New to Me Bandsaw

[gee-dub]

I touched on this in the WDYDT thread but I ended up doing enough that I thought posting a separate thread might help somebody out.  Basically I inherited a G0513X2.  I have run a G0513X (no cast iron trunnions) for years so the setup was familiar.  I added a paddle switch, swapped the plug to my typical type, cleaned up the guide bearings (none needed replacement at this point), co-planered (is that a verb?) the wheels and replaced the tires.

Dad was well known for making "just this one cut" without turning on the DC even though the DC fob was hanging from the bandsaw .  This resulted in some pretty crusty guide bearings that I cleaned up.

For contrast, here is what my bearings look like after months of use BUT using dust collection.

I used a 3/4" Timberwolf to test tensioning, aligning the table, and the fence.

I don't know if I've posted about this here but I have a problem with the fence lock handle design on this series of saws.  If you have stock on the table positioned to cut you cannot unlock the fence for minor adjustments.  I took care of this on my old saw and will do the same mod to the newcomer as well.

Unscrew the original handle and cut out a blank from some scrap (3/4" x 1-1/8" x 3-3/4" in my case).  Drill a through hole for the 8mm bolt and counter bore it so the head is recessed.

Mill a recess in the back to capture the locking mechanism dog and keep the handle oriented.

Soften the edges, slap on some shellac and there you go.

Now you have a handle that you can unlock for minor adjustments even when stock is present on the table (shown unlocked here).

I tested the table and fence alignment with the 3/4" Timberwolf.

OK, perpendicular and parallel alignment look good.  I swap out the 3/4" blade for a 3/16" x 4 TPI blade that I use for tall curves.

This machine will not be used for resawing but, this testing makes me feel good about making curved cuts in thick stock.  Now I need to clean it up and cobble together some dust collection.

 

[treeslayer]

Looks great Glenn that really cleaned up nice, I always enjoy using my father’s and grandfather’s tools helps me stay connected to them even though they have been gone for a long time 

[Tom King]

Four bandsaws is about the right number.

[Chestnut]

On 6/24/2022 at 3:17 PM, gee-dub said:

making "just this one cut" without turning on the DC even though the DC fob was hanging from the bandsaw .

Guilty.

My saw has ceramic blocks though so some dust caking isn't going to effect much. It does start to coat the tires on the wheels over time though and I have to clean those off.

I thought having a 2nd bandsaw was going to be a huge imprvement. It wasn't really the game changer i thought it would be but it is really nice.

[gee-dub]

I have adapted to the two bandsaw model pretty much.  This one will now act as my curve-saw.  My 10" Rikon may or may not get retired per Tom's post

[Tom King]

I keep a Carter stabilizer, and a 1/8" blade on one 10" saw.  I don't use it often, but it doesn't take up much space, and it's nice to just use it when I need it.  With the 24", I could probably do without the 14".  The two 10"ers get used more often than the 14".  The only thing I use the 14" for is big curves.