Is this a Decent Band Saw?

[Pen & Wrench]

A friend of mine gave me this old Craftsman Band Saw today. It needs a new tire on the top wheel, probably should put on both new. I see the blade is not covered as it comes up the back side. Was that standard, or is there supposed to be a stock cover for that? I probably need to see if it is operating at original speed, because the way it is it seems pretty slow, but it runs nice, even without a tire on the top wheel. All the adjustments seem to be in good shape. Is this a decent older Band Saw? Does anyone know what feet per minute the blade would have run as originally set up?

 

[MayerMR]

Heck yeah it is and it's in great shape. Nice pick up!

 

[rsanter]

For wood it is decent
For aluminum it is acceptable
For steel it is not enough

 

[OldNeons]

do people seek such a saw? if so, what is typical value?

 

[MayerMR]

do people seek such a saw? if so, what is typical value?

Sure they do. I was looking for one before I came across my Beaver 2300, which I felt fit my needs just fine. It really depends on your location, but I'd guess a saw like that could go from around $100-250, depending on your area. Being general here, but more populated areas you're likely to get higher in that range simply because of more people/more competition, etc. Rural areas, where that kind of stuff might be more common and/or less competition, probably on the lower end.