Older Vs Newer Bandsaw

[Steamdragon]

Oh wise and dusty denizens of the SS forum I have a question regarding SS bandsaws. Is it better (if possible and cost being equal) to upgrade an older bandsaw table (that you already own) to the newer table or to but a newer bandsaw that has the newer table.
Have the internal working of the bandsaws changed much over the years?
I would prefer to buy a new table for the saw I have with the cast iron table.

[JPG]

'Inside' has not changed much and all are easily 'updated'. Rear dual guide bearings is the significant internal 'upgrade'.

IIWM, get the table 'upgrade'.

There has been a trunion change, but, I do not know if that comes with the new table.

[charlese]

The decision is yours after research.

Features of the aluminum table I like and use are: Fence and table extension.

Have also used the circle cutter, but not as often. However it is handy when needed.

[dusty]

I am without an answer but I do have a question. What is there that you believe you can do on an aluminum bandsaw table that you cannot do with what you already have?

[charlese]

I am without an answer but I do have a question. What is there that you believe you can do on an aluminum bandsaw table that you cannot do with what you already have?

You weren't asking me but --

1) saw the end of a three ft. board pattern with no balance issue.
2) bandsaw a circle of most any useful size.

[benush26]

Specifically for me it was so I could use the Kreg fence system. But then I had a perceived need / usage for the capabilities of the Kreg system over what I could do with the cast iron table and SS fence.
If I could have easily adapted the Kreg to the cast iron, I would have stayed with the cast iron.

Be well,
Ben

[S Brian]

I had a problem with tightening the tilt mechanism bolts on my cast iron version bandsaw last year and when I ordered parts to repair it, I found that the parts had changed, when SS introduced the aluminum table. I had to modify my old style bandsaw to accept the new parts.

Link to my old posting showing the difference and how I fixed the problem.
http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/maint ... 14280.html

[Steamdragon]

The aluminum table has the fence, extension, and circle cutter (which will probably get used a lot)

[ChrisNeilan]

I happen to have two Shopsmith band saws, one with the cast iron table and one with the aluminum. I keep two different type blades on them (because I'm lazy) so that depending on what I am doing, I can switch to the appropriate saw. The benefit of the cast iron table for me is that I can use magnetic fences which adjust very quickly and easily. The aluminum table has the advantage of being larger. I do have the deluxe fence for that, but haven't used it very much yet.

[reible]

I like my cast iron top bandsaw.

I have no plans to upgrade the table.

Being a shopsmith the size of the table can be augmented if need be and I own the Carter circle cutter so I can see no advantage for me to change.

I do not have a shopsmith fence for it and I have had another bandsaw and no fence since back in the early 1970's.

The ci table has slots that allow a miter gauge to be used as a fence and the ci is good for the use of magnetic fences.

If you have a table system with tubes like the 510 or 520 you can make very a very large table size with little effort.

Ed