Thread: A close shave?

I've been on the lookout to purchase myself a second-hand bandsaw. Looking in the Sunday Times on Sunday (duh) I see this:

W/fast band saw, edge bander spindle moulder and dust extract $350 Mon.

Sounds good. Given I had a cold I decided to have a sick day Monday to recover, and to check this baby out.

Come Monday: Ring the fellow up. "Is this a 14?". "Ahh, at least 14" mate. It stands six foot tall." Me: "How old is it?". "Probably 15 years but it is real tidy." "You're a long way from me mate, so I want the trip to be worthwhile. Is there anything I should know." "Nah, you won't regret the trip."

An hour and a half later I get out there so see this good size bandsaw. At least a 16" throat, maybe more. First thing I note is that he is selling three separate things. Duh. Oh well, if I can get the bandsaw for $350 I will be happy enough.

Taking a look at the unit I notice two things: One, no blade. Two, three phase power. (I don't have three phase in my shed.) Me: "Can I see it running mate?" "Nah, no three phase mate." Hmmm. Me: "Do you reckon I can just wire it up to single phase?" "Sure, that would be no problems" Me: "I'll just make a phone call to check"

So I ring up my FiL who knows about these things, and he says no way can I rewire it - I would need a new motor. He also said if I bought it he would swap me his single phase 14" for this one. At that point I decided for all the stuffing around I would pay no more than $300.

Meanwhile the other fellow is on the phone. When he gets off the phone he says: "Good news, I just found a single phase 1.5hp motor for you for only $90." Hmmm, a minute ago he said I would be able to rewire it. I am starting to mistrtust this fellow.

Well, I says, I don't need the motor, but the most I'm preparing to offer you is $300. He sucks in through his teeth, and says "I would be prepared to take $500.". Me: "Hang on, it was advertised as $350 in the paper." "That was a mistake", he says. "It should have said from $350."

"OK", says I, "I will give it a miss in that case.". "It must be worth more than $300" he says. "Maybe to someone else" I say. "Lets make it $400" he says. "Thanks, but no thanks" I say, and leave.

A close call, or should I have taken it do you think, given I couldn't even see it running?

Wongdai