Bandsaw thread For Hammer N4400 Owners

[NewLou]

Gidday:D:D:D

As some of you are aware the HAmmer N4400 is becoming a popular piece of kit for Bandsaw lovers amoungst forumites. I'm really interested in starting off a knowledge base for Hammer owners to share the Following:
Setup Tips
Blade selection
Jigs and fixturesAs such I would love to invite all Hammer owners to contribute to this thread and create something special for 4400 owners across the globe. Heres some PICS of my latest favourate piece of machinery I am now a happy owner of the mighty N4400 Hammer Bandsaw!!!!

I've shown the results after my very first resaw. Is a nice piece of Jarrah thats been fully milled.

All who have been down this path I'm sure will remember the satisfaction and workshop introduction to virtually limitless milling options for stock prep & dimensioning......................I'm one Happy Camper

Regards Lou:D:D:D:D:D

[NewLou]

Gidday:)

Heres a few HAndy Links i"ve come across in my travels:

Australian BAndsaw/Blade Suppliers
http://www.australianbandsaw.com.au/
http://www.mcdivensaws.com.au/
http://www.supercutsblade.com.au/
http://www.ferret.com.au/articles/1a/0c03fd1a.asp
http://www.woodworkersnsw.org.au/Events/VisitHenryBros.html

Bandsaw Setup
http://home.vicnet.net.au/~pwguild/i-bndsaw.htm (http://home.vicnet.net.au/%7Epwguild/i-bndsaw.htm)
http://www.me.mit.edu/lectures/machinetools/bandsaw/intro.html
http://www.herts.ac.uk/ltdu/projects/mm2/bandsaw/bandindex.htm
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/wk_tools/article/0,2037,DIY_14429_2278285,00.html
http://www.charlottewoodworkers.org/Articles/Band%20Saw%20Tuning.html

Blade Setup Tips
http://www.bernards.co.uk/bandsaw_blades_faq.htm
http://www.sydneywoodturners.com.au/site/articles/machinery/bandsawtips.html
http://www.bandsawblade.com/chart.htm

Resawing
http://www.woodworkersworkshop.com/sl/aw_bandsaw_resaw_main.htm?1009130201181825

REgards Lou:D:D:D

[Buzzer]

Thanks Lou,

I bought a N4400 about 5 months ago now(time goes faster as you get older!!), and have not had time to set-up/play with it yet. During Christmas New Year, I will set it up and get it going.

Thanks for the links, will read them over the coming days/weeks.

Cheers,
Buzzer.

[Auld Bassoon]

IMHO, if one is going to spend the money to get a good B/S like this, spend a bit more and get the Hammer out-feed table & leg - well worth it.

[AlexS]

I'd like to contribute, but I believe there's a hurricane in the Phillipines.:D

[NewLou]

IMHO, if one is going to spend the money to get a good B/S like this, spend a bit more and get the Hammer out-feed table & leg - well worth it.

Yup

I reckon an extension table for the Bandsaw is a must and really adds to its versatility. For me though the Price of the HAmmer extension setup is waaaaaaaaaaaayyy to much.

Besides I reckon we could design and setup something better ourselves. Heres a few links to get the creative juices flowing:

Shopbuilt Bandsaw Extension Tables:
http://www.woodcraft.com/articles.aspx?articleid=347
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/wk_tools/article/0,2037,DIY_14429_2278285,00.html

REgards Lou:D:D:D

[NewLou]

Gidday:)

The great thing about the Hammer Table is that it already comes pre machined with four heavy duty bolt holes conviently positioned.

Such a great heavy duty pre fabed table should allow near limitless scope for customised design of a versatile auxillary table that will substantially increase the real-estate available to the user.

Additionally the HAmmer appears to have a great solidly built Rip Fence that should be realitively easy to incorporate into the design.

As always any ideas in regards to howto go about this particularly from experienced hammer users muchly appreciated

REGards Lou:D:D:D

[NewLou]

Gidday:)

Lets face it if you haven't used a machine or tool before the learning kerb can be steep.

I love my Bandsaw BUT must admit I havent used one since yr 12 in high school n as far as using maintaining and setting up a BAndsaw I know Jack!

I am well and truely a BAndsaw Newb n as such thought I better put a lot of energy into sharing my thoughts n what I learn along the way about the Art of finessing the N4400.

IF any of the N4400 owners out there could share setup hints n tips that would be great n would love to see you guys join in.

I must add that the following posts are what I have found works for me and have been the result of a lot of research; trial, error, testing and comparison in regards to various setup options unique to my workshop environment.

REgards Lou:D:D:D

[AlexS]

Just 2 quick things I discovered...

1. The N4400 has a 120mm dust port, most dusties have 100mm hose. Pick up or order the reducer when you get your saw.

2. The hum from the motor after you've switched it off is not an electrical problem, it's the brake, and should switch off after a few seconds.

I'll try & put together a few things that I discovered as I was setting it up, but it's pretty straightforward.

