Another bandsaw? - Agazzani Model 600 vs. SCMI 24"

[Steve Mathews]

I'm thinking about purchasing another bandsaw mostly for resawing. The one being considered is an Agazzani 24" Model 600 that's about 30 years old. It seems well constructed with a good size table but it doesn't have a miter slot. It has a 3 phase motor. I would prefer a single phase motor but I do have a rotary phase converter that runs other machines. I'm thinking of keeping my Jet 16" bandsaw for lighter work. I never heard of Agazzani bandsaws before. Are they good machines? Any idea on the value?

There is also a SCMI Model BS-24 bandsaw nearby that is very similar to the Agazzani. This one does have a miter slot and seems a little newer. Would this be a better choice?

[Maurice Mcmurry]

I use the miter slot on my 14 often. The saw I set up for resew, a 24, has the fence and power feed bolted to the table so the slot is not needed.

Looks like an excellent saw!

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[Steve Mathews]

Maurice - That would be the one (Agazzani) although the one I'm looking at isn't quite as nice paint or condition wise.

[Dave Sabo]

Agazzanis are very good saws.

They were considered by many to be the pick of the litter between the three biggies - ACM/Laguna , Centauro/SCMi, Agazzani.

[Steve Mathews]

Agazzanis are very good saws.

They were considered by many to be the pick of the litter between the three biggies - ACM/Laguna , Centauro/SCMi, Agazzani.

Interesting ... I changed the subject line to this thread comparing the Agazzani to the SCMI, my two current choices. The results of the comparisons will most likely decide for me which direction to take.

[Mike Kees]

I run a Centauro CO 600 in my shop as well as a 14' Delta. You are on the right track on keeping a smaller saw ,really handy for curves and smaller work. I have no experience with Aggazani saws but everything I have heard is they were really good saws. My Centauro is from 1980 . Built very solid ,with great design elements to make a simple machine well. The bottom wheel weighs close to 70 pounds, the pulley to power it is machined on the back side of the wheel in one piece. Helps make it more massive ,concentric and smooth. This is the kind of thought and detail in these Italian machines. My saw has no miter slot on the table either . I have not missed it. I do not think you could go wrong either way on this decision . Check them both out and base your choice on which one you like best ,overall condition and price in that order.

[Andrew Hughes]

I have Aggi saw 20 inch. My saw is newer so it has the newest style of guides that are very easy to adjust. My friend Rick has a 24 inch Aggi with the older style of guides. One point they both have is very smooth running hardly any vibration.
Ricks saw also has a bigger table then mine.
Both our saws will tension a woodmaster ct resaw blade.
I believe what makes a good saw is the right blade for the work. Then the tires need to be as good as possible.
I take very good care of my saw. Someday someone is going to be very happy owning my saw when I’m pushing daisies.
Good Luck

[Greg Quenneville]

I have an Agazzani 24” from 1970’s. I bought it very cheap and had to replace the belt and guides. Great saw, but a little underpowered with 3 h.p. when resawing 10” material.

By the way, I installed Laguna ceramic guides top and bottom and have been very happy with them.

[andy bessette]

Love my 20" Agazzani. Have no use whatever for a miter gage on a bandsaw.

https://i.postimg.cc/FRzVZBkF/shop-9.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Steve Mathews]

I have an Agazzani 24” from 1970’s. I bought it very cheap and had to replace the belt and guides. Great saw, but a little underpowered with 3 h.p. when resawing 10” material.

By the way, I installed Laguna ceramic guides top and bottom and have been very happy with them.

I don't know if it's good or bad but the guides on this Agazzani 24" are GL456 or at least that's how they're marked. They look to be the all ball bearing type.

