Little Atlas Bandsaw

[Squashfest81]

Picked this little guy up for $40. He should compliment the Craftsman/Atlas 6 inch lathe nicely.
Looks in great shape. Any tips from the GJ? What to watch for?

And vertical.

 

[Zrexxer]

Don't skimp on blades. Good bimetal blades make all the difference in the world with these little saws.

 

[zkling]

Becareful with the gear train, IIRC those have a plastic pinion gear, that if not kept clean will get chewed up.

 

[martin666]

Have one also, as mentioned the pinion gear is plastic, keep it clean use good blades , for light duty work its great, have no complaints at all

 

[spongerich]

That thing is a death trap, where are the safety guards? It's just a matter of time before you trip and fall into that thing when it's running and it takes your head right off.

Do yourself a favor... let me come pick it up and I'll make sure that it's disposed of in a safe manner.

If you insist on endangering yourself, your family, and your neighbors, put a wiper of some sort (even a small paint brush) against the blade but before the wheel. It'll help keep chips out of the tires and they'll last longer.

 

[Squashfest81]

Good blades and clean gears. Got it, thanks.
Sponge, I think I've seen a modified toothbrush head online on a wood bandsaw. I'll have to do some googling.
These machines don't seem that common online.
Oh, don't worry. I cover myself in bubble wrap before using any power tools or working on a ladder.

 

[zkling]

Most of them were sold under the craftsman name

 

[Jawn]

Most of them were sold under the craftsman name

I have one, but I don't think mine opens up to the vertical position.

Blade tires are toast on mine.

 

[Squashfest81]

Thanks guys,
Just took her for her maiden voyage. What a little dream machine. For someone used to abrasive saws, this is amazing.

 

[MoparTrucks]

I have been looking for used but am pulling the trigger on the HF version this month. That thing looks to be in great shape and may I confer upon you a "you ****"!

 

[dodge610]

I have been looking for used but am pulling the trigger on the HF version this month. That thing looks to be in great shape and may I confer upon you a "you ****"!

You will love the HF bandsaw I was a little hesitant at first but do not know how I got by without it. As long as you get it adjusted right before you start cutting. It will do you fine. There is also a yahoo group on up grades you can do to the HF bandsaw.

 

[Squashfest81]

5 years since I bought and posted this little bandsaw.
Anyone familiar with this or similar saws on getting square cuts?
For the most part what I need to do is not precise, but I want to be better.
I had squared it up with a framing square before cutting into a small piece of railroad track. The cut was not square (90 degrees to the fence), which I think I can adjust out.
How do I adjust for the angle it cut down? So, not cutting 90 degrees to the table (straight down)?

 

[metaleltr]

Check with a square to see if the saw is square to the table. It may not be adjustable. Worn or poor quality bades can cause squareness issues. When clamping material to be cut ensure it is fully seated on the table. A long piece of heavy or very flexible material can sag and cause out of square cuts.

 

[MJD1]

First thing to check when the cut is out of square is the blade itself. The blade guides or the pivot bushings could also be factors. The saws with a half inch blade are never going to cut as accurate as a heavy duty saw with a 1" or more blade.

 

[lafester]

You have not shown us what you are getting now. I have the Craftsman badged model and it does pretty well for what it is, but by no means perfect. That is what the mill and lathe are for if needed.

 

[matt_i]

I think you need to get in and loosen, then tweak the ball bearings relative to the sliding rectangular bar. In essence you want to twist the blade so it stands more vertical, or at least the opposite direction as your angle. Likely the bolts are in oversized clearance holes to allow for this adjustment while the bolts are loose. The same thing should be available on the "headstock end" of the saw.

Its possible the blade got dulled on one side and that's causing a twist. Its possible that there's too much downfeed force as that will also cut a banana.

 

[RoninB4]

Agree with the above post by matt i

 

[Squashfest81]

Good info. Watched a few YouTube’s too and I’ll square things up and then adjust the blade guides. Might as well get a fresh blade ordered as I have no idea of it’s history.
Thanks

 

[will335i]

Not trying to hijack but I see a lot recommendations for quality blades but I don't see and brands or what to look for when looking at replacement blades. I just ordered a small bandsaw and I want to get a couple of good blades for it as I have read the one it comes with is junk.

 

[Squashfest81]

That no hijack 335i. I’m in for the same info. Quality blade recommendations? Tooth count for general cutting on a small bandsaw?

 

[will335i]

So I found Lenox makes blades but I don't see where they make one small enough for mine. I need a 27" x 1/2". Based on my experience with Lenox blades I would assume that the bandsaw blades are of good quality as well.

Based on my limited research I think 14-18 TPI is generally accepted for general cutting task. I plan to get a range just to have my bases covered.

 

[Posi]

Good info. Watched a few YouTube’s too and I’ll square things up and then adjust the blade guides. Might as well get a fresh blade ordered as I have no idea of it’s history.
Thanks

Were you able to find blades for it? I had an opportunity to pick one up under the Commercial Craftsman name but the only blades for steel I could find were over $100.

 

[Vise_Squad]

Beautiful little saws. I got mine in comparable shape for $50 at a flea market.

Keep it well oiled and it should last for generations. The comments about wipers are wise though: pot metal-looking bevel gear drive. Wipers made from small steel bristle brush heads might be best. Probably a good idea to periodically wash the gears off with carb cleaner too, and re-lube.

 

[gorilla]

You can order bandsaw blades from McMaster-Carr by length. $100.00 for a bandsaw blade seems wasy too much.

 

[Vise_Squad]

You can order bandsaw blades from McMaster-Carr by length. $100.00 for a bandsaw blade seems wasy too much.

Yes, it's insane. Far better deals at fleas or garage sales: blades can always be made shorter!