I've been doing some more digging, and seemingly there's no
get it running in an hour
Centauro CO machine.
What I mean is the older CO machines don't feature the grooved wheels, like the newer ones.
(at least some of which featuring mitre slot)
as it seems many aren't too keen on dressing tires, though there's loads of chances with the old
style vulcanized
real rubber, I must've dressed mine about a dozen times, doing some myth-busting, if one might call it that, (concerning the
actual profile of the tires)
The vulcanized tires what's featured on on the SCM machines by ACM, what's shifted production from the older Centauro produced Minimax bandsaws destined for the USA, the same machines here going under the formula name.
(so they're worth working with, as they'd serve you well and the rubber prob lasts for a generation)
And it seems the old CO which features the adjustable foot mounted motor, ended production in 1996, as I've seen both the foot mount motor, and the flange mounted one badged that year.
You might make note of the telescopic guidepost on most.
If you don't see that, then it could likely be the first CO machine,
which seemingly doesn't feature any adjustability of the lower wheel,
and if so, then I'd avoid it.
(I only copped that very recently)
Not many other machines feature that foot mount motor,
Meber and Multico would be two other manufacturers featuring that too,
though one would want to give them the double take to see what the differences
are with the presumably more expensive Centauro, i.e cast iron wheels, better guides,
mitre slot to mention the most notable.
Though all of the nicer Italian saws are worth working on,
but if looking at the 500mm size machines, then I'd sooner pick the heaviest
as the weight, i.e 250kg compared to 200kg, the difference likely be the wheel shafts and
upper wheel assembly.
That might be worth looking into for someone who might wish to sharpen their own blades
or run carbide blades.
Didn't bother seeking exclusively 500mm or even 540mm wheeled machines, or even from other plants all within 10 miles from each other in northern Italy...
as that for size for some is the sweet spot for a smaller workshop, and more often than not, priced accordingly, compared to the 24"/600 wheeled machines which often go for about 500 quid.
VFD for a hundred quid, one must read Bob's tute for that, and yer sorted.
All the best
Tom
I've had a look on the Yandles website and see they have the Laguna range and the Record Power Sabres in stock. They have a Record Power bandsaw 'focus weekend' in November. It's £12 to attend the hour long event so I'll sign up for that and have a look at the Laguna range whilst I'm there. Sometimes the planets just line up.
. Top of the table wasn’t too bad but the painted sides and mitre slot were a nightmare.
