Any experience with a Parks 18" bandsaw?

[Zachary Hoyt]

I think I am going to shortly be bringing home a Parks bandsaw, assuming the bid is accepted. I think it is an 18" from looking at pictures. I currently have an 18" Jet and am thinking the Parks may be better as it is supposed to have a full 12" resaw instead of 9.5". I don't know anything about the motor yet, as I have only seen the pictures in the auction listing. Is this likely to be an upgrade, assuming no damage?
https://www.auctionsinternational.com/auction/25744/item/parks-bandsaw-157594

[Bill Dufour]

I belive it was also sold as craftsman. I know parks made the craftsman 12" planer for decades.
Bill D

[Ronald Blue]

From a quick search Bill is exactly right. Also sold by Sears under their name. Here is a link to get the manual from vintage machinery. Looks like there are other brochures and such available as well. If you got it purchased I think you did well. Even if it's not what you hoped it to be you should be able to get your money back in a resale. There are probably some in here with better info to offer. Or head over to OWWM as well. More their area of expertise. Good luck.


http://www.vintagemachinery.org/pubs/detail.aspx?id=23779

[Bill Dufour]

Make sure to remove the table before moving.
Bill D

[Zachary Hoyt]

Thank you both for your advice. I will find the manual handy, no doubt, once I pick up the saw, and I will remember to remove the table first, I know that's the most important thing when moving a bandsaw. I can't see enough in the pictures to know if the saw I bought is a 4 speed wood/metal saw like the one in the manual or a single speed wood only saw.