[Tom Trees]

Seems both machines are similar, looking at one of the more recent SMCi's on youtube, it appears that there is a chain for the guidepost,
rather than a rack and pinion with crank behind as on the ACM star which I have, which is the part of my machine I like the least.
I wonder if the SCMi is heavier, it appears to look like the original Centauro, or should I say an early one,
and I question if its the same system for the wheels also, much larger retaining washer and seemingly more meat on the wheel hubs should a bearing cease and wear the bore.
This could be the same on both machines?
If seeing both in person and this the case (a circlip inside the bore for the bearing to bear against, rather than a friction fit on the star machines, and spacer to do the job of pressing bearing inner race, I doubt there could be any other kinda wear other than the worst kind, and not a simple job of machining a plastic spacer.
Give the wheels a good look or tug to see.
I'm gathering here's what it shouldn't look like, from what I've seen on a wee s45 on a recent thread which had bore wear.
This Centauro wheel looks like the case to me, should both saws have this same design, ala Centauro (from what it seems, but just guessing, I could be wrong on this!)
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Could either machine have a groove for tires ala Centauro, should that be the case and you have preference.
Other features..
Presuming both have foot brake, fence,
same fence design?
could it be down to the motor
That could be HP/Kw but also if it has a dual voltage motor (which is a plus for one wanting to use a VFD)

Another thing might be the mounting for the motor, I'd sooner a foot mounted motor as you can have adjustment,
rather than a flange mounted motor where you cant adjust it, since it's just bolted to the frame, (where it's not so hefty)
I made a sheet doughnut for around the motor, as I wasn't convinced by the method of attachment stress points on mounting holes,
as there was a raised ring making the motor float.
Not only that but the fact the motor can't be adjusted closer into the machine, makes the pulley proud of the shaft.

I have a slot on my saw, very shallow though, still handy, and might be a consideration for making sleds for millng trunks.
I think I would phone about the SCMi first, should what's on paper make sense.
Just think it's a bit nicer looking too.


Hope that helps
Ps I like the GL guides, but haven't been able to afford replacements, were destroyed, gave welding a go, and there sloppy now... might convert these to ball races on the side rollers at least, but even a 3/4"blade is stout enough not to need em for ripping anything I've encountered, 4" tall is about the most I've asked ...on a machine which was needing work.
Last thing I might mention, give the machine a push with one or two fingers high on the machine, does it rock that easily....
I would double check everything like guidepost being parallel with blade in both orientations, (should you bring a level, you could check frame for plumb, and then wheels
to see if top wheel carriage is set for wheel to be dead centre to properly check)

Good luck

Tom

[Dave Sabo]

I don't know if it's good or bad but the guides on this Agazzani 24" are GL456 or at least that's how they're marked. They look to be the all ball bearing type.

Those are the ubiquitous “euro guides” found on pretty much every Italian bandsaw made for decades.


Whether the SCM is “better” really comes down to price , features , and condition of each. Most of us don’t care about a miter slot - you’ve mentioned it, so maybe you do. Is it a deal breaker for you? Both saws are the same size / capacity and are so similar in build quality that the decision boils down to what I said before.

[Bill Dufour]

Only time I use the miter slot on my bandsaw is when cutting lath shims to rough length. The distance from blade to slot is about the right length for my needs. No need to measure.
BilL D.

[Mike Kees]

Well what happened ? Did you pull the trigger on one of these machines ?

[Tom Trees]

Chance yet for a spoked vs solid wheel debate if there ever was any! :)

[Steve Mathews]

Well what happened ? Did you pull the trigger on one of these machines ?

Not yet. I plan to look at the Agazzani later this week. If all goes well I'll come home with it. I'm a little concerned about what was discovered about some the Agazzani tables. Some were apparently aluminum, which may be a problem if using magnetic featherboards, etc. If the Agazzani doesn't work out I'll take a look at the SCMI a little later. Both are out of town for me.

[Dave Sabo]

about what was discovered about some the Agazzani tables. Some were apparently aluminum,

Never seen or even heard this re: Aggazzani saws.


Chance yet for a spoked vs solid wheel debate if there ever was any! https://sawmillcreek.org/images/smilies/smile.gif

Don't think any med/large Italian saws have spoked wheels, so no need for a debate.

