Make sure you can see it running first....with a
wide blade, as a narrow blade can hide issues,
especially if that machine is like the 502e with cambered tires.
That machine I mentioned wasn't sold for long, and was replaced with another similar machine,
I may have seen one of those being sold alongside it, but at a substantially higher price,
I didn't seek to get a proper look at it though.
If it's running good, then should be able to tackle anything you could throw at it,
member Yojevol was only selling his recently, and it had a powerfeed attached,
which is a good sign.
The following is pure speculation, but I reckon I'm onto something, and will find out soon.
I've posted some about this on various forums, and my thoughts on this has yet to be challenged. Bearing in mind I've also had to address everything else which crops up regarding troubleshooting, and I've done dang near everything that can be done to a bandsaw, which I won't get into.
If I was to buy any machine now, I would look for motor adjustability just incase,
Motor adjustability can/could be done in various ways, and worth consideration IMO.
Foot mount motors are foolproof, but most saws are flange mounted,
so a good look at it to see if there's any room for error, (as with any machine)
Room for error, as in... should the motor need skewing to match the top wheel,
(Top wheels on most saws apparently non skew-able by way of adjustment)
then a ring like below could be ground to suit,
provided the pulley can be adjusted on the motor shaft.
Worst case scenario being the pulley is as far out as it can go, and with no ring present.
meaning one couldn't simply shim the motor out.
The main thing if those issues are present on any bandsaw, are the wheel bores.
I don't think I could repair that myself if there was bore wear, well not without a lot of thought and work, which I really really wouldn't want to try, as I don't have the kit for that kinda stuff.
A quote from Van Huskey about bandsaws...
"Why? I don't know it is kinda hard to explain but it has to do with the fact that they are sorta like dogs. Each has its own personality, not just every make and model but each individual saw but when you get to know them they become like an old pal. When you first adopt them they can be kind of angry and/or scared but with a little love they begin to open up and do what you ask of them. They are also quite versatile and make the best case to have multiples in the shop. I guess I just like the fact they are so simple but yet confound when it comes to setting them up. "
I've had to take this one to the ranch for rehabilitation.
Got finished making this adjustable plate for the flange mount motor today, just a few more wee jobs to do before I can work out how much shimming it needs.
Hopefully it will sort out my troubles, and I can get get the best from my machine...
which is notably a cut above the perception which some folks have regarding performance.
Next part will likely take some blood, sweat, and tears, (well hopefully not the last bit)
as it ain't a pleasant experience donking yer head off the guidepost, ouch !
Just a li'l taster for ye bandsaw fanatics, as I'll be painting this before doing an update.
Cheerio
Tom