[Lignum]

Im looking foward to getting one early in the new year:) But until then i have to say EVERY Hammer owner and owner of other bandsaws MUST have one of these to go with it. http://www.frontlineengineering.com.au/

Its a Bandsaw contour cutting jig from Frontline engeneering. And after seeing it at the WWWhouse open day and again at the Melb Wood Show i purchased one, and it is to bandsaws what the Domi is to joining timber. Its so good my Jet Super Saw hardly gets a look in now even though im still using a 10yo tiawaneese 14" b/s. I cut 16 perfectly shaped curved back chair legs last week in around 5 minutes and only needeing a "light" scrape/sand and its awsome for ripping and cutting tapered legs. Anyone near my joint can pop in for a look if they want. Its simply Brilliant and would be the perfect partner for the Hammer:D

[Auld Bassoon]

Hi Lig,

Any indication of the retail price? I've seen their ads before, but seem to recollect that the jig isvery exy. Happy to be corrected :)

Cheers!

[mcarthur]

Any indication of the retail price? I've seen their ads before, but seem to recollect that the jig isvery exy. Happy to be corrected :)


$400 + GST = $440 for "complete system" (non-pneumatic)

[AlexS]

In my review some months ago, the only criticism I could make was the amount of dust it threw on the table. The solution's simple. Make the slot in the insert a little wider than the blade, so the dust goes straight through. Obvious really.

Gave it a real work out yesterday, ripping a heap of 6" casuarina that's as hard as the hobs of hades. Came through with flying colours.

[Buzzer]

Alexs

What blades are you using?

I got three blades thrown in with the deal. Are you using those ones?

Cheers,
Buzzer

[MurrayD99]

.....Gave it a real work out yesterday, ripping a heap of 6" casuarina that's as hard as the hobs of hades. Came through with flying colours.

I'm envious. This machine is taking on cult status. Alex, are you making veneer or 6 x 1? Be interested to hear what blade you are using (too).

[AlexS]

I'm using the 15mm blade that came with the saw. I'll see how it goes - so far, so good, but I reckon it will need sharpening soon.
I'm making a set of coffee tables, and was breaking down to size, and saving the offcut to use as veneer.

[NewLou]

Great to hear Alex:D

I've been resawing 4inch JArrah and Redgum n so far the 15mm blade has been giving good consistant results.

After this a wizz through the planer n whala!!! beautifully milled stock at non standard thicknesses.

I had the tension set at 20 and a half on the guide................Nice for a standard blade:)

I've had mine on the blocks it was delivered on. N dispite the vibration shes still giving great results!!!!

First job for me will be looking at ways to reduce vibration.

Regards Lou:D:D:D

[AlexS]

First job for me will be looking at ways to reduce vibration.

Regards Lou:D:D:D
I just removed the blocks, put it on the concrete with some 10mm scrap under each corner bolt and leveled it up with a spirit level on the base.

I set the blade tension to 15mm, the width of the blade.

[NewLou]

Gidday:)

Theres no doubt that vibration can affect the quality of a Bandsaw cut. Vibration can come from a number or combination of different causes including:

Motor
Pulley
Belt
Saw Shaft
Eccentric Wheel
Bad Tyres
BAd Blade

When problem solving savy woodworkers experienced maintaining machinery suggest using a systematic approach to problem solve Bandsaw Vibration.

I've always been a great beliver in prevention is better than cure. So to start off with what I did was to dynabolt my Bandsaw to some anchor sheets of Plywood and add some cleats for xtra regidity.

I found this approach significantly reduced vibration.

I'm not sure if its possible but my aim will be to be able to balance a 20 cent piece on the front fence side of the HAmmers table while shes running.

Also one of these belts reviewed by Dean is a worthy BAndsaw Upgrade and great tip on reducing vibration:

http://www.onlinetoolreviews.com/reviews/powertwistplus.htm

Any other hints on reducing Bandsaw vibration muchly appreciated!!!

REgards Lou:D:D:D

[Edwin]

What places sell the Hammer? I am interested in at least having a look at one but don't know where to go!

[AlexS]

Felder NSW can help you, or send a PM to Felder on these forums.

http://feldernsw.felder-gruppe.at/

[Carpenter]

So what are they worth $ ?

[Felder]

$2,600 three phase.
$2,700 single phase.

Price ex warehouse, Emu Plains. Price includes GST.


:wink:

[Waldo]

Also one of these belts reviewed by Dean is a worthy BAndsaw Upgrade and great tip on reducing vibration:

http://www.onlinetoolreviews.com/reviews/powertwistplus.htm

G'day NewLou,

These belts, do you know if they're available in The Great South Land?

[martrix]

G'day NewLou,

These belts, do you know if they're available in The Great South Land?
yes. (http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showpost.php?p=451571&postcount=8)

[NewLou]

Gidday:D

Well I gotta admit the more I use the Hammer the more I fall in love with it. I had to cut some long grain shims to fix a loose tenon n the Hammer was just the ticket for the job. This was done with minimal setup other than a few adjustments on the fly.

To easy:2tsup:

Regards Lou:D:D:D:D:D

[Brown Dog]

I think someone has a serious case of machine love:wub2: ... Not that there is any thing wrong with that :U (I love all my tools) but ya gotta spread the love around otherwise the others will get jealous:cry4:

cheers
BD:tongue2: