Looking at a second hand bandsaw...

[ndru]

Hi all

At an upcoming joinery closure auction, a 3hp, 600mm Euro bandsaw is up for grabs. This is the model:

Centauro 600 (http://www.scottandsargeant.co.uk/detail.html?URN=1228&currency=USD)

The actual bandsaw going under the hammer is attached below. Its 3-phase and looks in near-new condition. I have enough space in my garage and we're having our electricity supply upgraded to 3-phase for aircon and to the garage. I guess I would need to buy/build a strong mobile base for this 300kg monster.

I haven't looked seriously at bandsaws as my preference is to get a tablesaw first, but if this thing goes for less than $500 it could be a steal!

My question to the experts is "what sort of things should I look at in a second-hand bandsaw, especially the expensive bits that may need replacing?" The machine in question takes a 4.5m(!) blade length - are blades this size expensive? Would this make a good resawing maching with its 35mm max blade width?

[Sir Stinkalot]

Not an expert ... dont even own one but here goes .....

Check the condition of the wheels .... any flat spots?
Check the blade guides ... are they bearings or nylon stuff?
Check the tensioning screw for stripping.
Check if the table is level.
Check the condition of the fence.
I think that you can make your own blades
Quote from a previous poster ..... "If you bought a roll of Tim’s bulk blade at $188.10 incl GST, plus a Blade Brazer Kit from Carba-tec for $119.00 and their butane torch for $49.00 – Total cost $356.10, you would have the raw material and equipment to manufacture twenty-two blades at a cost of $16.19 each. Subsequent blades would cost about $9.00 each and you could repair broken blades."
Check the previous posts about bandsaws on this forum and check to see what problems are out there and what to look for.

I think it looks like a great saw if you can pick it up for $500 but there is always someone willing to pay more.

Good luck with it and keep us posted.

Stinky

Just checking your link to the new price .... even at $500 with the need for some modifications it is still a steal. There really isn't much to go wrong with a bandsaw from my understanding so even if you need to spend $300 on fixing it up it is still a good looking machine.

[John Saxton]

Hi, I'd be surprised if it went for around that price but you never know your luck.
You probably would'nt need to build a mobile base for it ...just put on some reasonably heavy duty lockable castors as I have done on my heavy gear...pick up a set for around $50 ...I notice that there are holes already in the base of that machine.
Check the condition of the "tyres" ..judging by your photo it's indeed in good nick,have them start up the motor if you can and have a listen for eveness of the running motor.have a look at the guides/bearings etc.
If being auctioned "as is" then the price you considered would definately be great....but see if you can find out the reserve!
Cheers:)

[journeyman Mick]

You never know your luck at auctions. A cabinetmaker I know down south went down the gurgler, the bank manager "arranged" for all the machinery to go to auction with a mine closure sale. The bank manager's mate bought a 6 month old $35K panel saw for $5K. Cabinetmaker has referred matter to police and it is currently getting sorted. I've had a few bargains at auctions but I've also seen lots of people pay better than new prices for junk. I wouldn't use locking castors, I think you'll find that they will end up collapsing under the weight and vibrations. I move my big thicknesser around on some rollers made of 50mm pipe. I can manage to get one side up, kick a pipe underneath, then get the other side up and kick a pipe under it. If the machine is too heavy to lift then drive some really large folding wedges under it.

Mick

[ndru]

Thanks everyone for the useful advice.

Having done a little more research into how inexpensive making your own bandsaw blades are (at least compared to circular saw blades) and the versatility of these machines, I think I'll be going to this auction. I'll update on what the final price how it performs if I won it!

Cheers :D

[ndru]

Well, I didn't win the auction :( . Gabbett's bought it for $2400 (including buyer's premium) - way, way way over my target.

The lower guide assembly needed replacement and a few hours of repair and tuning were probably required. It was a solid piece of machinery overall, with a cast frame, cast wheels, huge table and the tyres were in good nick. The motor was the original from Italy and was a pulley drive, so even if it died it probably could have been replaced cheaply. A few additional bands came with it as well.

I thought the auction was generally poor value. A lot of stuff there was stuff that the business buyers (former employees) didn't want, and most of the thrashed tools were going for about 60-70% of their retail. A very basic workbench made of $200 max of materials (including a cheap vice) went for $155!