Boice-Crane Bandsaw

[GT6cops]

All,
What is the running opinion on Boice-Crane quality. CL in my area has a model 2310 bandsaw in what looks to be ok shape for $300 (http://fresno.craigslist.org/tls/3024251454.html). Any opinions? An ok deal or not

 

[darkk]

simple answer? Yup!

 

[Norcal]

Your getting better quality in old machines then one can ever get in ChiCom garbage like HF or Crapsmen junk sold today.

 

[automobiliben]

Go get it! Those are good machines! Appears to be bigger than 14" too.

Google vintagemachinery and boice crane 2310, it should pull up a lot if information from the OWWM forums.

 

[930dreamer]

Very nice find, did you buy it?

 

[Steevo]

That is a giveaway price, and I am not so far away that I wouldn't swoop in and buy it myself

 

[GT6cops]

I'll be checking it out tomorrow as it is not next door. Is there anything specific I should check carefully before I pull the trigger?

 

[smschriefer]

I would make sure the wheels move freely and listen to the motor for any unusual sounds. I personally wouldn't worry if the tires are worn, but you might negotiate a lower price if that is the case. I am not sure of the blade size, but that doesn't matter much as you can always custom order blades if they aren't a standard size. The cost for a custom is about the same as a standard blade, you just have to wait for shipment.

Beyond that, maybe print the parts list so you know if much, if anything, is missing. Here is a direct link to the manual - http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/detail.aspx?id=1201

 

[smschriefer]

I forgot, I also like to peruse the photos on OWWM so I have a good visual representation of what the saw should look like. It is always nice to see them in full detail as opposed to a line drawing. Plus, it really pumps you for the purchase. Here is a link that will take you right to the pics. You just choose the saw you want to look at.

http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgIndex/detail.aspx?id=111&tab=4

 

[Iroc-Z]

Wouldn't hesitate. That is total give away price.

 

[GT6cops]

I checked out the saw this morning and came home with a new addition. Overall seems pretty good. It appears to have all the parts, tires appear worn but servicable, the motor is a 1/2 hp newer craftsman, the wheels turn quite smoothly with little play. The best part was getting it all for $200. Thanks for everyone's comments as it helped with the decision.

 

[acer66]

Hey GT6cops, how is the saw holding up?
I just got a 2310, I think, myself, not pretty but it works.

Great links smschriefer.

Thank you

 

[stratman1]

Can these saws be fitted with a metal cutting blade? I am looking at one to purchase, but the seller doesn't know about the product.

 

[metlmunchr]

The standard speed will be way too fast for metal cutting. To slow a wood cutting bandsaw sufficiently for metal cutting requires a double reduction using a countershaft and 2 pairs of belts and pulleys, so it isn't a simple matter of changing a drive pulley and a belt.

I've got one of the old Boice Crane saws and have considered using one of the servo motors now available to retrofit on industrial sewing machines. A quality 550 watt (about 3/4 HP) motor with programmable control is about $200, and the max speed can be programmed for anything from a crawl to speeds sufficient for wood cutting so the wood cutting functionality isn't lost as it is with a countershaft speed reduction setup where you're limited to a single slow speed. I installed a Reliable Sew Quiet 6000SM servo on my Consew walking foot machine and would use the same to repower the bandsaw. By the time you buy pulleys, belts, pillow blocks, etc for a countershaft rig you're over halfway to the price of the servo motor and still have a fair bit of fab work to do and still end up with far less functionality.