My new used bandsaw

[iknownothing]

I have been looking for awhile for a metal bandsaw that I could afford with no luck. So after reading about using the DC motor out of a treadmill in another thread, I pulled the motor etc. out of a treadmill that I had just put on the side of my house like a week prior. Since then I've been searching the classifieds and Craig's List for a good wood bandsaw to convert, usually to be told when I call "I just sold it"...

I saw an ad in Craig's List last night and called this morning. Guy says someone is coming to look at it but I'll call you if he doesn't buy it. Calls me a couple hours later and says he didn't want it. (Which of course meant to me it was a POS.) So I go look at it anyway and it is a cobbled together Frankenstein of a contraption. I'm thinking to myself, hmmm, this is interesting.

Anyway, here are some pics, I guess I don't need the DC motor after all!

It has a Link-Belt Infinitely Variable drive on it.

It needs to be cleaned, but it works...

It had a wood cutting blade on it but he gave me a couple metal cutting blades. I don't know how well it will work yet but it was too cool to not buy!!!

 

[iknownothing]

Oh yeah, I paid $80. Seemed reasonable to me...

 

[JohnK007]

I'd say for 80 bucks you done alright! As long as it works, then clean it up, lube it up, and give it a coat of paint and you''re in business. One of the first things you need to do though is make up some guards!! That front belt looks a little too close to the operator for my liking.
Having never heard of the Link Belt PIV drive, I ran it through eBay. They had a couple, not exactly like yours, but close enough to say that your drive alone is worth about twice what you paid for the whole shebang.
Have fun with your new toy....AFTER you make some guards.
John

 

[l_bilyk]

The bandsaw looks like ****, but that link belt drive is very desirable

 

[dxdexter]

For $80 and some fixing up, you will have a good looking saw. The drive train looks a little hokey, but it can be reworked. You just need to look past the amateur attempts at fabrication made by the previous owner. If all the components of the saw are in good order and not worn out, then your in business.

 

[Uncle Buck]

You did great, the variable speed is a huge plus. The variable speed box looks to have come from a prior very old industrial application, however I bet it will outlast you. Guards are great but I would paint adjust and make sure everything else is right before spending any effort on the guards. Just keep clear till then and you should do fine. Great find, wish it were mine! ( I do think I would replace the stand the whole works is mounted to, just does not look very substantial)

 

[russlaferrera]

Best of luck with your recent purchase. Yes it LOOKS like a POS. However it is a piece of history. But with some, OK alot more attention and paint you will have a very nice saw.

 

[Satatic]

Looks like it will kill you pretty good, probably all the way even.

 

[iknownothing]

It works!!! I put the metal blade on it and cut some scrap I had laying around. The drive slows the blade to a crawl! It cut a 5/16" plate no problem. Now it definately needs a good cleaning, lots of adjusting, some guards and a new base and paint, but I'm always looking for new projects.

I'll have to take some pictures but the blade doesn't ride on the side of the guide bearings. It's in front of it. The guy I bought it from said it was supposed to be like that, is that right?

Thanks.