MiniMax bandsaw levelling feet/thread size

[Jim O'Dell]

Ok, I've tried several metric bolts, but so far no match. I thought it looked like a 12mm, but neither coarse nor fine threads will go in. Is it 10mm? I've looked on MM's web site and the owners manual, with no luck. And I don't know if different models have different size requirements, mine is the E16.
Ideally, I'm looking for something that will thread in from the bottom, that has an allen hex recessed in the top of the bolt so that adjustments can be made from the top. Any ideas? McMaster-Carr didn't show anything, and a quick Google search showed some nice devices, but none with the Allen wrench adustability. I will probably have to make my own, but prefer to have the vibration resistant feet that are available. TIA for any information or leads you can help with! Jim.

[Roy Wall]

Jim,

Several folks have used the Zambus Casters.....

Model AC-300S -- $35 each I believe but have RAVE reviews

THis casters show a M12 thread as standard but M16 by special order. I believe guys use the threaded studs that come with the saw for levelling; then just thread these casters below the saw to get mobil.

Did you not get any of these threaded bolts with the saw?

My guess is MM can answer the question and the Zambus Caster crowd here on SMC can help too.

[Jim O'Dell]

Thanks Roy. Yes I knew about the Zambus castors. Looked at them a year ago. Very nice! I don't need the mobility, though. I really thought it would be in the owners manual, but it's not. I don't remember seeing any when the saw came, but honestly, that was two years ago, so anything is possible.:rolleyes: Jim.

[Bruce Page]

Jim, I can check tonight but I think my MM16 has a M10X1.5 thread.

[Dick Sylvan]

Why don't you just call the Mini-Max office in Austin and ask them?

[Jim O'Dell]

Bruce, if the bin was labelled correctly at work, the 10 is too small, just drops o through. The 12 acted like it would start, but it wouldn't go. Didn't want to force it and strip one end or the other, but it could be some paint in the threads. I'd appreciate it if you would look tonight.
Dick, it's a matter of they being closed when I get home. Impossible to call from work. Barely time for lunch during lunch break. So I was hoping someone might know. If no one has it, I'll call down when I'm off a week from tomorrow and check. Jim.

[Roy Wall]

Jim,

I just called and found out the bolts are the same for the MM16-20-24 saws. I will take one of the bolts down to the Borg tonite and get the exact thread/size match.

[Jim O'Dell]

Roy, that is very nice of you, but you don't need to do that!!! Espcecially if it is a special trip. Let me try this 12 mm again to see if it is just paint in the threads. I really appreciate the offer. Jim.

[Bruce Page]

Jim, I just got home and this is exactly what I have in my MM16:
M12X1.75

[Jim O'Dell]

Thanks Bruce. I tried the 12mm coarse thread again tonight, and it is very hard to get it to turn. I feel like I'm ruining the threads on the saw base. But it is definately not the fine threads. I'll try to find that exact bolt (1.75 the thread pitch right?) and try it. Thanks for looking it up. Jim.

[Bruce Page]

Jim, it is a course looking thread. If you have calipers or a micrometer, it should measure around .466 diameter.

[Bruce Page]

I do have a tap that I can loan you. I probably won't be abel to get it mailed untill Saturday AM though.

[Craig Zettle]

Jim, the foot is an 11mm, and to access/move it up or down you need a 6mm allen wrench. There is a hole at each corner of the E16 that allows you to access the top of the foot. Works quite slick, actually. Just watch cranking it too far as it will thread right out.

Craig
The worlds first E16 owner.

Just took a foot out and checked and it is a 12mm. That is what I get for relying on a hole size checker made in China. Sorry.

[Dave Morris]

Jim, now that Bruce has identified the bolt, go down to the local auto parts and pick up a 12x1.75 tap. Most auto parts places will have them for a couple/three bucks. (Heck, a whole 40-piece metric Tap and Die set is only about 30 bucks--- nice to have on hand for that every-once-in-a-while need).

Had the same problem on my 14" bandsaw, the *right size* bolt just didn't feel right when I tried to mount the fence. Turned out the threads just needed a little cleaning.

Might save you stripping the bolt and/or threads if the hole is just a little bugged up or dirty.

[Jim O'Dell]

I do have a tap that I can loan you. I probably won't be abel to get it mailed untill Saturday AM though.

Again, thanks Bruce, but I do have access to taps from the mechanics at work. So please don't send yours. ;)

OK, Craig is the first person to purchase an E16. He was our go to guy with questions early on in the frenzy of the few that were let out at the special introductory price...a couple hundred less than what Craig paid IIRC.:eek: They did make it right by you, though, didn't they Craig?
So, an 11 mm. Makes no sense why they would do one BS different than everything else in the line, but it is a different saw. I'll go look for an 11mm coarse. Now where did they move that Ace Hardware store to?:D Thanks a bunch guys!!!!

And Bruce and Roy...you two are very special guys to do and offer what you have here. My hat is off to you and I thank you very much!!!
Jim.

[Bruce Page]

Good grief! I just looked through my 23rd edition machinist bible and it doesn’t even list an 11mm thread! I also looked through my metric tap drawer and no 11mm. Jim, your chances of finding bolts are slim to none. You might have another option. 11mm (.433) is real close to 7/16 (.437). You should be able to re-tap the hole with a 7/16-14 UNC tap. 7/16 bolts aren’t that common but you stand a much better chance of finding them compared to the 11mm….

[Steven Evans]

I bought a MM20 two years ago an it came with levelers. They look like threaded rod with an allen recess in the top for adj with an allen wrench through the hole in the top part of the base. I would think that MM could fix you up with the right parts for easy adjustments.

[Roy Wall]

I just got back from Lowes this evening......

M12 x 1.75 - is the correct thread size.

When I tried the 1.25 it would turn about once and start jamming up....1.5 was worse....1.75 was golden.

I took the bolt down there and did a fitting on their little wall chart. I have the MM20 on blocks so I don't have them installed.

Hmmm, I don't think I fitted the HEX key slot in the top though...I'll check that tommorrow AM. Looks to be about a 6mm hex fit though...

[Jim O'Dell]

Bruce, you confirmed what my google search told me. 11mm is non existant. Guess I'll still get ahold of Dain at MiniMax and see if they have a supplier for them. Maybe all the extra help others are sharing and info they are finding will help those with the MM16 and above. Thanks again!!! Jim.