At the recommendation of some on this BB, I ordered the catalog from Iturra Design, which makes aftermarket Bandsaw parts (888) 722-7078. The catalog was terrific and provided about 2 hours of great reading. I am fascinated by some of the aftermarket parts for Bandsaws which replace older saws like mine (a 1948 Rockwell) and are theoretically better than new parts on Delta and Jet. I would like to poll any of you as to whether you have purchased any of these upgrades and what you think:
1. A lever blade release. In current and older modles of Delta and Jet, you have to unscrew the blade tensioning spring by hand to change blades or relax the tension as you should daily. Mine is a knuckle buster below the Blade Guard. This is a single lever which releases the tension so you can change blades in a snap. My power tool supplier says Delta may come out with that next year.
2. Roller Ball Bearing Blade Guides. This replaces the steel ones in the upper and lower assemblies. They also offer “Cool Blocks”. Apparently, one is supposed to use each for different uses, e.g., the standard steel ones for some uses, cool blocks for others, and the ball bearing ones for others.
3. Stabilizer for Blade. This mounts above the table behind the blade and is ball bearing deal with a slot for the blade to run in. It is apparently for narrower blades of a quarter inch or less.
4. Blade Tensioning Spring. This is a better than original spring, which allows blade tension of up to 25,000-30,000 psi, which is what Lennox apparently recommends. Iturra states that blades run longer and cuts are better.
5. Blade Tensioning Guage. A dial caliber that actually fits on your blade so if you crank it up it will tell you exactly what the tension is.
6. A Tire Brush. This installs in the lower guard and sweeps the bandsaw tires to keep them clean of sawdust.
7. Supercharged Motor Kits. He sells the 2 HP motor and for improved performance, a larger pulley, which increases the speed of the blade by about 50%. This increases blade efficiency and makes a more accurate cut. He recommends new competition tires for the bandsaw wheels (which he sells) and a Lennox blade (which he sells)
So anyone bought any of these products from him?
Boris
“Sir, I may be drunk, but you’re crazy, and I’ll be sober tomorrow” — WC Fields, “Its a Gift” 1934
Replies
Hello Boris,
I have bought a Carter stabalizer for small blades (from Woodcraft) about 2 years ago. I have it installed full time on my 14" clone. I use a Laguna LT16 for my bigger work. The stabalizer works very well on 1/16" to 1/4" blades. The first one I purchased had a bad bearing and was exchanged.
I was amazed by the Ittura catalog. I expected a couple of pages of literature, not a book. It was very good reading. I plan to purchase from him in the future.
have a good day,
Chuck
The blade tensioning gage is well worth the money.
I'd buy the new spring too. When I checked the tension on my 3 year old 14" Delta I found that I couldn't get it to read 8000 psi with a 1/2" blade. (which is why I now have a Minimax 16)
Iturra's prices on blades are some of the best I have found. I am especially fond of the bi-metal 1/4" 6 tpi hook. It's a good all around blade that wears well.
The proof is in the puddin'
I have purchased a number of items from Iturra over the past couple of years. Here are my comments on your questions:
1. Could not afford the lever release- I'd get it if I could. I did purchase the spinner with rod and nut. Very easy to work with, one turn of it is about equal to 3 or 4 with the knuckle buster.
2. The cool blocks work pretty well for me. I may upgrade to the ball bearing type in the future. Seems like the ball bearings reduce friction, and hence heat, on the blade to a minimum. The Carter ball bearing guides are just too expensive.
3. Don't have it. Haven't thought about it. With the right tension on the blade, I am not sure it is necessary. Don't know for sure.
4. A definite must have. The tensioning work much better with it on.
5. With the use of the new spring, you can use the scale on the band saw once again fairly accurate. Give or take a bit depending on the stock thickness you are working with.
6. Brush ... yes. For low cost it keeps the bottom tire asmost free of saw dust. Works well.
7. I haven't seen the motor upgrade, I need to lood at that again, but.. in my opininon the Lennox blades are the best. I bought a 1/2" carbide tipped for my resawing needs, 1/4 inch and a 1/8 bimetal for other types of cuts. I am set. The motor sometimes bogs down when resawing 6" stock of Grenadillo, but other than that it works fine for me. I would suggest a good blade first, and an upgrade on the motor second, (if needed).
Marcello
I too have studied the Iturra Design catalogue; the owner is apparently quite knowledgable about band saws - my understanding is he is a machinst by training. Some past posts here have said he is quite open to phone calls with questions about the bandsaw and in particular, his products.
Bandsaw blades always evoke a lot of discussion but I will mention one point. The Timberwolf brand blades apparently run at low tension and the installation procedure tells you how to just nudge the blade to the correct tension visually. Using these blades would negate some of the aftermarket products aimed at the correct tension for a machine. Does anyone have any input on this topic?
Ed, I bought a Timberwolf blade for resawing, to use on my 14-inch Delta knock-off bandsaw. Exceptional results, even with a low-end bandsaw. And yes, the instructions call for a much lower tension than "traditional" blades. Just for kicks, I tensioned it all the way and the vibration of the bandsaw was wicked. Backed off to their recommended tension and it is quiet and smooth. I got the 3/4-inch and use cool blocks.
BJ
Thanks for the input. I have a 70's Delta 14 inch and just bought the riser block kit to upgrade and am converting to Timberwolf. I look forward to uing them!
Not the lever, but the big turn screw. Works great
Cool blocks. Replaced steel. I'm happy.
New spring, no problems with anything getting too taught or snapping.
Tire brush. I've got a Rockwell Delta Milwaukee 1952, and it didn't pan out. Great concept, but the thing didn't want to mount on that thin strip of wood on the back side of the saw and for the $5 loss, I didn't putz with it.
"The child is grown / The dream is gone / And I have become / Comfortably numb " lyrics by Roger Waters
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