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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    618

    Default The not so identical twin bandsaws: Crescent & McPherson

    A while ago I came across a 100 year old + Crescent bandsaw on Gumtree. It was located up in Burrum Heads and owned by a boat builder. I was charmed by it's looks and struck a deal to buy it. I just had to figure out how to pick it up. With some advice from @auscab, @L.S. Barker and @Woodlogic I landed on using an engine crane which worked really well. A couple of weeks prior to picking up the Crescent I noticed another saw, a McPherson also up that way in Maryborough which sounded appealing so figured I would kill two birds with one stone.

    20200222_091956.jpg 20200222_134327.jpg 20200222_134309.jpg 20200222_134347.jpg 20200223_200119.jpg

    It was a huge day leaving at 5am from Buderim to drive up load the machines then drive down to Brisbane to offload them at my place then drive back to Buderim where my father lives. I clocked up 620klms in the drivers seat in my 21yr old Hilux which is built for long distances!

    I'm looking forward to restoring these two - I think it's going to be very hard to let one go when time comes ...

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    South Australia
    Posts
    4,468

    Default

    They will keep you out of trouble for a while, engine cranes are very useful items, given the name I wonder if you can actually lift a engine with one

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    Sutherland Shire, Sydney
    Age
    71
    Posts
    1,301

    Default

    Fabulous old engineering in those machines. You are going to be a busy lad working out what goes where and getting them up and running. A very interesting project that will keep you off the streets for a couple of weeks or so.

    Hope it all goes well.

    Alan...

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Melbourne, Australia.
    Posts
    825

    Default

    Well done Charlie, you've really got the bug now.
    Melbourne Matty.

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    618

    Default

    Thanks all - looking forward to the journey ... there may be a third in the mix - TBD... I only ever anticipated buying one but when it rains it pours! At the very least I would restore all and sell one to fund my next project

  7. #6
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    Acme Alberta Canada
    Posts
    80

    Default

    thats what we allways think anyway,that why i have 5 jointers. enjoy this and keep pics coming.

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    618

    Default

    This weekend has been eventful ... Picked up another bandsaw. I don't really know what I've got myself into but would say I gave about 12 months of restorations to do!

    20200315_170510_resized.jpg

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    618

    Default

    What is the best way to clean up brass? The numbers and incremental markers are ever so slightly raised. This is for the Crescent Bandsaw.

    20200404_071109.jpg

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Petone, NZ
    Age
    68
    Posts
    2,807

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Charlie_6ft View Post
    What is the best way to clean up brass? The numbers and incremental markers are ever so slightly raised...
    If the numbers are only slightly raised you will need to be careful that you don't obliterate them. I'd try brasso first. If you need more oomph, maybe a scotch-brite pad or a liquid abrasive such as jif.

    HTH.

    Cheers, Vann.
    Gatherer of rusty planes tools...
    Proud member of the Wadkin Blockhead Club .

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    618

    Default

    Thanks Van - I don't think it's in too bad a condition - will give it a go.

  12. #11
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    618

    Default

    Given I know have four bandsaws to restore I'll create seperate threads for each. The first being a Wadkin DN here:

    Wadkin DN Bandsaw Restore - Early 1900s

  13. #12
    Join Date
    Jun 2019
    Location
    NSW
    Posts
    143

    Default

    Hey Charlie,

    Amazing saws, I am hoping to pick up a similar saw in the near future. May I ask what size engine crane did you use? Are the standard ones from SCA sufficient?

    Thanks,
    Tom

    Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

  14. #13
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    618

    Default

    Hey Tom, yes they can handle 1000kg which didn't pose a problem for the McPherson (500kg?), Crescent (650kg) or L.S. Barker (500kg?). There are plenty of used engine cranes on Gumtree and FB Market place for about 1/2 the new price.

    Cheers
    Charl

  15. #14
    Join Date
    Jun 2019
    Location
    NSW
    Posts
    143

    Default

    Hey Charlie,

    Just want to confirm your transport strategy. So on pick up you dismantled the bandsaws down to just frames and then used the engine crane to load onto your trailer? Any tips you would have for this method having done it?
    Look like some amazing machines.

    Thanks,
    Tom

  16. #15
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    618

    Default

    Hey Tom,

    Only partially broke it down:

    - Top wheel - this was to alleviate some weight up top so when hoisted up with the engine crane it's easier to manage and balance
    - Tabletop - Trunnions are the first thing to break due to weight being applied if you try to man-handle the saw from the tabletop. I removed the table top as it was in the way of hoisting with the engine crane too.
    - The guides and guide post - You probably don't need to remove this but it can get in the way

    All the rest of the stuff can stay on the saw. I wouldn't attempt to move a big saw like these on your own it could end in disaster. I was shown a picture of a smashed cast iron bandsaw which fell over - I believe you can weld cast iron (?) but have been told it'll never have the same strength again - plus the weld will be an eye sore!

    Cheers
    Charl

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