Thread: 18" Woodfast bandsaw

Nice score! I'm pretty sure you're right on the date being 73, I've been able to date a couple of my Woodfast machines the same way.

Our mens shed has a 3 phase version of that BS - see machine in background of the first photo.

The pros I have found are that it's a very solid machine and cuts true once it is set up right.

The cons are
- Small table - could be enlarged without too much of an effort.
- Very short depth of cut - this is probably its weakest point.
- The stock guide blocks are ordinary, especially compared to the better bearing systems available today.
- no dust extraction
- blades for it are not readily available and have to be made up.

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The biggest issue with the machine at the mens shed was the lac of dust extraction dust extraction

It starts with the fact that the throat plate on our machine is tiny so sawdust isn't carried all that effectively through the plate slot.
I asked our resident machinist to open up the size of the throat plate hole and believe he has done it but I havent seen it yet.
Sorry no photo of that.

Then I added dust extraction to the lower cabinet and under table section.
This is now working well.
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I had a look to see if the depth of cut could be increase but its completely integral cast iron body would require too much work.

The other issue with it is it has no fence - not that big a drama to build one I thought and I asked a member to have a go at making one but what he came up with was less than satisfactory.

if you need a BS to do wide rips it not able to do it but otherwise its a good machine.

I found this on gumtree. It was from a deceased estate, and the current owners knew nothing about it, and the pictures they used weren't much good, so I didn't really know what I was going to look at. It was in a dark and cluttered garage, and when I moved a few objects that were blocking it's view, I got a pleasant surprise. It was much bigger and heavier than i expected,and much bigger than what I was after, but I couldn't resist it for $300. It's complete other than a blade, but it will need some new tyres. I've seen this model in a1966 woodfast catalogue, but was wondering if they continued to make this into the 1970's as there are some numbers stamped into the table top,(see pic) which makes me think it could have been manufactured in 1973. Does anybody know what those numbers mean?
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To bueller and Bob, thanks for your replies. I'm fairly new to bandsaws, and must agree with Bob about the size of the throat plate. For such a big machine, I would have expected a much bigger plate. As far as the dust extraction goes, I think I can sort something out. It has a depth of cut of 210mm which is more than enough for what I would do. I intend to make my own fence, but that will be after I fit urethane tyres to it. I actually like the look of the bronze guides and thrust bearing, but won't really know until I get it up and running. Cheers Greg

good pickup - seems to be in good nick

I saw this on Gum Tree myself...... Awesome find and a bargain to boot...... I paid more than that for my old Hafco 14"

Nice haul!

I would put it in the late 60's to early 70's. That's based on the Australian Made logo. on the back rather than direct product knowledge.

Love the cabinet design on those, got a good deal considering how complete it is. I would have been trying to pry that Powermatic table saw from their grasp too, those things are rock solid.

Originally Posted by bueller

Love the cabinet design on those, got a good deal considering how complete it is. I would have been trying to pry that Powermatic table saw from their grasp too, those things are rock solid.

The powermatic is mine. I restored it quite a few years back and love it.

Haha oh right, nice [emoji106]

Hi bueller, I did appreciate your comments regarding the powermatic, and am just a bit embarrassed by the state of my workshop!!!! Cheers

Haha better than my space mate, it's the work that happens there that's important!

G'day bueller, I came across you're Woodfast bandsaw on OWWM today, and just wanted to say what a great job you did. Very impressive!!! Cheers Greg

Cheers mate! I'm working on a 10" Woodfast jointer at the moment too, should be done in a month or so.