Roger Marty
10-24-2018, 11:29 PM
I have one of those old cast-iron Homecraft/Delta 10" bandsaws. It is heavy and well-built. Has served me well in my small basement shop.
I've even used it for light resawing work since it has a 6" saw height opening and can take a 1/2" blade. Only problem is that the 1/3 hp motor really struggles when resawing a hard wood like maple or oak. Struggles so much it binds up and stops.
On a whim, I used a 20% coupon at Harbor Freight to pick up a 1hp motor (haven't opened it yet). $125.
I've read on other threads that this saw isn't cut out for resawing work. Understand that if you're doing a ton of resawing, obviously not. But for occasional resawing-- with a stronger motor, why not? Would I be foolish in putting a $125 1hp motor on this tool with the expectation that I can occasionally resaw 6" of hard maple?
I've even used it for light resawing work since it has a 6" saw height opening and can take a 1/2" blade. Only problem is that the 1/3 hp motor really struggles when resawing a hard wood like maple or oak. Struggles so much it binds up and stops.
On a whim, I used a 20% coupon at Harbor Freight to pick up a 1hp motor (haven't opened it yet). $125.
I've read on other threads that this saw isn't cut out for resawing work. Understand that if you're doing a ton of resawing, obviously not. But for occasional resawing-- with a stronger motor, why not? Would I be foolish in putting a $125 1hp motor on this tool with the expectation that I can occasionally resaw 6" of hard maple?