Vintage Craftsman horizontal bandsaw. Info needed.

[CalsXS2]

I found one of these with in driving distance. Needs a motor and blade. He wants too much. I don't have exact model number yet. It says Craftsman Commercial on it.

I need something to cut mild steel for small welding projects. Not interested in an abrasive saw of any kind. It's going to be a little Chinese 4x6, or something like one of these Craftsman's. Are they even worth fooling with? This Craftsman would look real good next to my 1936 Walker Turner drill press.

If I don't go with a horizontal saw I might go with a portable bandsaw and build a stand for it.

Here's a pic I found on here just for reference. I think it belongs to Lafester?

Thanks for any input.

 

[sparkness]

check vintagemachinery.org

Photo Index - Sears | Craftsman - 108.22921 | VintageMachinery.org

Sears | Craftsman - Publication Reprints - 108.22920 Craftsman Continuous-Blade Power Hacksaw | VintageMachinery.org

 

[whateg01]

My opinion is that they aren't as good as one of the 4x6 imports but if the price is right, and it isn't worn out in the pivots and such, it could be a usable saw. The price would have to be pretty low, imo, though. If the motor is missing, so is the pulley. Those two items could cost as much as the saw is worth depending on how easy they are to find in your area.

 

[CalsXS2]

Thanks for the link. I think the saw I'm looking at might be older? Not sure until I get a model number. But it looks like the one linked to does not do 45's?

 

[tool_scrounge]

Is this the one with the two bevel gears (75 and 81)? If so, you better make sure those gears are in great condition. At one time replacements were available but at great cost. I am not sure if they still can be found though.

 

[RoninB4]

It's going to be a little Chinese 4x6, or something like one of these Craftsman's. Are they even worth fooling with?

-I don't like the imports from Chi-Wan, they're shyte compared to a real commercial grade band-saw. I've used most of the commercial grade brands over 30+ years in machine shops.

The price jump from tinker-toy Chi-Wan saws to a decently made commercial grade band-saw is multiple hundreds of dollars. The price for a decent saw is excessive because every fabricator and machine shop needs one. I don't like abrasive chop saws either for several reasons.

Having said that, I have a small/crappy import saw in my small basement shop with my commercial grade machinery. It's been using the same motor for several years and I've gone through 4-6 blades, original bearings too. I dislike the crappy vise and how it's mounted, the blade guides aren't very well aligned, and the pot metal belt pulleys are fragile. I dislike the saw but it's still doing what I demand of it. Until I find a deal on a better made saw it will remain in the shop and has earned my grudging respect for what it is for the price.

 

[bb29510]

hgrinc.com