Powermax Bandsaw

[Climb On!]

Hey gang,

I'm looking at buying a bandsaw for an all around workhorse. I'd like to use it for woodworking (making toys for the kids) and any other wood/metal job that pops up...I tinker on my truck quite a bit. I came across this guy on C'list and don't know much about bandsaws, much less a Powermax. Its a 14" bandsaw and I believe a 1/2 Hp motor. I'd prefer to buy old than new, I like their reliability...no plastic parts.

If anyone knows about Powermax or can recommend another I'd appreciate it. And this saw on C'list is only $50.

Chuck

 

[W-Cummins]

Looks like a wood cutting bandsaw. It's probably turning too fast to cut steel. There are a few small vertical bandsaws that can cut metal. They have a speed reducer on them. Delta used to make one, and Wilton I think still does.

William....

 

[Climb On!]

What kind of RPMs are we talking about for steel? I imagine I'd have to use different blades?

Is this guy a good buy for a wood bandsaw only? or should I just go the Cman or HF route?

 

[A_Pmech]

What kind of RPMs are we talking about for steel? I imagine I'd have to use different blades?

Is this guy a good buy for a wood bandsaw only? or should I just go the Cman or HF route?

Steel is sawed with carbon steel bands at around 225 feet per minute (FPM) which works out to about 61 RPM on a 14" band wheel using bands specifically designed for metal cutting.

A machine such as the one you link to is a hobby woodworking saw and has neither the structural capacity, nor the drivetrain for anything other than light woodworking projects.

If you want a saw that will cut metal and wood, keep an eye out for a Walker Turner saw with the built-in reduction gearbox, or a 16" Doall or Grob.

 

[Climb On!]

Thanks, great info. A quick search for those guys proved my suspicion...I can't afford one of those guys. Looks like I'll be buying two different machines...recommendations? I've got a small shop, hence the attempt to get two for one.

 

[A_Pmech]

Metalworking vertical saws are not inexpensive. Expect to pay in the neighborhood of $500 to $1,500 whether a new Chinese pile of junk, or an older American made industrial machine. In all cases, I would take the American made machine, even if it requires extensive but approachable work.

If you keep your eyes peeled, you can sometimes find DoAll saws in need of repair for under $500. Should you find such a unit, here's how you can make it new again:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34928

 

[kc-steve]

I was also curious. Based on the responses, it seems a horizontal saw would be better for metal working. They are fairly inexpensive compared to those mentioned above.

Steve

 

[A_Pmech]

I was also curious. Based on the responses, it seems a horizontal saw would be better for metal working. They are fairly inexpensive compared to those mentioned above.

Steve

Horizontal band saws are much less expensive than verticals. However, horizontals are cutoff saws, for cutting long stock to length.

A vertical saw is designed for cutting contours such as this:

 

[Climb On!]

Yeah, vertical seems the way to go. I'll keep an eye out for two different saws...that doall/grob is an enormous beast. No room for that in my garage shop.

I could use some recommendations on some quality saws brands/models for each. That way I can keep an eye out on C'list. That seems to be my best bet and CA seems to have a good number of old tools pop up.

I've got an old C'man drill press, should I would look for an old C'man bandsaw? I imagine I'll see more of these nondescript models like the Powermax that I show...are there any specific ones I should keep an eye out for?

Seems like most of the older ones are benchtop models, but this floor model seems to offer more material clearance.

 

[A_Pmech]

On the small end of things, keep a look out for a 14" Walker-Turner metal and wood band saw:

 

[Climb On!]

That's exactly what I need!

 

[mjozefow]

I knew my Walker-Turner saw was growing on you John!

I have a 16" W-T with back gears. It is a great machine that was built for a light industrial environment. They can be found, just keep an eye out.

 

[rsanter]

I had a Cman that looks exactly like that
take a look at it and I bet it says TIAWAN
with that said, it was a good working saw for wood
and for $50 it will serve you well if its on good shape

bob

 

[Climb On!]

I saw a Delta 16" for $350. Said it had variable speed for wood and metal. $350 is much more than I was hoping to shell out right now. Thoughts? Is it worth it or should I stick with a small benchtop scroll straw and get the metal bandsaw later?

 

[A_Pmech]

I'm not very familiar with the delta machines, but I think they're lighter than the Walker Turner model.

You might ask the guys over at OWWM.org They're familiar with the Delta metal and wood band saws. Here's one example:

http://www.owwm.com/photoindex/detail.aspx?id=9681

 

[Climb On!]

The addiction has started...I found an old craftsman bandsaw for ~$100. Looks in decent shape, what do I need to look for? Seller says it needs "adjusting", and a motor is there but not "set up".

Chuck

 

[mjozefow]

The addiction has started...I found an old craftsman bandsaw for ~$100. Looks in decent shape, what do I need to look for? Seller says it needs "adjusting", and a motor is there but not "set up".

Chuck

My guess is there are no belts currently. That is a neat little bandsaw. I will not do ferrous metal though.

 

[Climb On!]

Yeah, if I go for it I'm accepting that I'll have two saws. Right now I need the wood saw first.

 

[mcdtommy23]

The addiction has started...I found an old craftsman bandsaw for ~$100. Looks in decent shape, what do I need to look for? Seller says it needs "adjusting", and a motor is there but not "set up".

Chuck

I have that same bandsaw. It's been fantastic! Added multi-step pulley and have cut metal, plastic, and wood on it. No issues!

 

[Climb On!]

mcdtommy23, That's great to know. What should I look for in this saw when I check it out?

 

[mcdtommy23]

mcdtommy23, That's great to know. What should I look for in this saw when I check it out?

The tires are critical. I had a bit of a hard time getting the top wheel dialed in with just enough tension to stop the blade from walking off the wheel.

BTW. The 80" blades are a bit difficult to find locally (around here anyway)