Restoring an old bandsaw

[Jack Olsen]

I've got a 1951 Craftsman 3-wheel bandsaw that I'd like to get up and running again. Job one is finding a motor for it. I need a 1725 rpm enclosed 110v motor anywhere from 1/4 to 1/2 hp -- with a 3-inch pulley on it, if possible.

I don't care about authenticity nearly much as I do about saving money. I've been wondering if there's a motor commonly used in a dishwasher or furnace that might work for this application.

Anyone got any ideas?

 

[A_Pmech]

Hi Jack,

I'd use a 1/3rd HP blower duty motor from a furnace blower. New, they're under $60 at the local farm store. This is the same motor Atlas used on their small lathes.

A trip to your local power train supplier should source a suitable pulley for $15 or less.

 

[dustin19]

might have something if ur interested...... might even have the pulley. ill let u know in the next couple days if ur interested. pm me if you are..

 

[Cameronl]

I have the same bandsaw waiting for resto! Got if for $7 (with motor!).

I haven't got around to it yet, but I found this guy on ebay who can hook you up with new Urethane tires for it:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Urethane-Band-Saw-Tires-for-3-wheelers_W0QQitemZ280421337478QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item414a6a0986

 

[Steve from Socal]

Jack,

I have a newer one of these saws sitting in my back yard; it's yours if you take the huge rolling cabinet it is on. The motor is a 120V and it runs.

Steve

 

[Packard V8]

Definitely don't put any money in it. There are millions of those for cheap. FWIW, if you look around, you'll be tripping over 1/2hp motor everywhere. That saw can get by with 1/3 or 1/4hp for light duty work.

thnx, jack vines

 

[Aberdale]

Nice old saw. Are the tires in good shape? You should be able to power that saw with an old washing machine motor. Perhaps call a local appliance repair shop, or check CL under "free" heading. A lot of old washers are given away that still have good motors in them.

Dale

 

[Jack Olsen]

Thanks, guys. I'll look into Craigslist.

dustin19, I appreciate the thought, but I'd guess shipping charges might make it more expensive than a cheap local motor. And thanks Steve, but my wife would kill me if I brought home any more cabinet-size steel. Our back yard looks like the Sanford and Son set right now. (Wow, there's a reference that dates me.)

I haven't looked at the tires. What are the symptoms of them needing to be replaced?

 

[tjmonsen5]

that picture came off of pelicanparts forums!! Do you own a BMW or Porsche? I love buying all of my parts for my E30 from them! I dont even want to know how much ive spent at pelican over the last few years.

 

[dustin19]

Thanks, guys. I'll look into Craigslist.

dustin19, I appreciate the thought, but I'd guess shipping charges might make it more expensive than a cheap local motor. And thanks Steve, but my wife would kill me if I brought home any more cabinet-size steel. Our back yard looks like the Sanford and Son set right now. (Wow, there's a reference that dates me.)

I haven't looked at the tires. What are the symptoms of them needing to be replaced?

not really pretty sure it would fit in a flat rate box

 

[Steve from Socal]

Thanks, guys. I'll look into Craigslist.

And thanks Steve, but my wife would kill me if I brought home any more cabinet-size steel. Our back yard looks like the Sanford and Son set right now. (Wow, there's a reference that dates me.)

I haven't looked at the tires. What are the symptoms of them needing to be replaced?

Jack,

My back yard resembles that remark too!! Actually the saw is on a wooden contraption that a friend kludged together for an airplane project. It is a running albeit a bit weathered at this point CM band saw.

Steve

 

[A_Pmech]

I haven't looked at the tires. What are the symptoms of them needing to be replaced?

The main ones:

Poor tracking due to lack of a crown
Obvious severe wear of the tire such as deep grooves
Drive tire slipping on the wheel

An example:

 

[Major Ramifications]

I've never read anything good about three-wheeled bandsaws, but maybe those old ones are good, I don't know.
God only knows who was president the last time a dishwasher or washing machine was made with an enclosed motor, but it's been a while.

Where I work, we have some new Marathon Electric motors that we bought on closeout. They are 1725 RPM, 115V, 1/3 HP, 6.6 FLA, with a 1.0 service factor in a NEMA 56Z frame. The price is $49.99 each. PM me if you are interested.