Home made band saw

[Dennis Ford]

Finished this saw today, 18" wheels; 16" re-saw height; 1.5 hp motor. It took a lot of time to build this but it should do what I want. I will use it for cutting out bowl blanks, big and ugly is just what is needed.:rolleyes:

[Phil Thien]

I, for one, am impressed. If I lived closer I'd be driving over, demanding a demonstration. It wasn't until I read your description that I realized your pic included a carpenter's square.

Did you document the construction? Any more information to share? More pics? Did you use plans?

More!

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Count me in as impressed!

[jim oakes]

Very cool! Looks like ceramic guides as well. Good for you. I admire the old American "do it yourself" spirit.

[Randal Stevenson]

Gil-built?


More info and pics of the wheels please!

TIA

[Ray Gardiner]

Nice work Dennis, looks to be pretty solid should be perfect for Bowl Blanks.
Are you planning to set up in-feed out-feed for milling small logs?

[John Keeton]

I like the integral mobile base - looks like you just tilt it back and go!! Good job! I am interested in the wheels as well, did you salvage parts for some of the guts of the saw?

[Dennis Peacock]

Most excellent and yes, I'm impressed as well. Good job on making the BS!!!

[Tyler Howell]

More Pix please!!

[Greg Crawford]

More details, as well please.

[Chris Padilla]

Cool stuff...where are dem pics?! ;)

[Dennis Ford]

Thanks for the encouragement. Here is a picture of the top wheel, the bottom one is the same. The wheels have a core of 3/4" plywood overlaid with a segmented rim of 1/2" thick elm (both sides).

I did not use plans although I did make a sketch on 8-1/2 x 11 paper with a few major dimensions. The frame is made of 4" square steel tubing (1/4" wall thickness). The table is fixed (no tilt) and covered with plastic laminate. The bottom wheel slides up and down for belt tension, access to the adjustment for this is through the table top with a socket. The blade speed is ~ 2500 ft/min. I have a small metal lathe used to make the shafts and a horizontal mill used to make the guide holders. I purchased the following materials:
* (2) 35 mm pillow block bearings
* (1) 1-1/4" flange bearing
* (1) 1-1/8" flange bearing
* (2) caster wheels
* 4" steel tubing
* 1-1/2 x 1/8" steel angle
* rubber tires for wheels
* ceramic guide blocks
* 1/2" MDF
* some nuts and bolts

Used from my supply of misc parts:
1-1/2 hp motor
2-1/2" pulley for motor
16" pulley for bottom wheel (from an old air compressor)
v belt (amazingly had one that fit)
misc pieces of steel, plywood, hinges, nuts and bolts

this was a satisfying project, saved a little money and have a useful tool.;)