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Picked up a bargain on the weekend, which for decent tools in Australia is very rare.

Got this old 6x4" horizontal metal bandsaw, with a few spare blades and one fucked blade currently installed on it, for $70. This one is reasonably old, the inspection tag on the cord expired in 2013, the machine itself could be as old as the mid 90s, but these things are all pretty much identical (you can buy one that looks practically identical for around $600 new).

Checked out the alignment of the hinge with the table, which was good. That's pretty much the only thing that can be a fatal flaw, or at least something that is difficult to rectify. There are the usual issues with it that seem to be present in all of these (you basically need to treat it as a casting kit and finish off the bits that they have not done).

The biggest issue with it are the blade guide alignment bolts, which are clamping against a rough casting and only use spring washers. They were cranked down VERY tight by the previous owner, but unfortunately in the wrong place. That meant that the blade was way off vertical and consequently cut a very crooked vertical angle. Much stuffing around ensued and I eventually got the blade straight. But it still cut crooked. The next candidate was the blade. I had a feel of the blade that was on it, and it was clear that the set was uneven, so that blade would never cut straight. Luckily, they threw in a few spare blades which were pretty rusty, but seemed to otherwise be unused. I picked one out and cleaned it up as best I could with a small wire brush and... it cut perfectly straight.

Still a bunch more fixes and mods to do to it, but it's now cleaned up to a sort of Rat Rod stage. It's operational and solid, at least as good as a new one.

Picked up a bargain on the weekend, which for decent tools in Australia is very rare. Got this old 6x4" horizontal metal bandsaw, with a few spare blades and one fucked blade currently installed on it, for $70. This one is reasonably old, the inspection tag on the cord expired in 2013, the machine itself could be as old as the mid 90s, but these things are all pretty much identical (you can buy one that looks practically identical for around $600 new). Checked out the alignment of the hinge with the table, which was good. That's pretty much the only thing that can be a fatal flaw, or at least something that is difficult to rectify. There are the usual issues with it that seem to be present in all of these (you basically need to treat it as a casting kit and finish off the bits that they have not done). The biggest issue with it are the blade guide alignment bolts, which are clamping against a rough casting and only use spring washers. They were cranked down VERY tight by the previous owner, but unfortunately in the wrong place. That meant that the blade was way off vertical and consequently cut a very crooked vertical angle. Much stuffing around ensued and I eventually got the blade straight. But it still cut crooked. The next candidate was the blade. I had a feel of the blade that was on it, and it was clear that the set was uneven, so that blade would never cut straight. Luckily, they threw in a few spare blades which were pretty rusty, but seemed to otherwise be unused. I picked one out and cleaned it up as best I could with a small wire brush and... it cut perfectly straight. Still a bunch more fixes and mods to do to it, but it's now cleaned up to a sort of Rat Rod stage. It's operational and solid, at least as good as a new one.

(post is archived)

[–] • 1 pt

Nice, I’ve had the Harbor Freight version of that for years. It has served me very well. About five years ago I bought a Slugger chop saw from Fein Tool. A 14” diamond toothed saw blade using a reduced rpm motor. If you ever have to do a shit ton of repetitive cuts like had to there for a while it will pay for itself. Cuts through like butter and accurate as hell. Better yet the cut is cool enough to handle afterward. They do throw chips and a few sparks here and there. While the Slugger takes on most cutting duties I have now, the bandsaw is still in play. Mostly in its upright position. You got a good deal on it! Love the rat rod look of it. Got 40-50s look to it. They sure beat the hell out of using a loud ass abrasive chop saw or makita grinder and wait’n for that wheel to fly apart on ya! Good score, you’ll be happy with it as I am mine. Especially for 70 bucks!

[–] • 1 pt

When I went to the sale, I expected to have to pay $200, maybe $250. Turned up at 7:50 (start time at 8:00 and I was half a dozen cars back in the queue). Was a bit worried, but spied it while I was driving in and made a bee line for it and had it loaded in my ute by 8:10am.

[–] • 1 pt

I worked at a couple places that had the big JET, Grizzly and one more I can’t think of right now. But for cut’n something big which was not that often I hated using them. Plus they took up a lot of room. You did good get’n it snagged up quick! Think I paid $200 for mine. It was barely used, guy wanted to go larger, but I think he thought it was a piece of shit. Like yours it cut crooked on the up and down, but a few adjustments later it cut square and true. Been good ever since. I think it’s a great lil’ saw to have in ones shop arsenal.

The thing I learned about tools made in China is that the “cheaper” brands are usually made in the same factories as the big named brands since they’re set up for it. Difference being a lessor quality part here and there. Plastic knob instead of steel or aluminum. Plastic safety cover. Cheaper motor and switches. Cast aluminum instead of cast iron. Shit like that. Definitely less attention to fit and finish. Basically the same machines. All of those things can be overcome with some ingenuity if need be.

Mastery of a tool, be they of lessor or greater quality is half the battle to good craftsmanship.