Thread: TOWA Bandsaw

Never heard of Towa but if it is the common generic 14'' cast iron frame job and in good working condition then it is probably worth it. I would say $250 first and see how you go. H&F will have spares for it.

Thanks mate. I haven't seen it and it's 2 hours drive from here and that's a long way to go if they're not much chop. Besides, I'm just a little concerned that TOWA might just stand for Tired Of Woodwork Anyway. If I don't get any really negative responses here I might go up and take a look. He reckons (don't they always?) that it's in good condition. At least it has roller guides. Thanks again, really appreciate your comments. I suppose the generic machines can handle a bit of light (and small) slab sawing of greenish wood?

Rick

Originally Posted by orraloon

Never heard of Towa but if it is the common generic 14'' cast iron frame job and in good working condition then it is probably worth it. I would say $250 first and see how you go. H&F will have spares for it.

Not cast.They are fabricated like the Triton and Scheppak
HERE
About 3/4 way down page

Originally Posted by AUSSIE

Not cast.They are fabricated like the Triton and Scheppak
HERE
About 3/4 way down page

Thanks Aussie,

Is that a problem? My only bandsaw is a 9" Ryobi benchtop so I'm a novice with anything bigger. Appreciate your response too.

Rick

Originally Posted by Buzzard

Thanks Aussie,

Is that a problem? My only bandsaw is a 9" Ryobi benchtop so I'm a novice with anything bigger. Appreciate your response too.

Rick

No Not a problem but like anything You need to check the quality of the whole thing.
Wait a bit longer.Someone may have one or knows a little more about them

Thanks mate. Yeah, I'll think about it over the lllloooonnnngggg weekend!

Rick

Originally Posted by Buzzard

Besides, I'm just a little concerned that TOWA might just stand for Tired Of Woodwork Anyway. If I don't get any really negative responses here I might go up and take a look.
Rick

Don't know about this bandsaw but I have a TOWA electric hand planer that I bought about 35 years ago and is still going strong, getting used every so often and has never needed any attention.

So if it's made by the same company than I would look at it and check it out.



Peter.

I'm with Sturdee, I also have a Towa planer had it for 30 plus years and still pick it up first if I need to plane something. Price of bandsaw seems a tad high.

If it is the BS350 model that is on AUSSIES' link, then it looks identical to the BS350 model I have from Carbatec. Quite a few other forumites have one as well.

I am very happy with mine, although I did buy an aftermarket fence for it, but the original fence is usable.

As you say it has roller guides, I replaced the bearings for the roller guides with the rubber seal equivalent, other than that I haven't changed anything.

Mine was supplied with a bigger, 750W (1 hp) seems a bit on the low side, from memory mine has a 1500W motor.

If you do a search on BS350, you will find a lot of discussion on the pros and cons of this BS and the BP16A from H&F.

Yes, I too had a TOWA planer... green if I remember rightly. It and a few other things disappeared out of my farm shed a few years back. I hope the bugger who has it now enjoys himself. Thanks for the response. Yeah, I think it might be a bit expensive too... especially when I throw in the four hour round trip in my old diesel ute. So any idea what would be a reasonable price? Or is that in the "how long is a piece of string" category?

Rick

i purchased a 14 inch generic cast model 2nd hand for a bargain price of $200 so far ive replaced both pulleys (cracks in both of them) both rubber tyres all the bearings rebuilt the trunnions that the table sits on cant wait to see what else needs replacing then i found i couldnt resaw large enough boards so decided to biuld a lift kit and increase cutting capacity so new blades and a new guide arm, new safety guards all in all i think im going to get a good saw but if ever buying a 2ndhand again i would go over it with fine tooth comb and try not to see it with rose coloured glasses

Thanks Fubar! I can see why you call yourself Fubar now! If I go up to get it I will certainly be giving it the grand once-over! The town where it is located has a couple of antique shops so SWMBO probably won't consider it a wasted trip if I don't buy the saw!

Buzzard

Okay! Went up to Taree today and the saw was in great shape... obviously hardly ever used. Two speed 1hp and runs sweetly. Has all fence and mitres intact as well as the manual... really nice cabinet stand too. Got it for $300 Only problem is that the seller, when he helped me lift it on my ute, must have lifted it by the plastic blade tension knob and snapped the damned thing off. I didn't realise it had happened until I got it home. It would not have happened in transit. The metal core is, of course, intact. Hopefully it shouldn't be too big a deal bodgying something up to replace the knob. I strongly doubt that anyone sells parts for these even though it's a generic machine very similar to Carba-tec and others. Thanks again to all for your help.

Rick