[Tom Trees]

Never seen or even heard this re: Aggazzani saws.



Don't think any med/large Italian saws have spoked wheels, so no need for a debate.

Have a look at Rick's SCMi 600
https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?192812-Epic-Meber-Holz-SR-DS-500-Bandsaw/page2

Just joking really,
I think it's a really nice looking saw, though I haven't checked the specs so thoroughly to say anything concrete,
like possibly the best 24" saw that can be moved by one person, an extra 50 or 60kg like the modernish CO's might be just about that.

When it comes down to it, resaw height being possibly one major factor, should it differ than the Aggi, (guessing around 375mm(ish) under the guides like the ACM)
although I've not recalled the tables being aluminium on the few Aggis I've seen in pics, which doesn't sound that appealing, guess rare.
(I've got a block with inset magnets under the table to clear the webbing for easy clamping)

Small clips of some Sam Maloof seminar on utube, and
A fellow islander Ian, (ondablade) has made some threads about his, should he have some posts up here.

Good luck with whatever floats your boat :)

Tom

[Steve Mathews]

Thanks for all of the good advice I'm getting in this thread. But I'm surprised there has not been any comments on value for the two saws mentioned. Both are probably in the same good condition with a slight edge to the SCMI.

[Jim Becker]

They are both really good bandsaws, honestly, if they are in good condition. Whichever one you end up with should be an asset to your shop. "Value"...if you mean money...is really hard to pin down these days because of demand for machinery. It's kinda like motor vehicles...used is selling for a whole lot of money because of high demand for vehicles and constrained supply of both new and used.

[Dave Sabo]

Have a look at Rick's SCMi 600
https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread....-Bandsaw/page2 (https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?192812-Epic-Meber-Holz-SR-DS-500-Bandsaw/page2)


Never seen that before :eek:


But I'm surprised there has not been any comments on value for the two saws mentioned. Both are probably in the same good condition with a slight edge to the SCMI.

One brand is not more "valuable" then the other. And you've been a bit stingy with the details of both saws. Condition, accessories (carbide blades are $200-$300), motor (Aggai has 3 ph - but what about the SCMi ) , ect....

All have bearing on which might be considered a better value. I've seen similar saws sell for $750. I've also seen them for $5000.

[Mike Kees]

I paid $600 for my Centauro CO 600. Then proceeded to rebuild and paint. Now have about $1200 in it. Very happy with what I ended up with for that sum.

[Steve Mathews]

The condition of the Agazzani was disappointing. The search continues.

[Mike Leiferman]

I am a relatively new owner of a 600 Aggazani - about a month now. Mine is a single phase 5 hp, which I was pleased to find as I do not have 3 phase power.
Mine came with a couple of 1 inch wide Lennox carbide resaw blades.

[Jim Becker]

The condition of the Agazzani was disappointing. The search continues.

Better to pass on something that's just going to bring you angst, even though it delays getting what you want!

[Steve Mathews]

Better to pass on something that's just going to bring you angst, even though it delays getting what you want!

I agree completely Jim. Nothing against the Aggi, it just wasn't in the condition that I wanted. There were holes drilled in the table, the guides and brake assembly had missing parts and the tires were shot. The high price didn't overcome the negatives. No biggie because I still have the SCMI to consider. There is also an old Milwaukee Crescent that just came to my attention for sale locally. I hope to look at that tomorrow.

[Steve Mathews]

I plan to pick up the SCMI 24" bandsaw in the next couple of days and haul it home on a 5'x9' UHaul trailer. Any suggestions on transport? I'm thinking to just stand it upright and tie it down securely.

[Mike Kees]

NO.!!! Lay that thing down on it's spine after removing the table. When I hauled mine home I used my 16' flat deck bobcat trailer(it is what I have ). I usually screw 2''x4''pieces around the saw into my wood trailer deck and use rachet straps to secure it. Standing it up is probably the worst way to haul it. What happens if someone cuts you off and you have to hammer the brakes ?

