inca bandsaw model 342

[cody michael]

i just bougth this inca bandsaw. can any tell me anything about it? what size blade it takes. etc. i paid 57$ for it and it looks just like this one

"http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/INCA-BANDSAW-EURO260-Model-No-342-186_W0QQitemZ270494055130QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Hom e_Garden_PowerTools_SM?hash=item3efab3bada"

did i get a really good deal?

[doug faist]

Cody - In my opinion, you got an incredible deal! These machines are few and far between and when tuned properly, do a fantastic job.

If you want to know about the machine contact Jesse Barragan at Eagle Tools in Los Angeles, he knows more about the INCA brand than the original manufacturers. :D

http://www.eagle-tools.com/

Have fun with your new toy,...eh...tool.

Doug

[cody michael]

i've been looking all over. i think it is a 10 1/2 inch saw. is that correct? what blades would be best for it? i am using it strictly for little stuff. some bandsaw boxes etc. i have a jet 14 for big stuff

[Bob Falk]

You made an incredible deal. I thought I stole the kings cloths when I bought one of these some years ago for $175 (they originally sold for about 10 times that new). These are a very accurately made saw and wonderful to use. I have a Laguna 18", but the reality is, I use the 10" Inca whenever its size will allow. I bought mine without stand or motor and mounted on an old (Delta) stand with a 3/4 hp (an extra motor I had at the time)....it sails through 6" walnut.....

Only negative is that the blade tensioner is not very accurate, but hey, I have never met a bandsaw with a decent one, and I have owned several. I used a 4" hole saw to cut a hole in the plastic blade cover for dust collection and it works well.

Inca machinery is VERY desirable...it's amazing you got it for the price you did....I am not sure of the blade length as I have never bought blades....got about 10 blades with the purchase and haven't worn them out yet. I will check and see if I can come up with a blade length for you.

Amazingly, the guy I bought mine from couldn't get the blades to track correctly (I saw immediately that he had left the blades tensioned for years and lopsided the tires)....truing with sandpaper took care of that...He was frustrated and replaced the Inca with a 14" Delta (akin to trading a BMW for a Ford Escort, IMO)

Enjoy you purchase....my guess is that this is a tool you will have in your shop for a long time.

Cheers, Bob

[Bill ThompsonNM]

I've had the same bandsaw for years..it's a great machine. It uses a 73 1/2 inch blade, I usually buy them from lee valley. Note there is no crown on the wheel, you adjust the blades so the teeth are just off the edge.

There is an Inca discussion group-- I've visited, but can't remember where now, just google it. The only more desirable inca saw is their three wheeler, wish I had one of those!

[cody michael]

okay thanks guys. i never heard of inca before i thought it was some off brand like harbor freight. lol well that cool that i got such a deal. the saw is from 1988. (same year as me lol) but is in very very good shape

[cody michael]

at lee valley they only sell 3/16 blades. is that small enough to do simple bandsaw boxes with?

how much different are these blades then the better brands woodcraft sells carter maybe? are they better?

[Bill ThompsonNM]

I don't think woodcraft sells the correct length blade for either Inca -- but the Viking blades from lee valley are excellent. I've used the 1/2 inch x 3t tosaw veneer and I frequently use the 3/16 or 1/4 for band sawn boxes depending on how small a corner I want to cut. I usually leave a 1/4 inch blade on for "quick " cuts if I'm not lazy to change back after working on something.