Wood fast Band saw upgrades.

**Simplicity** · 5th December 2023, 08:12 PM

It’s time now that I get my Woodfast bandsaw up an running “really well” it works at present, but there’s no fence, no proper on/off switch an the guides are bit sloppy, also I think the motor is only 1/2 horsepower tho I’m not sure of the motor output,(Will check when I’m back home)I did put on some new tires when I first got it, and it does run true.
So it’s not a basket case, but definitely could be made too perform a lot better, especially with a good fence.

So it’s time for a bit of spit an polish an possibly a paint job as well.

But I have zero idea of what is out there in bandsaw world, what products are great, what products have better packaging than the actual product!

A fence would definitely be at the top of the list, as would a decent on/off switch,I won’t be installing the switch ,an have no interest in installing the switch, but will have an electrician do that, but I will mount the switch if any metal work is involved.
On the switch note I would love a foot mounted on/off switch, if that is possible?
Or even mounted vertically at that base?

Usage Wise we do a bit of everything a bit of flat work , a little bit of turning, an Sally would definitely use it too cut Pen blanks[emoji849], with a suitable finer blade.

I would also consider cutting my own veener, with in limits of the Bandsaw.

So happy too hear all recommendations,

Sorry for the crappy pictures were in the process of getting organised bla bla bla.

Cheers Matt.

**auscab** · 5th December 2023, 08:42 PM

Hi Matt .
I have the Woodfast Steelfast version of that saw. Placing a new switch was a tricky decision . There is nowhere to put it that is easy to place or use. I ended up buying a switch on Ebay and had a sparky wire it up. The placement solution was to weld a pipe to the lower cabinet with a flat mounting plate up top. This was placed out of the way of the behind blade cover when it swung open. And gives good access to it.

IMG_2124a.jpg

IMG_2132a.jpg

Rob

**Simplicity** · 5th December 2023, 09:04 PM

Originally Posted by auscab

Hi Matt .
I have the Woodfast Steelfast version of that saw. Placing a new switch was a tricky decision . There is nowhere to put it that is easy to place or use. I ended up buying a switch on Ebay and had a sparky wire it up. The placement solution was to weld a pipe to the lower cabinet with a flat mounting plate up top. This was placed out of the way of the behind blade cover when it swung open. And gives good access to it.

IMG_2124a.jpg

IMG_2132a.jpg

Rob

Thanks Rob,

That’s definitely an idea with the switch, does it seem easy enough too use, ie turn on off ??

Cheers Matt.

**auscab** · 5th December 2023, 09:40 PM

Originally Posted by Simplicity

Thanks Rob,

That’s definitely an idea with the switch, does it seem easy enough too use, ie turn on off ??

Cheers Matt.

Yeah its good and easy. I didn't want to be taking my eyes off things and bending down to use it if possible.
If you weld something to the bottom cabinet the corner is the place to do it . You'd know that if you do any welding.
Its so strong I could drag the machine around by that pipe. Its on wheels as well.
It was originally a three phase machine but the previous owner converted it to single phase but didn't put a switch on.
It was Just plug it in at the wall and go.

**Simplicity** · 6th December 2023, 01:39 PM

Ok that’s good too know,
I’ve always wanted a no fuss switch, ie hit it that’s it it’s dead.

**Pat** · 6th December 2023, 04:02 PM

Matt, Cater products have a good line of Bandsaw accessories.

I personally have the Magnetic Fence (II) and the Log Mill. Both good quality - Buy once, cry once price range.

**NCArcher** · 6th December 2023, 06:09 PM

The on/off floor switch is not a good idea. If it's plugged in, anyone who inadvertantly steps on the switch starts the saw blade moving. A dead man is a better idea. You have to be standing on it to start the saw with the on button but can stop it by removing your foot from the switch. You can also wire in a two position switch that selects whether you use the dead man or not. It's very handy if things go pear shaped. You can still control the workpiece with both hands (or however many hands you have left if it really goes wrong

) while stopping the blade.

**clear out** · 7th December 2023, 07:38 AM

I agree re a floor switch, either a dead man or just a floor kill switch.
I inherited a floorswitch on a drill press at USYD and found myself nearly turning it on inadvertently whilst changing drills.
H.

**Simplicity** · 7th December 2023, 07:58 PM

Originally Posted by Pat

Matt, Cater products have a good line of Bandsaw accessories.

I personally have the Magnetic Fence (II) and the Log Mill. Both good quality - Buy once, cry once price range.

Pat,

That fence looks fantastic, how stable is it once the magnets are turned on, ?.

What I do like about it is I don’t need to drill an tape holes or anything!.

Cheers Matt.

**Simplicity** · 7th December 2023, 08:02 PM

NcArcher, Clear out,

Agree, a foot switch could accidentally be nudged an turned on, tho I don’t think I’m clumsy, but someone else may disagree with me there, [emoji849].

So I would still like to entertain the idea of a deadman, emergency kick switch.

Cheers Matt.

**Pat** · 7th December 2023, 08:29 PM

Originally Posted by Simplicity

Pat,

That fence looks fantastic, how stable is it once the magnets are turned on, ?.

What I do like about it is I don’t need to drill an tape holes or anything!.

Cheers Matt.

Matt, if I was strong enough, I reckon I lift my Hammer (Bandsaw) with the fence.

Pat

**Simplicity** · 8th December 2023, 12:08 PM

Originally Posted by Pat

Matt, if I was strong enough, I reckon I lift my Hammer (Bandsaw) with the fence.

Pat

Ok , thanks Pat that should be strong enough [emoji6].

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