Replies

1. 
   StorzInVail | Feb 19, 2004 06:43pm | #1

   You'll want to try http://www.owwm.com, (it's an old woodworking machines site). DON'T ask worth questions on this site and DO read the FAQ when you join...since I missed your earlier posts- I'm assuming that you were looking at a saw in the 20" range, the BIG saws are just that- very large, figure a 36" Tannewitz or Oliver, both excellent machines, weigh 1500-2000lbs, and there is no such thing as a mobility kit ( well, an engine hoist or a pallet jack works). Also 99% of these machines are 3 phase, so the first "upgrade" is a new motor or phase convertor. It's get's more interesting from there. Personally, I think the old iron is worth the time, but I like working on my machines as much as I enjoy building furniture. For the record, I've got a 36" C.E.Wright BS, cost $215.00, + $700.00 in "upgrades" (motor, tires, blades, sweat). As far as the other part of your question, Cast Iron is great as far as rigidity as long as there is alot of it, the welded saws are going to be a heck of alot more rigid for their relative size and weight, just depends on what you want from the saw.If you're going to be running blades bigger than 1", then you might want to seriously consider the old iron.Good Luck-js

1. 
   dirtstirrer | Feb 20, 2004 09:19am | #2

   js,

   Thanks for the link.  Just doing the figures makes old iron look more and more appealing.  You got your 36" for a lot less then a new MM16, even with the work you did.  I too like fiddling with my machines, and an old 36" just has character.  I want a good saw I can resaw and rip with, also run a few salvaged timbers through.  I was thinking of a 24", but the more I think about it, the more sense a big saw makes.  I'm lucky enough to have 3 phase in my shop, so that helps a bit.  Babbit bearings worry me a little, but am I correct in thinking you could probably convert them to roller with pillow blocks?  Just curious, how often do you use the tilting table feature on your saw?

   I've got plenty of height in my shop, and big doors and a loader tractor, so, I guess the weight seems like a plus to me.Steve

1. 
   StorzInVail | Feb 20, 2004 03:14pm | #3

   Actually, your set up sounds ideal for big machines. Babbitts can in some cases be converted, but I think it depends on the saw...that is an excelent conversation of the OWWM site, I'll probably just repour mine down the road. I usualy use a sled set up at 45 degrees if I'm cutting at an angle and the BS, but my table isn't a problem to tilt, just usually the size of the piece determines what I do. For a fence on the old huge table i pull my Beis. off my table saw and clamp it in place with a 4' bar clamp.js

1. 
   rslatm | Feb 20, 2004 09:03pm | #4

   Nothing wrong with Babbit bearings. You can still buy babbit material to redo babbitt bearings. Babbitt is actually quieter than ball bearings.

1. 
   StorzInVail | Feb 21, 2004 12:29am | #5

   Yep. I plan on re-pouring the babbit material this summer, it's still quiet, but I feel like it's just about that time. Heck, if nothing else, it should be interesting.

2. 
   rslatm | Feb 21, 2004 01:22am | #6

   http://www.mcmaster.com sells babbitt material and the damning clay.  FWW had a good article on it some years ago.

3. 
   dirtstirrer | Feb 21, 2004 05:18am | #7

   Rick or Jstorz, Could one of you guys describe the process of pouring babbitt? Steve

4. 
   UncleDunc | Feb 21, 2004 07:13am | #8

   http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=%22pouring+babbit%22

5. 
   dirtstirrer | Feb 21, 2004 07:55am | #9

   Thanks Unc, kind of a dumb question I guess.  Right after I posted it, I found a link on the OWWT site.  Doesn't sound to difficult, if you can cast bullets you can probably pour babbitt I'm guessing. Steve

2. 
   dirtstirrer | Feb 28, 2004 10:45am | #10

   Jstorz, Rick and Unc

   Just want to say thanks for the advice from you guys.  I went ahead and bought a new (to me) bandsaw off Ebay.  Its a 36" Oliver #16.  The tilting table is broke, so I already have something to tinker with.  Luckily I know a guy with a great machine shop and a lot of creativity... Funny thing is, my 14" Delta cost more, and the new MM 24 I was thinking about would have been a lot more.  Can't wait to get it home and tune it!  Here's a picture:

   Steve

1. 
   UncleDunc | Feb 28, 2004 11:21pm | #11

   If you'll upload that picture again with a .jpg on the file name (assuming it's a JPEG), we'll all be able to see it.

2. 
   dirtstirrer | Feb 29, 2004 04:57am | #12

   Now thats wierd, works fine for me.  I'll try to get it functioning properly, although I'm kind of lost with these new fangled computers.  Here's a link to the Ebay page that I'm sure will work if you want to see it:

   http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=57124&item=2597960608&ssPageName=STRK:MEBWN:ITSteve

3. 
   UncleDunc | Feb 29, 2004 06:34am | #13

   If my browser doesn't recognize the file as one it knows how to display, it prompts me to download it, which is certainly possible, but not nearly as easy (for me) as asking you to upload it again. :o) Thanks for the eBay link, that worked.