Thread: Advice with second hand vintage bandsaw

At the uni that I worked at whenever we disposed of equipment that we did not want to guaranty as working, with all required safety features, we would cut the plug off and sell it as 'scrap' or 'not in working order'.

You are legally liable if the buyer hurts himself and some safety feature like a guard was missing.

When the buyer fits a plug he has repaired it and is then responsible for its safe operation.

Check the trunions on which the table tilts to make sure they are not broken.

Originally Posted by Bohdan

At the uni that I worked at whenever we disposed of equipment that we did not want to guaranty as working, with all required safety features, we would cut the plug off and sell it as 'scrap' or 'not in working order'.

You are legally liable if the buyer hurts himself and some safety feature like a guard was missing.

When the buyer fits a plug he has repaired it and is then responsible for its safe operation.

yea, this is why it's really sus. OTOH, I'm thinking that a bandsaw is a relatively simple machine. A motor either runs or it doesn't. What unexpected mode of operation can ensue that will cause more than the loss of whatever I pay for it?

Originally Posted by yoboseyo

What unexpected mode of operation can ensue that will cause more than the loss of whatever I pay for it?

Loss of finger.

Originally Posted by tony_A

Check the trunions on which the table tilts to make sure they are not broken.

As tony said, check the trunions are not cracked or broken.

There appears to be no guard for blade on the spine side of the BS.

Check the rubber wheels are not pitted, broken, ripped and that they’re at least still rubbery.

Test the blade tension drive to see it works, then loosen to remove blade and free spin wheels to check for seized bearings or bearing squeal/rumble.
Check the rubber motor drive belt for disintegration and or splitting on the inside side

On off switched like those in the photo are known to fail, so either won’t stay on or won’t turn off

Lots to check [emoji2957]

As long as the main parts are all there, bandsaw tyres, bearings, wiring etc are usually easily replaced. The blades are easy to source and custom lengths are no issue.
Are you comfortable doing that work yourself? If not it would have to be very cheap to justify paying someone to fit it up.
As for a fence, make one yourself as a project.

Originally Posted by Runningman

There appears to be no guard for blade on the spine side of the BS.


On off switched like those in the photo are known to fail, so either won’t stay on or won’t turn off

[emoji2957]

very good points thank you! maybe the seller cut the cord due to the lack of blade guard so his kids don't muck with it.

is the on/off switch repairable? I know basic wiring

Switches if stuffed are unlikely to be repairable. I had one on a cheap Rioby drill press, had to search eBay high and low to find a switch same size etc to suit. Bought 2 while I was at it, new switch hasn’t failed yet (it will tomorrow now that I’ve jinxed it), other switch I’ve lost lol

Looks a generic 14” bandsaw, nothing special about the design and parts for one brand will fit them all. These machines were made in their thousands by every machine maker under the sun for decades, they are a proven design and just about every part is available new.

The table trunnions are made from cast alloy and are bolted to the table, these can broken fairly easily but are replaceable. The wheels can be re-tyred and all bearings replaced simply, the only minor worry is the electrics. I would definitely get the motor tested and the switch replaced with an NVR by a sparky. Bohdan’s comments have merit, there is an engraved registration or machine ID number so there is a good chance it was deliberately rendered unuseable prior to selling as a defence against possible litigation.

The bottom line is how much does he want for it? If he’s asking $100 and everything mentioned is busted or needs replacing then providing you do the mechanical work yourself it’ll just be worth it.