Bandsaw Question

[SusanX]

Hi,
I picked up this tiny old horizontal bandsaw for super cheap off Craigslist. The brand is Bainbridge, and the saw uses a 60 inch blade. Even though the bandsaw is rusty, I like how lightweight it is. Perhaps it is a bad thing for it to be so light, I am not sure. Anyways, I noticed that this bandsaw does not have a spring in the back for downfeed, like most horizontal bandsaws do. Will the lack of a spring be a big deal where I should either look for another saw or try to install something myself for the lack of spring?
Thanks guys,
Susan

 

[OccupantRJ]

Just add a spring with an attachment method that allows adjusting the down force and you will be good. Another method is controlling the down force by hand if you will only use the saw occasionally for a few cuts.

 

[454ragtop]

Any chance it has a hydraulic cylinder on the back side that we can't see? That's a far superior method of down feed control compared to the goofy spring used on the Asian 4X6's.

 

[SusanX]

Hi,
No, there are no cylinders on the backside. What bad thing will happen if I don't put on a cylinder or spring? Just looking to learn.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Hi,
No, there are no cylinders on the backside. What bad thing will happen if I don't put on a cylinder or spring? Just looking to learn.

Gravity will pull down heavy top section, possibly too hard-too fast. Cause blade defection, ****** cutting etc.

IDK what the exact name is for the hydraulic ones, but somone here should. Or start googling it. They have a screw that goes in/out to adjust speed.

Get one, and make simple brackets.

(You could get a single speed from an emulsion shock if you have extras laying around from tool box lids etc...might work?)

 

[Ohmthis]

Here is a link to a video with some great mods to these saws. It has a downfeed cylinder at the end. Hope this helps.

 

[SusanX]

Great. Thanks! I appreciate the help

 

[astroracer]

Does the saw work? If not I would get it working and cut something with it. Depending on what you are cutting it may do a fine job just as it sits...
Mark

 

[pepi]

Does the saw work? If not I would get it working and cut something with it. Depending on what you are cutting it may do a fine job just as it sits...
Mark

Best advice........^

The video referenced had a load of unnecessary mods, I believe as a owner and user.

Notice this all the time. Well intentioned folks taking a simple machine, making it more complicated for use and setup. Less functional after the perceived great ideas.

Granted the saw does need some help.

Greg