Flip Down Bandsaw Station

[McLean]

Nothing revolutionary here, but I didn't see anything like this in my research so figured that I'd share. I liked the flip down idea more commonly executed as a table/workbench by Jack Olson and others and tried to incorporate that concept into my saw station. Needed a space saving solution for my metal cutting needs so here's what I came up with:


Stowed:


Telescoping to clear long material

 

[chruler]

Nice bit of work. Saves a fair amount of space.
The wall is strong enough to carry the load? You'll know soon enough if the door stops closing!

 

[Lee Celtic]

Nice work.. I like the telescopic idea..

I had an idea but it stalled due to design problems, or rather too much fab work.. however the channel you are using on the wall looks just the ticket.. any info on it you could share..? is it some sort of cable tray ?

 

[Twisted Sid]

What saw is that?

 

[454ragtop]

Nice work.. I like the telescopic idea..

I had an idea but it stalled due to design problems, or rather too much fab work.. however the channel you are using on the wall looks just the ticket.. any info on it you could share..? is it some sort of cable tray ?

Not McLean, but that channel is called Unistrut, very common in the HVAC industry.

 

[metal1313]

its in the electrical section at home depot

 

[jahn]

Very nice

 

[McLean]

Thanks all! This was the first time I have used Unistrut and it is awesome! I grabbed the lower profile type and didnt realize at the time that it is also lighter gauge. Seems to be plenty strong though!

Nice bit of work. Saves a fair amount of space.
The wall is strong enough to carry the load? You'll know soon enough if the door stops closing!

I sure hope not! haha. but will definitely keep an eye on it. The Saw only weighs about 35 lbs and the mount ~20lbs. With the unistrut, I was able to run lag bolts into 2 studs, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will hold up! I also picked up some pipe stands as material supports so the goal is to support any heavy material with those instead of the stand.

Not McLean, but that channel is called Unistrut, very common in the HVAC industry.

This^^^. Picked it up at Home Depot. It's like Legos for adults!!

What saw is that?

That is the FEMI ABS 105. They are manufactured in Italy but available through a couple US vendors: http://www.trick-tools.com/Femi-ABS105-Benchtop-Semi-Auto-Mitering-Bandsaw-6948 (or can be imported pretty easily) It has some features that I was unable to find in other metal saws and I've been reasonably happy with it so far. There's a couple other informative threads about them on GJ, try searching "Femi" or "Hemsaw" for more info

 

[tarbellb]

Kickass! I really like it. From one small shop guy to another, those few extra cubic ft really add up.

And telescoping is the beesknees, very well done.

 

[Lee Celtic]

Not McLean, but that channel is called Unistrut, very common in the HVAC industry.

Thanks.. Idea back online.. even found the little trolley that runs inside the Unistrut too though the trolley is expensive. I'll make my own but the strut stuff is just what I need.. it looks like the plan will work,

 

[theoldwizard1]

I like it !

2 suggestion.

• I would start with unistrut vertically so that I use multiple lags into the studs.
• Make it fold the opposite way, so that the saw is facing outward and high (as close to the ceiling as possible.

 

[3 Gun Shooter]

What saw is that?

Trick Tools sells them, I have the same saw. Great saw and is light enough to easily pick up. It cuts like a dream.

 

[McLean]

Kickass! I really like it. From one small shop guy to another, those few extra cubic ft really add up.

And telescoping is the beesknees, very well done.

True that! I wish I had the space for a simpler and more versatile solution like a cart on casters, but my garage is at like 99% capacity without sacrificing work flow. It's been worth it so far and I haven't even ran my head into it yet!

I like it !

2 suggestion.

• I would start with unistrut vertically so that I use multiple lags into the studs.
• Make it fold the opposite way, so that the saw is facing outward and high (as close to the ceiling as possible.

Thanks OldWizard! I didn't consider that for the unistrut, but I will keep the idea in my back pocket.
Not following the folding opposite way concept. I am curious though. The hinge would be mounted where?

Trick Tools sells them, I have the same saw. Great saw and is light enough to easily pick up. It cuts like a dream.

If I recall correctly, your thread/comments contributed to my decision to purchase a Femi saw. Not a lot of first hand info or reviews available on the saw and I appreciate that you shared your experience!

 

[tarbellb]

If you start to see any deflection or cracking at the 90 joint, add some gussets to those inside corners (running vertical). You may have to slit the outside telescoping tubes a bit tho?

Even a 3"x3" gusset would add substantial strength.

Again, nicely done.

 

[2oolhound]

Nice setup!!! I've been thinking of doing something like that with my medium sized saw. I'm going to steal your idea of the sliding extension for it . I just made a stand for my smaller similar portable bandsaw to keep the top of the vise platform at bench height. I've also made a platform for hand holding items and next I want to make table slots so I can move the vise around. It's not cast into the fairly flat base.

What's good info for me is I have a similar saw but have been looking for replacement blades with no avail. Your saw uses the same ones as mine so now I can order some blades. My saw is discontinued from Princess Auto, (think HF). Not sure why they discontinued it because it's a great saw too, maybe patent issues. Here's a pic (with the rubber feet off):

 

[R.Anderson]

Great idea, telescopic feature is the best part about it.

Nice bit of work. Saves a fair amount of space.
The wall is strong enough to carry the load? You'll know soon enough if the door stops closing!

If the wall is made with 2x6 studs should be no problem. 2x4 studs I would be worried.

I like it !

2 suggestion.

• I would start with unistrut vertically so that I use multiple lags into the studs.
• Make it fold the opposite way, so that the saw is facing outward and high (as close to the ceiling as possible.

The two lags will be enough two hold all that cutting tubing and small solid stock. More so if 2x6 studs were used in the wall.

With the second idea, what!? And how will that be better? If it folds down and high as possible it will be way too high to use. If folds upward you would need to flip the saw every time folding.

 

[McLean]

What's good info for me is I have a similar saw but have been looking for replacement blades with no avail. Your saw uses the same ones as mine so now I can order some blades. My saw is discontinued from Princess Auto, (think HF). Not sure why they discontinued it because it's a great saw too, maybe patent issues. Here's a pic (with the rubber feet off):

Glad I could help! Didnt know they ever sold them at princess auto. Here's a few other sources that I've found for this size of bandsaw blades:
https://amzn.com/B018Z9LG3C
http://www.mcmaster.com/#4179a26/=14jdm39
and some of the other bandsaw blade online stores will let you make custom lengths too like here: https://www.sawblade.com/

 

[Doug Arthurs]

2oolhound

If you want to buy from a Canadian source shoot me a message with the blade size and tooth spec. I own a bandsaw blade company in Canada.

 

[2oolhound]

Wow McLean, that's awesome! I've googled this countless times but in my manual and printed on the saw the blade size is 52 9/16 so I guess I should have tried rounding off the fractional dimension. I even searched the starrett blade # off my blade too but that doesn't show up at Starrett. The only options I could find were bulk blades which I wanted to stay away from unless it was the absolute only option.

Thanks, Doug, PM incoming.