Delta Model 9 Horizontal Bandsaw, downfeed cylinder help

[burninghXcsoul]

So I bought this bandsaw at an auction for $225. It looks to be fairly complete and in good working order besides the blade being trashed. It even came with the original instruction manual and inspectors card. I plugged it in and the motor runs and the blade turns the only problem is that hydraulic down cylinder is dead. Has anyone ever messed with one of these things or can point me to a diagram/info on how they work? I assume it probably needs new hoses and clamps and refilled with oil. Will I have to bleed it? It is controlled by a needle valve up on the top of the frame by the start/stop buttons.

I was pretty excited to get this saw as it is a huge step up from my 4x6 chicom saw. The crazy thing was that right next to it was a DO-ALL 3 phase bandsaw that no one wanted. The bidding started at $1000 and went down to $55 before I bid and won it at $55. I'm pretty sure the scrap value of it is more than $55 haha. Its 3 phase so I haven't had a chance to hook it up to my phase convertor but its definitely next on the list to get operational.

 

[ModClean]

I can't speak to that model in particular, but usually the downfeeds are just some combination of check valves and adjustable valving--probably needle valve--to regulate downward motion. Essentially, there is a bypass with a check valve that allows easy (bypassed) upward motion, while downward motion has to pump fluid through the adjustable valve. Basically, the weight of the saw tries to use the piston to "pump" fluid, and the restriction of the fluid trying to flow through the adjustable valve dictates how quickly the saw can fall.

I would just start by checking that it has oil. Unless the hoses and clamping are in real bad shape, they may not need replacement--these systems don't run at terribly high pressure.

If you have oil and it still doesn't work: If you are mechanically inclined (I mean, you bought a big ol' band saw, so... right?) I wouldn't be scared to take it apart if it's not running. As mentioned above, it's not a complex system, and you should be able to swap out any unfixable old component with something modern fairly simply.

You likely will need to bleed it. An air bubble reaching the needle valve during a cut could cause the saw to drop hard, possibly causing quite the dangerous situation.

 

[454ragtop]

Damn, that DoAll is a huge score! As to the Delta, might ask over at owwm.org, lots of Delta gurus hang out there.

 

[Ohmthis]

Those are some great saws, I dare say the do all is a you **** deal since you already have the phase converter.

 

[Doug Arthurs]

Is there any oil in the Delta. I have worked on many horizontal saws. First thing to do would be to pump oil through the system using a pump oil can. If the cylinder still does not hold the head up them you need to pull it apart and see what it has for seals. There will also be a check valve and needle valve. If the check valve doesn't hold pressure the head will fall fast but not like a rock.