Replies

1. 
   jptenberg | Nov 22, 2005 07:42pm | #1

   I would pass on this motor, as it is a cheap import for one, and even though it says it's a 1.5 hp, it will probably not have nay more power than the one that you are currently using.  And 2, it turns too fast--twice the speed of the oem motor.

    

   Peter

   jpswoodworking.com

2. 
   EdHarrow | Nov 23, 2005 12:14am | #2

   I purchased a motor for my bandsaw from these guys: http://stores.ebay.com/Hollar-Electric

   It (the motor) was everything they said it was, and the price was good as well.

3. 
   mudman | Nov 23, 2005 05:52pm | #3

   Remember that more power results in faster feeding and more agressive cutting. This could be more that the frame of your saw can handle. overstressing the frame in this way is not likely to break anything but can cause tracking issues and cupped cutting.

   If the saw is truly under powered then you could benefit.

   Mike

4. 
   PeteBradley | Nov 25, 2005 12:12am | #4

   Motors designed for compressors are usually not continuous duty motors. They are designed to run for a while, then have to shut down for a while to cool off. Split phase motors have low starting torque, which isn't a great fit for a band saw. You would need to change pulleys to keep the blade speed the same. Not to take shots at Harbor Freight, but if it sounds too good to be true (and I consider $85 for 1.5 HP to be in that category), it probably is.

   Depending on what you're using now, a new blade might be as effective as a horsepower upgrade. A thin-kerf 1/2" 2 or 3 TPI blade such as those from Suffolk Machinery would be very power-efficient and would likely do a fine job on your machine.

   Pete

1. 
   mudman | Nov 25, 2005 07:21pm | #5

   Great sugestion on blade choice.

5. 
   dukeone | Nov 28, 2005 05:52am | #6

   John: One spec a bandsaw needs is a totaly enclosed motor, which you did not mention. Also a bandsaw is a long starting time load (were talking seconds here) and that puts more stress on the motor. Try WW Graingers for motors, it was their original reason for being. You won't find anything cheap there, you won't have to worry about quaility either.

   KDM

   Kenneth Duke Masters
   The Bill of Rights
   December 15 1791
   NRA Endowment Member
   LEAA Life Member
   CRPA Member
1. 
   JohnG | Nov 28, 2005 06:37pm | #7

   Thanks for your comments and suggestions.  For now I think I will just work with what I have.  A good replacement motor would cost almost as much as the bandsaw did.

    

   John

1. 
   PeteBradley | Nov 30, 2005 11:16pm | #8

   I realized after my post that this machine has a 6" height capacity. Unless the original motor was vastly overrated, there's something else wrong. What blade are you currently using? What kind of wood are you trying to resaw?Pete

1. 
   JohnG | Dec 01, 2005 05:25pm | #9

   I bought the saw with a riser block to increase the resaw capacity to 12"  I rarely resaw greater than 8" or so, but the 6" was not enough capacity.

1. 
   PeteBradley | Dec 01, 2005 06:19pm | #11

   What blade, what wood?Pete

2. 
   JohnG | Dec 02, 2005 07:11pm | #14

   Olson PRO blade 3/4" 3 TPI I think

3. 
   PeteBradley | Dec 02, 2005 08:38pm | #15

   I'm no expert, but that doesn't sound too far off base as long as it's one of the .025" resaw blades. Make sure it's good and sharp. Going down to 1/2" would reduce power demand somewhat. I suspect you'd still have to go slow though, especially for softwoods. Good luck!Pete

2. 
   DJK | Dec 01, 2005 05:57pm | #10

   Go to eBay and find a motor, many listed are new. Some are cheap, cheap, cheap. Why pay retail, let them make the money from someone else. I do it all the time, never been burned, yet.DJK

6. 
   Napie | Dec 01, 2005 11:53pm | #12

   Call Ittura Design (1-888-722-7078), everything you ever needed to know about hot rodding a 14" bandsaw.  THE best catalog on the subject and an education in its self.

1. 
   PeteBradley | Dec 02, 2005 12:37am | #13

   It's generally agreed that there's a lot of worthwhile material in the Iturra catalog.  Be aware though that the hot rodding stuff is not as universally respected.  For people who want to customize their machine, there are lots of options. 

   Assuming John's only complaint is that his machine appears to lack power for resawing, it may be possible to improve the situation without spending as much as a new saw on add-ons.  I'm very curious about what blade is being used, as all the horsepower in the world isn't going to fix a blade/work mismatch.

   Pete

1. 
   Napie | Dec 05, 2005 07:04am | #16

   I can only go on my experience, it has worked great and is a lot less $$$ than a new saw.