Charles Taylor3us
08-15-2023, 11:06 PM
Hi,
New to the forum.
I'm wanting to add a bandsaw for resawing. Ran across a Walker-Turner 16" Bandsaw, but am a little concerned. This machine looks like it may have been rode hard and put away wet. I'm comfortable doing anything up to what requires machine shop capacity, but have little experience with bandsaws and therefore have some questions:
Here it is: https://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/tls/d/olympia-vintage-walker-turner-16-bandsaw/7646713653.html (NOTE to Moderators: My understanding is it is ok to post link if it is source of what I am looking to buy, and not something I am selling. If I am wrong, please delete this link. Thank you.)
So first question to ask will be "How long has it been outside?" But beyond that...
(1) What should I ask before I go down to see it? What would quickly rule it out beyond cracks in frame/table?
(2) What to check when I see it? My checklist so far is to look for:
- cracks in the frame and table,
- check arbor/tilt mechanism as I understand these usually break,
- see if bearing still turn or do they all need to be replaced,
- turn by hand to measure runout on wheels,
- table is flat
- see if anything else is missing or obviously broken.
What else should I check?
(3) Are there any parts on this beast that are made of unobtainium? Is there anything else beyond frame/table that would immediately rule it out?
(4) Are there any typical repairs that may look do-able, but are secretly much more difficult than they would seem?
(5) I haven't been able to find comparable sales, is that close to a good price?
I am assuming it needs new tires, probably bearings for wheels and blade guides, wiring, possibly motor and surely the cap at the least, but it looks like the rest is simply clean, derust, paint, setup/tuneup, and use. So what am I missing that is going to break my heart or bank account later? Assuming worst case scenario, how much is it likely to cost to have this doing a great job again? I understand these are great machines and would love to have it working in my shop.
(Already ordered Lonnie Bird's The Bandsaw Book to guide setup and tuneup)
Thanks
Chuck
New to the forum.
I'm wanting to add a bandsaw for resawing. Ran across a Walker-Turner 16" Bandsaw, but am a little concerned. This machine looks like it may have been rode hard and put away wet. I'm comfortable doing anything up to what requires machine shop capacity, but have little experience with bandsaws and therefore have some questions:
Here it is: https://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/tls/d/olympia-vintage-walker-turner-16-bandsaw/7646713653.html (NOTE to Moderators: My understanding is it is ok to post link if it is source of what I am looking to buy, and not something I am selling. If I am wrong, please delete this link. Thank you.)
So first question to ask will be "How long has it been outside?" But beyond that...
(1) What should I ask before I go down to see it? What would quickly rule it out beyond cracks in frame/table?
(2) What to check when I see it? My checklist so far is to look for:
- cracks in the frame and table,
- check arbor/tilt mechanism as I understand these usually break,
- see if bearing still turn or do they all need to be replaced,
- turn by hand to measure runout on wheels,
- table is flat
- see if anything else is missing or obviously broken.
What else should I check?
(3) Are there any parts on this beast that are made of unobtainium? Is there anything else beyond frame/table that would immediately rule it out?
(4) Are there any typical repairs that may look do-able, but are secretly much more difficult than they would seem?
(5) I haven't been able to find comparable sales, is that close to a good price?
I am assuming it needs new tires, probably bearings for wheels and blade guides, wiring, possibly motor and surely the cap at the least, but it looks like the rest is simply clean, derust, paint, setup/tuneup, and use. So what am I missing that is going to break my heart or bank account later? Assuming worst case scenario, how much is it likely to cost to have this doing a great job again? I understand these are great machines and would love to have it working in my shop.
(Already ordered Lonnie Bird's The Bandsaw Book to guide setup and tuneup)
Thanks
Chuck