Replies

1. 
   dirtstirrer | Mar 16, 2004 08:04am | #1

   I was looking for info that particular saw myself, and found none here.  There is a site, http://www.owwm.com that may be of some use to you.  $600 seems a bit high at first, I just bought a 36" Oliver for $400.  I had to drive 1400 miles to get it though, so if your saw is local, it sounds like a better deal.  If everything is mechanically OK, why not? 

   Ditto on the old iron.  I was all set to buy a 24" MM this summer for big bucks.  That old Oliver came along first though, and it is one heck of a machine, for a LOT less money.  Figure you could buy some nice blades, fix a few bearings, paint a little, and still have a great bargain. 

   Steve
2. 
   RickL | Mar 16, 2004 02:36pm | #2

   You should spend more time looking and learning. Bandsaw blades can be made to any size needed.  Check with Delta on parts availablility for that one.  Many first time iron buyers buy way too soon. Nothing wrong with missing out on a few so you will know when a good one comes around. Plenty of stuff available and I couldn't imagine traveling 1,400 miles when there's a ton of stuff within 100 miles of me.  Maybe pickings are better in New England. That saw is ok but nothing to get terribly excited about.  Old iron isn't necessarily better than new. Often cheaper but unless you know how to deal with all possibilities it could cost more than new stuff. 

1. 
   dirtstirrer | Mar 16, 2004 04:50pm | #4

   Rick,

   Pickings most certainly are better on the coasts.  I live where there are very few people, and less trees.  Thats how far you have to go to get to "civilization" thank God.Steve

2. 
   dumfounder | Mar 16, 2004 07:57pm | #6

   thanks to all for the replies.

   I should mention that $600 is what I'm considering as an offer... he's asking $1100, which even I recognize ain't no bargain.

   agreed that I ought to learn some more about this stuff, and that the original price is only a fraction of what I'll end up spending. 

   thanks also for the owwm link- interesting reading.

   regards

   Gus Buerkle

3. 
   toolpoor | Mar 16, 2004 04:46pm | #3

   If the trunnions and castings are fine (no cracks) and the saw is complete, that is not a bad deal. I used one of these at the CFC (woodschool) for resawing 8" walnut and it worked very well. I started looking for one about a year ago, with little luck in this area - Maine. Saw a couple advertised in the $900 - 1200 range, but one had a 3-phase motor. Don't remember the other. Found 2 on the internet, both about $1200, and both looked very well used, rode hard and put away wet, actually. Shipping would have added significantly, one in Chicago, one in Calif. If that saw is complete with no broken parts it's a pretty decent deal. The motor is 2 HP I think, you could replace it with new and still be OK, deal wise. I gave up looking and ordered a MM16, should be here in 3 or 4 weeks. The shipping alone is over half of what you're looking at for the whole saw.  I think you would be very happy with it.

4. 
   AlanTurner | Mar 16, 2004 05:21pm | #5

   I have not used one of these, but have been observing.  One went for $199 on Ebay about 2 weeks ago or so.  http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3801737030&category=11810&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBWA%3AIT&rd=1

   Not sure it was not a newer one.

   Here is another one.  http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3803437762&category=57124&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBWA%3AIT&rd=1

   Not sure what ebay tells you, however.  I have no information on them.

   Alan

   Alan

   http://www.alanturnerfurnituremaker.com

5. 
   aksophie | Mar 17, 2004 12:25am | #7

   I have one of these saws, or a similiar model. I got mine used about 10 years ago for, whatta ya know, $600. I replaced the factory thrust bearings, the brake pad and did minor cleanup. Later I found that one of the trunion bolts was broken so I made a replacement. Just today, I replaced the blade tension spring and the upper wheel bearings. I've put Carter guides on it, that are nicer then the factory guides.

   Overall this is a fine machine. I'd like to have an old cast iron saw, but in my location these are rare, indeed. I can cut 1/16 inch veneer on my saw any day, all day and it doesn't complain a bit.

   If you can get it for 600 bucks, I think you've gotten a great deal (assuming the motor runs well).