Considering this Craftsman band saw

[CylinderDude]

I believe it's a 103.24300, going for $80, he says it works, looks to be in good shape, comes with the stand. I'm wondering if anyone has any input on these.

Any issues with these? Hard to find parts? Think it's worth it or look for a 2 pulley one instead?

 

[The Cobbler]

looks like a nice old beauty. it seems to be missing the motor pulley & belt

 

[CylinderDude]

looks like a nice old beauty. it seems to be missing the motor pulley & belt

I think it's a actually on the opposite side. It is hard to tell and he only has the two pictures listed. But I'm sure sourcing a belt wouldn't be too hard and I do have a 3 step pulley I could throw on it if it's missing.

 

[The Cobbler]

yeah , looks like it's on the other side. wasn't thinking of those craftsman double shafted motors when I posted

 

[crguy]

Not a good design. The smaller wheels cause more blade failure at the weld.

 

[CylinderDude]

Not a good design. The smaller wheels cause more blade failure at the weld.

I was reading this when I was doing research on the model. Do you have any first hand experience with them at all? Or a similar designed one?

I'm wondering if anyone actually uses them or are they just cool garage trophies lol.

 

[crguy]

I was reading this when I was doing research on the model. Do you have any first hand experience with them at all? Or a similar designed one?

I'm wondering if anyone actually uses them or are they just cool garage trophies lol.

Never considered buying one as I knew about the poor design. I use a regular 2 wheel bandsaw regularly in my shop. It earns its spot.

 

[RTM]

Unless you are planning on doing really thin, or really lightweight wood, I expect you will be disappointed in the performance of that saw.

 

[gatewaysysop]

Just my $.02, but for $80 I'd buy the thing just for the stand and the motor. Sell the saw by itself to recoup some money and then have a period correct stand and matching motor for when you inevitably find someone has put a nice 2-wheel band saw on a rickety ************* stand with a ************* motor.

 

[exmaxima1]

I was reading this when I was doing research on the model. Do you have any first hand experience with them at all? Or a similar designed one?

I'm wondering if anyone actually uses them or are they just cool garage trophies lol.

I had an Inca (Swiss) 20" 3-wheeler and it sucked. Even though the wheels were 10" diameter---much bigger than the OP's Craftsman saw---it still recommended blades no thicker than .020" which are very limited in availability. And you could never get the tension as high as on a traditional 2-wheeler. I would strongly advise to stay away from ANY 3-wheel bandsaw.

 

[CylinderDude]

After reading your guys' comments and doing a little more research it's pretty much concluded its better to save for a nice 2 wheel. I did consider picking this up for the stand and the motor, but I feel like I might just get stuck with trying to sell the band saw.

There are some nice looking 113.24200 in my area that are in the $100 to $200 price range. I really like the vintage of the one I posted here, but since it's something I'm intending to really use I will source a 2 wheel one.

Thanks again for the feedback!

 

[exmaxima1]

Those CM 12-inch saws sell for around $75 in my area. I had one at work to cut cardboard and styrofoam packing materials, which is about the limit for that flimsy saw. Forget any wood over 3/4" thick as the tension is ridiculously low. Save your coins for a 14-inch CAST IRON saw, as they routinely come up for $100-300.

 

[crguy]

Just my $.02, but for $80 I'd buy the thing just for the stand and the motor. Sell the saw by itself to recoup some money and then have a period correct stand and matching motor for when you inevitably find someone has put a nice 2-wheel band saw on a rickety ************* stand with a ************* motor.

Those stands fit the description of "a rickety *************" perfectly. BTDT