Shopsmith Forums

I have just about everything I need to have a fully functional shop, except a bandsaw. Craftsman bandsaws are plentiful and cheap on craigslist. So I was wondering if anyone has modified another manufacturer’s bandsaw to work with the ShopSmith headstock?

Sincerely,

Ron309753

Ron309753 wrote:I have just about everything I need to have a fully functional shop, except a bandsaw. Craftsman bandsaws are plentiful and cheap on craigslist. So I was wondering if anyone has modified another manufacturer’s bandsaw to work with the ShopSmith headstock?

Sincerely,

Ron309753

I have a Shopsmith bandsaw so I have not given this idea a lot of thought. However, my first thought was that if I was going to do that I would NOT try to make the interface a direct drive. I would make it a pulley and belt driven arrangement.

Simple enough to do. All you need is a way to position it and a driven coupling on the bandsaw. You can pop the connector off something else and see if it slips up onto the Craftsman bandsaw you have (it did on my Craftsman belt sander). Then you just cobble up a base that lets you position the bandsaw. Easily enough done with two dowels for legs and some MDF or such for the table top/bandsaw base.

My suggection is to look for the SS band saw. It is far better thay any other saw of its size on the market. Plus there are always a few flooting around on E-bay.
I use to own a Rockwell/Delta 14" band saw. my Shopsmith is easer to aline the blade on set up, and I do not have any problems with blade drift like I use to have on my old saw.(one screw handles everything, its so easy, that I can do it! ). ;-)

Yes I can not cut large beams and what knot's on the S.S. but I think its an good trade off for me.

Good luck. and Please let us know how it works out?

C.A.G.