Old Bandsaw

[Tonyz]

I have been given this old bandsaw the main bar feels like cast iron (its flamin heavy:eek: ) there is no badge work or marks on it.
My queries are
can I replace the table with something that I can run a fence and stuff on.
Is it worth working on or should I Buy something else
Its run by a 1/3 hp motor is this big enough. Ive got a thread re jarrah posts in general woodwork the suggestion has been a 3hp :eek:
http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/28/5554/320/2006_0701dorothystuff0025.jpg

http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/28/5554/320/2006_0701dorothystuff0026.jpg

http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/28/5554/320/2006_0701dorothystuff0028.jpg

Iam open to other ideas re modifications etc............. Tonto

[Auld Bassoon]

The links a re dead Tonto..

Any bandsaw with just 1/3hp is going to be woefully underpowered unless it's meant just for small model-related work.

[Greg Q]

Tonto, you need to re-do your pictures properly. They need to be less than 100 Kb each, and there is an attachment manager window below the window used to compose posts.

We'd like to offer help, but need the artwork first. Also: 1/3 hp is nowhere.
you will neewd close to 1 hp per 4" of resaw height.

Greg

[Stuart]

His links worked fine for me, but I have done them differently for you 'ol timers. ;)

[ubeaut]

Looks like it could be a good thing. Why replace the table it looks fine using a fence is as simple as clamping a piece of straight timber to the table. If you need a bigger table make one out of melamine covered custom wood. Have had one on my bandsaw for ever and it is great.

Cheers - Neil :)

As for the pictures it is best to upload them directly from your computer as thumbnails this way the thread will load much faster for those not on a high speed connection to net.

[Stuart]

Forgot to add my opinion on the bandsaw itself - it looks like an absolute beast, and with a fair amount of TLC and elbow grease you will end up with a bandsaw the likes of whick you just can't buy these days. Sure, the motor could do with an upgrade, but the bones of the machine are what really count, and that one has BONES.

[China]

Yep restore it you can't buy stuff built like that anymore, motor needs to be 2hp min, I restore old machinery as a hobby and usually end up keeping them for my own use

[Tonyz]

thanks for your encouragment. the table is already off going to rebuild with sail track and laminate top with a strong rail(?) across the front to hold a fence as TTIT has shown.
Now another Q this is sitting on a heavy trestle type 'A' frame leg but I'd like to be able to raise & lower the bandsaw to different working heights. Any ideas or plans around please Tonto