Shopsmith Forums

I'm thinking of buying a used bandsaw for my SS Mk V, 1958 vintage. I'd probably be using it only occasionally. Any suggestions about what to look for/questions to ask would be appreciated.

John

My '55 came with a bandsaw that I'm fairly sure was bought with the machine. It needed cleaning, derusting the iron table and lubing of the bearings, and will eventually need a new front cover, but I use it frequently and it is probably my favorite STP.

As for advice, others are sure to chip in with excellent suggestions and maybe even a checklist. I guess I'd be interested to know what to look for as being a real problem with one and how to check it. As for the bearings squealing, a bit of rust or some parts missing, that would only be negotiating room for a better price in my opinion. It is not a complicated device and is certainly within the ability of any woodworker to service one back to a state of good health.

So, guys, what things would be the death knell? Bent wheels, shot lower wheel bearing, ..... ???????

john_001 wrote:I'm thinking of buying a used bandsaw for my SS Mk V, 1958 vintage. I'd probably be using it only occasionally. Any suggestions about what to look for/questions to ask would be appreciated.

John

Older Cast Iron table, or newer aluminum table?

Older version or upgraded blade follower bearings?

Tire condition?

Physical damage?

Offset/eccentric mounting tubes?

Fence included? Which one?

Dust Collector port?

Tension spring window? Tension adjusting screw access?

Age?

JPG, did they make a fence for the CI tables?????

fiatben wrote:JPG, did they make a fence for the CI tables?????

No! It has slots to allow using the ss miter gauge as a fence. There are two slots, one front to back in front of the blade and one side to side on the outer side of the blade.

But then if you have a CI table, you already knew that!;) The aluminum table only has the side to side slot(t slot like the larger ss saw table).

[quote="JPG40504"]No! It has slots to allow using the ss miter gauge as a fence. There are two slots, one front to back in front of the blade and one side to side on the outer side of the blade.

But then if you have a CI table, you already knew that!]

Well, that's what I thought I knew. I like my CI table. And I have used the miter gauge as a fence on more than one occasion. I like have the two slots running in different directions. And I figure the heavy table must help a little bit with vibration.

Watch the prices on the used. The bandsaw is one of SS's better priced items, and many times the new ones aren't that far off the price of a used one.

Tire problems are a common lament about the bandsaw, particularly if they've been replaced.

I would be very wary of any bandsaw that looks to have had a hard life.

Thanks to all for the replies. Unfortunately (or maybe not!) I missed the one I was interested in, but I'll keep my eyes open. Would $150 be too much for one in resonably good shape?

john_001 wrote:Thanks to all for the replies. Unfortunately (or maybe not!) I missed the one I was interested in, but I'll keep my eyes open. Would $150 be too much for one in resonably good shape?

NIMHO!!!!!!

john_001 wrote:Thanks to all for the replies. Unfortunately (or maybe not!) I missed the one I was interested in, but I'll keep my eyes open. Would $150 be too much for one in resonably good shape?

Boy, the prices for things vary quite a bit depending on location. I rarely see SS's for sale locally. I bought my '55 with a bandsaw but no other STPs a year ago for $400 for the package, so I guess at $150 that means I only paid $250 for Greenie. In any case, I was tickled to get it, refurbish it and start making sawdust.

You might watch and evil-bay and see if you can get lucky.