Thread: Masport 450, is it worth it

Hi Justin,

A few photos would help in offering advice on the bandsaw.

Hi Justin,
Is it like this.

http://dl.owneriq.net/7/7b1c0a74-979...c3b3ea96be.pdf

If so you will find it hard to get spares as I dont think they are around now. I had a ryobi same as the above and while it worked ok it was limited to very small work.
If yours is different then please post pics.
Regards
John

Originally Posted by orraloon

Hi Justin,
Is it like this.

http://dl.owneriq.net/7/7b1c0a74-979...c3b3ea96be.pdf

If so you will find it hard to get spares as I dont think they are around now. I had a ryobi same as the above and while it worked ok it was limited to very small work.
If yours is different then please post pics.
Regards
John

Thanks John and Geoff for the replies.

John the masport is similar to that one, however it is larger (I think) and free stranding. I will get some pics tomorrow and try and post them up. Is there anything in particular you want to see? I'm thinking overall, wheels, table, guides and motor stamp.


Thanks again
Justin

Justin,
Post picks of the wheels,guides and anything else you need info on.
Regards
John

Hi

Now lets see if I can add some Pics.

Covers on


Over all with covers off



Lower Wheels showing right one on backwards


Wheel alignment issues and rubber on lower wheels


Upper guide


Lower Guide


Motor Plate


I think that there are some other attached as well. Hope this works.

so what do you reckon???

Cheers
Justin

I forgot to mention that the it is about 26-27cm (10inch) from the table top to the bottom of the upper housing.


So I guess max cut width is less then this given the guide.

Cheers

Read this blog; it will surely help you. Three Wheeled Band Saw Machines vs. Two Wheeled Band Saw MachinesBandSawBlog
What to Look for in a Used Band Saw MachineBandSawBlog

Good luck!

Well It looks better than I expected. I would think the wheel being reversed was to keep the blade tracking right. 3 wheelers are tricky to get tracking right. Those guide blocks can be trued up with a file and look to have plenty material left for a long time. If it is running ok at the moment and the blade stays on those tyres may last a while yet. Clean those metal cuttings off with a stiff brush. The 2 items posted by bosox are worth reading before making your mind up. As to what it is worth, perhaps $100 to $150 tops. If it does not work out for you then you still need to buy another saw so dont spend too much on it.
Regards
John

What wood workers mostly say, avoid 3 wheeled band saws.

Hi,
Masport is a New Zealand company who used to make their own solid 2wheeled bandsaw. Since around 1995 they just tend to import Chinese machines and rebadge them to Masport. Check where it was made and if China, avoid it. Masports main products were lawnmowers and woodburners.
Paul

Thanks for the advice and links. It's sounding like 3 wheel machines are more hassle then the are worth. I will have a look for date or something else to indicate age. Looking a the motor plate it says Auck which I'm guessing is Auckland so it might be made in NZ, Paul.

Monday, I will have a look for play in the wheels and that type of thing.

Thanks again for all the advice
Justin

Don't worry! Keep us updated.

Originally Posted by bosox

Don't worry! Keep us updated.

ok this is where things are at. I checked the wheels for play in the bearings by trying to wobble them, no play, so I gave each a spin and they seem fairly smooth. Then insert in the table looks it has taken few mis cuts here and there. The tilt mechanism on the table is average a best, it might work better with a bit of a clean up. Also the blade tension seems to get a little stuck, by this I mean when I was releasing it the first couple of turns did nothing and then all of a sudden the wheel dropped. Might just be dirty thread.

So I put a silent bid in, a bit below what John suggested, I won't tell you guys just yet incase someone else from work is reading this . I think the winners are notified on Monday so I will let you know how it goes. I might have to hit you knowledgeable folk up for restoration advice if I'm the winner.


Thanks again

That sounds great! Looking forward for it .