[Jim Becker]

Transport a Euro style saw on its spine. It's a good idea to remove the table, too, and secure it in your vehicle.

[Charles Coolidge]

Love my 20" Agazzani. Have no use whatever for a miter gage on a bandsaw.

https://i.postimg.cc/FRzVZBkF/shop-9.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

What are the details on that disc/belt sander behind it? It looks to be a beast. That mill table to the right also looks massive.

[Steve Mathews]

Yikes! Good thing I asked about the transport. By laying it down on the spine do you mean laying it down on the operator side of the saw? That would make the motor side facing up. I'll have to check if a 5'x9' trailer is long enough. I hauled a Bridgeport mill standing upright on a trailer a few years back and was on pins and needles the entire trip.

[Jim Becker]

The spine is the column at the back of the saw...it's a flat surface. The wheels would be perpendicular to the floor as they are in normal use, but horizontal rather than vertical.

[andy bessette]

What are the details on that disc/belt sander behind it? It looks to be a beast. That mill table to the right also looks massive.

The 48" belt/ 12" disc sander is an old Delta/Rockwell machine that had once belonged to a school district, then a second life with Sydney Sabots (which was long ago sold to Catalina Yachts), at which time I bought it, decades ago, rebuilding it. It is my mainstay for metal and wood working.

The mill table belongs to an even more ancient Index "Super 55" manual mill on which I taught myself milling. Attached is a photo of that machine and also photos of the very first part I ever made on a mill--a boom end fitting, of my own design, for a 4" diameter boom on a 30' sailboat. That part also required the use of a rotary table, again, the first time I ever used an RT.

https://i.postimg.cc/XqQHHKHp/IMG-0400.jpg (https://postimg.cc/QKKJV7r3)
https://i.postimg.cc/mDhRkwfj/boom-end-1.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
https://i.postimg.cc/G298RGMw/boom-end-2.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Steve Mathews]

The 48" belt/ 12" disc sander is an old Delta/Rockwell machine that had once belonged to a school district, then a second life with Sydney Sabots (which was long ago sold to Catalina Yachts), at which time I bought it, decades ago, rebuilding it. It is my mainstay for metal and wood working.

The mill table belongs to an even more ancient Index "Super 55" manual mill on which I taught myself milling. Attached is a photo of that machine and also photos of the very first part I ever made on a mill--a boom end fitting, of my own design, for a 4" diameter boom on a 30' sailboat. That part also required the use of a rotary table, again, the first time I ever used an RT.

https://i.postimg.cc/XqQHHKHp/IMG-0400.jpg (https://postimg.cc/QKKJV7r3)
https://i.postimg.cc/mDhRkwfj/boom-end-1.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
https://i.postimg.cc/G298RGMw/boom-end-2.jpg (https://postimages.org/)


Nice metal work area and machining on the boom end fitting. I so want a Monarch 10EE or a Rivett 1020S.

[andy bessette]

Thank you Steve.

[Steve Mathews]

Place bandsaw on spine like this ...
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[Charles Coolidge]

The 48" belt/ 12" disc sander is an old Delta/Rockwell machine that had once belonged to a school district, then a second life with Sydney Sabots (which was long ago sold to Catalina Yachts), at which time I bought it, decades ago, rebuilding it. It is my mainstay for metal and wood working.

The mill table belongs to an even more ancient Index "Super 55" manual mill on which I taught myself milling. Attached is a photo of that machine and also photos of the very first part I ever made on a mill--a boom end fitting, of my own design, for a 4" diameter boom on a 30' sailboat. That part also required the use of a rotary table, again, the first time I ever used an RT.

https://i.postimg.cc/XqQHHKHp/IMG-0400.jpg (https://postimg.cc/QKKJV7r3)


Impressive work for a manual mill. Is that a Monarch EE lathe???

[andy bessette]

Thank you. Yes, Monarch 10EE built in 1971.

