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  1. #1
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    Default Hammer N4400 Fence broke :(

    Hi All,

    I tried locking down my fence and a piece seems to have broken off. The Bandsaw is a couple of years old but I dont think I have used the fence a dozen times as you can see in the pictures the fenced is pretty much unused.

    I have send an email to Felder to find out about obtaining a replacement, can anyone tell me if this is fixable? or should I just buy a replacement.


    Thanks
    Joez
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  3. #2
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    Default Epoxy?

    Sorry to hear your fence broke Joez. Is that cast iron? Doesn't look like a weak point, or near a join. Judging from the limited use and using you haven't been doing something crazy with the fence I say it looks like a bum fence.

    Could you perhaps fix it by using some metal friendly epoxy?

    I'm expecting my N4400 sometime this month so hopefully this is not a common problem.
    Annular Grooved Nails....Ribbed for the Woods Pleasure?

  4. #3
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by GarethR View Post
    Sorry to hear your fence broke Joez. Is that cast iron? Doesn't look like a weak point, or near a join. Judging from the limited use and using you haven't been doing something crazy with the fence I say it looks like a bum fence.

    Could you perhaps fix it by using some metal friendly epoxy?

    I'm expecting my N4400 sometime this month so hopefully this is not a common problem.

    The portion that broke is about 10mm square, the casting doesnt appear to be magnetic so I dont think its cast iron, not really sure.

  5. #4
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    Default

    Try posting in the metalwork forum, you might find someone there who can help.

  6. #5
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    Default

    Hi Joez, I'm pretty sure that fence part will be cast iron, it is fixable but the work and cost to do so might be even more than a new one unless you know someone that can weld cast and then clean up the weld back to the existing machined surface so it runs on the bar, maybe take it into the local engineering shop and get them to give you a price to fix.

    In the second pic there appears to be an area of slightly duller appearance on broken face, to an expert eye things like this indicate there may have been a crack to the depth of that line, might be worth pursing, I stress that I am only seeing this in the pic and it may be nothing.


    Pete

  7. #6
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    Default

    I hope they give you a replacement for free. The fence is supposed to be strong enough for normal wear and tear and more so for a good brand like Hammer.

    Good luck.
    Visit my website at www.myFineWoodWork.com

  8. #7
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    Dec 2011
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    Default

    Maybe it got a bump in the shipping process that weakened it.

  9. #8
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    Default

    That's so bad! I have no advice at this time. Hope you'll get a replacement of your band saw fence.

  10. #9
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    Default

    Hi Joez,

    Speaking as an engineer and not any kid of expert on bandsaws, that is a high stress area and any defect in the casting will make things worse by acting as a stress raiser. It looks like there is a difference in the fracture face on the bottom left of the second photo and that looks like the failure initiation point. It's about the point of maximum tensile stress where you'd expect a casting to let go and I'd expect it to be designed to cope with maximum stresses you'd expect to see in service. I'd be looking for a replacement from Hammer. If you didn't subject it to unreasonable loads then either the design is weak or more likely there was a material defect.

    A welding fix would be possible but expensive, complicated by warping and re-machining and you'd never feel the same about it. You could glue then drill and pin it maybe but honestly if Hammer don't do right by you then I would be looking for an aftermarket fence. Or maybe someone who already replaced theirs would sell you their original?

    Cheers
    Cow

  11. #10
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    Default Stitch and Glue

    I think Hammer should come to the party.

    If not you can "stitch and glue" it back together.
    Drill a small hole (say 2mm) in the side of each piece.
    Each hole should be about the thickness of the piece away from the broken face.
    Use epoxy glue. Epoxy likes a bit of space, so first rill a few shallow holes in each face.
    Glue it up and thread some wire through the holes, join them to make a loop.
    Cut the wire and twist tight with a pair of pliers.
    Wont be as beautiful - but will hold for years.

  12. #11
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    Default

    Hi All,

    I have just heard back from Felder/Hammer they are replacing it free of charge even though the Bandsaw was purchased in 2008.

    Great service from Felder, couldn't have asked for more.

    thanks
    joez

  13. #12
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    Default

    Hang on you said your bs is a couple of years old. 2008 is a bit more than a couple of years don't you think?

    Good outcome. And good work Hammer (if you are reading), you have done the right thing.
    Visit my website at www.myFineWoodWork.com

  14. #13
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Wongo View Post
    Hang on you said your bs is a couple of years old. 2008 is a bit more than a couple of years don't you think?

    Good outcome. And good work Hammer (if you are reading), you have done the right thing.

    I was shocked when they said 2008 too, I could have sworn it was around 2010/2011, purchased a dust collector from them a later on I must have my dates mixed up.

  15. #14
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    May 2006
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    Default

    Sadly, I have had the same problem. One claw broke off and then the other. The broken part of the component seems a little under-engineered. The fence was not mistreated and the bandsaw was not used much.

    When clamping the fence, most of the pressure is on these claw bits which maintain the fence alignment to the rail ( 30mm round bar) The part is about $140 delivered, which seems reasonable.

    Before buying a new component, has anybody repaired one successfully. I feel that a new component could have the same fate.
    Zelk
    Last edited by zelk; 24th February 2017 at 11:22 AM. Reason: grammar

  16. #15
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    Default

    I'm somewhat surprised that the fence is breaking. Either it's a defect or the fence is undergoing undue stress.

    My original suggestion was to to use some epoxy and if it was me that's what I'd do first up.
    Annular Grooved Nails....Ribbed for the Woods Pleasure?

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