Left Handed Bandsaws

I thought I'd post a few Lefties that I've come across recently.

This showed up on Trademe yesterday. I've no idea what brand.

Attachment 378800 Ugly :oo:

But underneath all that plywood there looks to be a classic piece of old cast iron.

Attachment 378801 Attachment 378802

There's even a suitably antique motor under there too.

Attachment 378803 'Brook', so made in UK.

According to the seller, it's 3 phase with a 3 hp motor; 36" wheels; 34" throat; 14" max. cutting height. Height 2500mm, with a 1750 x 800 footprint.

The price is okay, and it's only 20km away. If I didn't already have a big bandsaw, I'd be in.

Cheers, Vann.

Then there's this left-handed J Ransome bandsaw I spotted in my travels in the South Island last November (I thought I'd already posted it here - but I've searched and can't find it. Forgive me if I've doubled-up).

Attachment 378805

Attachment 378804 Attachment 378806 Attachment 378807

Attachment 378808 Maker's badge.


This is located at the Ferrymead Museum in Christchurch. It came from the Addington Railway Workshops (which were closed in late 1990). According to an old tradesman from the Addington Workshops, it was one of 8 large bandsaws at the workshops, and one of 3 left-handers.
The 8 saws were located as follows:
One in the Woodwagon Shop joinery;
Two in No.1 Car Shop, one operated Left Hand and one Right Handed;
Two in No.2 Car Shop joinery - one LH, one RH;
Two in the Woodmill - one LH, one RH;
One in the Railcar Shop (ex Woodwagon Shop).

Cheers, Vann.

It's funny because I've always felt that most bandsaws are back-to-front.
As a right-hander, I would usually push with my right hand and guide with my left.
Using a standard bandsaw is the other way around.

Nice finds, especially the descriptions of left handed machines in the shop.
I wonder if these were just for left-handed staff, or if they used them fro specific cuts that were easier from one side only?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hiroller

It's funny because I've always felt that most bandsaws are back-to-front.
As a right-hander, I would usually push with my right hand and guide with my left.
Using a standard bandsaw is the other way around.

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The Mitre slide on my 19" is on the RHS so I've learned to push with my right hand.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hiroller

It's funny because I've always felt that most bandsaws are back-to-front.

I wonder if these were just for left-handed staff, or if they used them fro specific cuts that were easier from one side only?

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I believe they made for versatility, not for left-handed tradesmen. I guess when working with wide pieces, some cuts are easier from one side (as you suggested).


Finally, this much smaller bandsaw.

Attachment 378830

I don't know anything about this one other than it was for sale earlier this year and the seller said:
"Cast iron structure
Solid bed approx 550mm x 550mm
Electric motor by Brook Motors
3-phase
1800mm high x 1110mm long x 660mm wide"

Cheers, Vann.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Vann

This showed up on Trademe yesterday. I've no idea what brand.


Attachment 378801



According to the seller, it's 3 phase with a 3 hp motor; 36" wheels; 34" throat; 14" max. cutting height. Height 2500mm, with a 1750 x 800 footprint.

The price is okay, and it's only 20km away. If I didn't already have a big bandsaw, I'd be in.

Cheers, Vann.

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Ok Vann, you've got me curious about this saw.
I would really like to know what make it is !!
In the pic above I see a badge to the right on the frame.
I think I'm fascinated with the wheels on that one and the Ransome.

http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps77tmue52.jpg
Melbourne Matty.

All the resaws are left handed. I think the idea is for both to be run by right handed people. resaws with fences have frames on the right and feed like table saws. curvy band saws need the saw frame on the left as the left hand guilds and the right hand feeds. this is simply how one holds the works for cutting curves and a frame on the right would be in the way. Ships saws frames are on the left too proving that for fence and curve work the saws frame need be on the right and left respectively. Of course there are always exception.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by L.S.Barker1970

Ok Vann, you've got me curious about this saw.
I would really like to know what make it is !!
In the pic above I see a badge to the right on the frame.

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With your curiousity in mind (and mine), I've asked the seller for more information.

Cheers, Vann.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by L.S.Barker1970

In the pic above I see a badge to the right on the frame.

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The seller reports the badge says "Brodie and McMillan, Farish St. Wellington, NZ" most likely the agent. No visible makers name.

Cheers, Vann.