Bought a 4x6 bandsaw today.

[bad_idea]

I bought a 4x6 horizontal band saw on CL for $50 today. I opt tested it w/ a piece of 2x2x1/4" steel angle, it cut smoothly but a 1/16th out of square. The drop rate seemed a little fast. I didn't attempt to tune the saw at the guy's house, I am sure I can get it cutting much straighter though. The bearings seemed tight, everything tracked straight. I am pleased, but unsure of the value of the saw. How did I do?

 

[foghorn1966]

It runs, doesn't sound like it is going to fly apart or spit off blades, and cuts. Think you did good at that price. I would have grabbed it for that. If you're trolling for a "you ****" for scoring that deal. Not from me.

Edit: BTW there is a killer tune up guide for those floating out in the web.

 

[PCO6]

^^^ This might be the one you are thinking of.

 

[oldtractors]

First step is to put a high quality blade on it and see how it does. If it still doesn't saw straight, there are lots of web sites that will tell you how to adjust it.

 

[bad_idea]

I was not trolling for a "you ****", more of a confirmation that I paid a fair price. Also, guidance on how to adjust this saw. Thanks for the video PC06. What is a high quality blade? Where is a good source for that?

 

[Tronyadorable]

Lenox or Morse.
Grainger

 

[diggerrick]

I think Rong Fu is the ENCO house brand.

 

[logixjock]

I was not trolling for a "you ****", more of a confirmation that I paid a fair price. Also, guidance on how to adjust this saw. Thanks for the video PC06. What is a high quality blade? Where is a good source for that?

Lenox Diemaster II Variable pitch.

I have an old wilton version of your saw and use this blade, @ 64 1/2" long.

http://www.lenoxtools.com/pages/diemaster-2-bi-metal-band-saw-blades.aspx

I use the .025 X 10/14 and cut anything that will fit in the vice.

 

[Steinmetz]

The down feed mechanism is a real disappointment on saws like this. I built a hydraulic system to eliminate down feed problems.

The Olson bimetal blades are good. Not too expensive, durable and US made.

 

[Ign]

I think Rong Fu is the ENCO house brand.

I'm not aware of Rong Fu being an Enco house brand. They badge their saws either Enco or TurnPro. Enco does sell Rong Fu however.

I'd get an Irwin blade from Enco. Had great luck w the Irwins on my 7x12.

 

[Bobf]

I have basically the same saw (Dk Gray) purchased from HF back in late 80's, still going strong, occasional use. The Rong Fu's as shown on the tag were from Taiwan and considered a cut above the China stuff. Good deal for $50.00.

 

[gus1962]

That's a good deal. There's a google group for 4x6 band saw. If you'd like to know more mods and set up of your saw, it's also a good place to post/ visit. Get yourself a good quality band saw blade, I use bi metal Haltbar band saw blade.

 

[vintage56]

I'm looking at one of these local to me, but it has a busted pulley. I should think it would be easy to find but so far after a couple hours of Googling, no luck...
any advice? They're asking $100 for "Dad's old saw."
JML

 

[zkling]

I think that is high for one that can't be used at all ~$100 should get you a running one in fair condition. Is it a common offshore 4x6 unit? You can buy a step pulley if that is all that is wrong for ~$25. Although I'd be suspicious if the pulley is really broken the shaft would have taken a good hit as well.

 

[vintage56]

yeah, it's the Rong Fu RF-115, typical to this thread.
I feared the same. The wife spotted it a garage sale this morning.
I hope to lay eyes on it tonight after work.

Where would I find that pulley?
JML

 

[wayne55]

I paid about $165 at Harbor Freight for my green made in Taiwan bandsaw about 12 years ago.

 

[Bobf]

I bought the Rong Fu gray version new from HF back in early 87, still going today. HF switched to the (claimed by some) less desirable China version they offer now. Cost wise I think you did OK. a little tweaking and you're good.

 

[zkling]

yeah, it's the Rong Fu RF-115, typical to this thread.
I feared the same. The wife spotted it a garage sale this morning.
I hope to lay eyes on it tonight after work.

Where would I find that pulley?
JML

You can find the pulleys from a number of places. Local surplus stores, the surplus center online, mcmaster, ebay, etc. It may just have one sheave cracked at the top. If the entire pulley is cracked I think I would pass as, back to my initial comment, for the pulley to have taken that hard of a blow a reaction force would have been transferred into the supporting shaft and possibly gearbox or motor. At $50 or so it would be one thing but $100 is quite a bit for a machine that can be bought new for sub $250

 

[kazlx]

They are decent little saws. Mine is such a piece of ****, but cuts almost dead nuts straight on solid materials, out maybe 0.010 on 3" bar, if that, off of a machinist square. It always seems to wander on tubing, but cuts solids beautifully. It's probably the down feed, but I get so tired of screwing with it and don't care enough to get a hydraulic setup. I'd rather just spend the money on a better saw. I plan on getting a small mitering bandsaw to do miters and just leave the HF set for cutting solids for the mill and lathe prep.

I paid $100 for mine a few years ago, but the guy gave me a stack of probably 25 blades of various pitches with it. Felt that was more than fair.