[Steve Mathews]

While looking for specs on the SCMI 24" bandsaw I came across the photo shown below showing a move of the same saw. Laying it down on the trailer on the side opposite the motor is what I first had in mind. Seems like it would more stable than on the spine. Any idea why on the spine is preferable?
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[Jim Becker]

On the spine presents the lease chance of damaging anything from twisting or bouncing. I would never lay a bandsaw down like shown in that photo!! On the spine is also easier to load/unload with appropriate help, whether using a trailer or a pick-em-up truck.

[Steve Mathews]

On the spine presents the lease chance of damaging anything from twisting or bouncing. I would never lay a bandsaw down like shown in that photo!! On the spine is also easier to load/unload with appropriate help, whether using a trailer or a pick-em-up truck.


Makes sense Jim. I'll go with that on my pickup manana.

As a followup to Andy's photos here's one of mine showing the metal working corner of my shop. However, it's missing proper American iron like Andy's 10EE.
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[andy bessette]

Well, you have the Bridgeport. :)

[Steve Mathews]

Well, you have the Bridgeport. :)
Yes, one of the last ones made in the US. I missed out on a basket case Rivett a few weeks past. That would've been a nice replacement for my Taiwanese made lathe. I'm looking for another one or a 10EE or Hardinge. They're all getting harder to find at a price I can afford. Did you replace the electricals on your 10EE or is it all original?

[andy bessette]

...10EE... Did you replace the electricals on your 10EE or is it all original?

Mine is all original with the exception that it was originally wired for 460-volt 3-phase only operation and I converted it, using factory parts, to operate on 230-volts single phase, a simple enough modification.

https://i.postimg.cc/sfcNgyjs/IMG-0399.jpg (https://postimg.cc/JtsqpfH2)

[Steve Mathews]

Picked up the 24" SCMI bandsaw yesterday and made it home safely. All I have to do now is get it off the trailer, stand it upright and put the table, etc. back on. The saw is more robust than expected but not the cast iron frame from bygone days that I originally wanted. Nonetheless it should serve me well, especially for resawing. It came with about a half dozen extra blades of various pitches including the original fence and miter gauge. It seems to be in good shape, basically needing nothing but some cleaning. The brake even works.
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[Jim Becker]

Congrats, Steve. Yes, that type of saw isn't the same as the big, old cast iron monsters of the past, but these welded steel frame structures are well suited to the job. I think you'll enjoy having that beast in your shop for sure.

[Steve Mathews]

Congrats, Steve. Yes, that type of saw isn't the same as the big, old cast iron monsters of the past, but these welded steel frame structures are well suited to the job. I think you'll enjoy having that beast in your shop for sure.

Thanks Jim! Have to say some of the pleasure I get from purchasing these used machines is the opportunity to meet some of the nicest people on the planet. This purchase was no exception. The seller and 3 guys next door who had no financial interest in the sale were extremely helpful if not essential in getting the bandsaw loaded and secured. It would've been a difficult task without them. Many thanks and kudos to them!

[andy bessette]

Good find.

[Steve Mathews]

To wrap up the 24" bandsaw search and purchase here's a couple of photos of the SCMI SC600 offloaded and standing upright on a mobile base. I have a few questions about it that I'll post in a separate thread. So far things are looking pretty good. Thanks again for all of the help received on this forum!
476474476475

[Mike Kees]

Really nice looking saw. Looks like it was just taking up floor space in some shop and was never really used. I really enjoy all the people I have met over the years whether buying or selling machines as well. Enjoy that thing.

[Andrew Hughes]

I bet that’s going to be a excellent saw. My only critique is the color it’s really awful to me. The motor seems small but maybe the saw is really big?
Nice find.

[Greg Quenneville]

Those 24” Italian saws of that vintage all seemed to have 3 hp motors in the lighter European form factor. I have a similar vintage Agazzani that is soon to get a 5 hp upgrade. As it is now running on a budget VFD it bogs down on 8” resaw chores (softwood)