bubinga]

https://www.shapeways.com/product/F53AJEA9B/sears-craftsman-band-saw-bevel-gear-part-341-299

Is that the only gear that goes bad?
There is 2, or are they the same?
Good to know the gears are avaible.
I have one of those, 2 actually, one is not complete,
But I have not set it up yet. I don't really have the room right now.

 

[ncboat]

Two bevel gears, one looks like cast aluminum while the drive gear ( motor driven shaft mounted) is nylon. The nylon gear is available.

 

[Zeeman]

That's a nice saw. I want one!

 

[bubinga]

Two bevel gears, one looks like cast aluminum while the drive gear ( motor driven shaft mounted) is nylon. The nylon gear is available.

I see, OK, Thanks