Bandsaw price question

[steverboss]

I have an opportunity to purchase a SS bandsaw from about 1990 or so. Supposedly used twice, but it is the type with the red handle which you cannot replace a bearing without buying an upgrade wheel & bearing. I’ve been told they’re not worth much because of that fact. If true, what would be a good price to pay for a red handle SS bandsaw?

[chapmanruss]

steverboss,

As you probably already know a new Shopsmith Bandsaw sells for $599. The main differences in used Bandsaws are the Table it has. Either the original Cast Iron Table or the newer Aluminum Table. Users have their own preferences on which Table they prefer.

I am not sure what you mean by

it is the type with the red handle which you cannot replace a bearing without buying an upgrade wheel & bearing. I’ve been told they’re not worth much because of that fact.

When you refer to the "Red Handle" I am guessing you mean the Height Lock Handle Assembly which was red from the introduction of the Bandsaw in 1955 until it changed to a Black Handle. Sorry I am not sure of when the color changed, later 80's or early 90's. When you say "replace a bearing without buying an upgrade wheel & bearing" are you talking about the Upper or Lower Wheel Assemblies? Either case they are the same before or after the "Red Handle" change. The Lower Wheel Assembly has the wheel mounted on a shaft that extends through the back of the Main Frame and rides on a Bearing. Shopsmith does not sell the bearing separate so you have to buy the complete Lower Wheel Assembly with tire from them. Some owners have found a replacement bearing to use. The Upper Wheel Assembly has the wheel with needle bearings inside and attaches to the Upper Wheel Arm and Axle. Again, from Shopsmith you buy the Upper Wheel Assembly with tire. I currently have a 1956 Bandsaw, a 1998 Bandsaw and a 2006 Bandsaw which I can pretty much swap parts between them. Some parts can swap individually while other parts must be swapped as an assembly.

As for the price consider the condition as with any Shopsmith tool and how much more it would cost for any needed parts. If the one you are looking at needs the upper and lower wheels there is a sale currently on the Overhaul Bandsaw Tune-Up Kit that also includes new backup bearings. That would make the Bandsaw run like new unless there are other problems besides these parts. Since you said it has hardly been used, I would not expect any problems unless it has been stored in poor conditions.

[JPG]

As always, just enough to satisfy the seller.

Re the bearing issue making it not worth much I find that attitude ridiculous. FWIW the bearing can be replaced, but since it is a roller bearing in a fragile(thin) cage doing so is not simple and requires a tender approach.

[edma194]

There are a lot of Shopsmith bandsaws out there. Many used Shopsmiths come with one because it's such a popular attachment. It's just a question of finding a deal. I have one that cost me $75, mounted on a Power Stand (not Power Station) with a motor ready to go. I didn't need another bandsaw but $75 for the stand and motor that came with it seemed worth the money. Every one I've seen needed very little to get into good into working order. Usually just cleaning and bearing replacement. I haven't seen one that was made before the 80s, but they haven't changed much over the years.

Don't know your location but I check Craigs List constantly for Shopsmith sales. The bandsaw is large enough and heavy enough for shipping to be a problem so local sales through Craigs List are my preference. And now with a huge stock of parts from machines that cost no more than $100 I don't need much anymore. A couple of the machines I bought for parts at a low price came with bandsaws in better shape than the main machine.

[chapmanruss]

When Ed says this in his post above,

Usually just cleaning and bearing replacement.

I believe he is referring to the need to replace the Auto Track Roller Bearings and the Upper & Lower Guide Roller Bearings. This is a more common problem with the Bandsaw which needs replacing. The current Bandsaw Backup Roller Retrofit Kit has those Roller Bearings and fits all Shopsmith/Magna Bandsaws going back to their introduction in 1955. It is an easy and inexpensive repair if needed.

As I said in my post above, I currently have a 1956 Bandsaw, a 1998 Bandsaw and a 2006 Bandsaw. I have also owned, restored and resold a 1978 Bandsaw, a 1984 Bandsaw and a 1985 Bandsaw. None of these 6 Bandsaws required replacement of either the Upper Wheel Needle Bearings or Lower Wheel Sealed Bearing. The Upper Wheel Needle Bearings need to be lubricated occasionally with grease. The Lower Wheel Bearing is sealed. I believe storage conditions may be more likely to cause bearing failure in the sealed bearings than wearing out from proper use of the tool. Other parts will show if the tool has been stored in poorer conditions. My 1956 Bandsaw appears to have been well cared for and both Wheels turn smoothly and freely. Checking their condition prior to purchasing is easy by simply turning each Wheel by hand without a blade in place. Check for smooth and free turning with no wobble. Remember the Upper Wheel needs grease periodically so if it just turns a little stiff that may be the problem.