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Thread: Doall 16" bandsaw for woodworking

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2016
    Location
    Modesto, CA, USA
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    9,876

    Doall 16" bandsaw for woodworking

    I am thinking about getting a bandsaw for wood and limited metal cutting. A used 16" Doall seems like a step up from my 14" Delta. The variable speed models go up to 5000 feet/minute so it should work with wood. It has 12" under the guides for resawing. It is plenty beefy to tension a wide blade. I think it maxes out at one inch wide blades.
    Any thoughts on guides and is it too clumsy for wood. I do not plan on any serious resawing.
    Bill D.

    Link to old photo

    https://d3h6k4kfl8m9p0.cloudfront.ne...XoskFE.nuQ.jpg
    Last edited by Bill Dufour; 03-19-2018 at 2:42 PM. Reason: Removed forum link per TOS

  2. #2
    I have a Doall 1612 with full variable speed, also hi/low range for the drive transmission. Thus it goes from 50-5000 fpm. I love it. I can cut metal at a very slow speed to wood as fast as I need. I have cut Hard maple 11 1/2 wide using a 1/2 inch carbide blade into veneer less then 1/32 inch thick. It did need some sanding after though. I installed a 2hp motor 220v/single phase when my phase converter died. I think its a bit under powered, maybe an extra hp would be the best bet. Wiring needs beefed up for higher amp load. I think I wouldn't go over 3/4 inch blade, for me a good 1/2 inch blade slabs wood just fine. Have tried 3/4 inch blades but don't see enough difference between 1/2 and 3/4 inch. Just me

  3. #3
    Forgot to add
    One downfall, my saw is not the best with sawdust. I haven't come up with a good way to hook up a vacuum system as many newer band saws have. My saw has a removable tray which although works not well but guess it better then nothing.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Griswold Connecticut
    Posts
    6,925
    The one at work doesn't have any problems cutting wood. It's pretty good on metal too.
    I wouldn't hesitate to get one of the smaller ones, such as you found. I always see the big monsters for sale on CL.
    IMHO, it's a pretty good step up from a Delta 14".
    "The first thing you need to know, will likely be the last thing you learn." (Unknown)

  5. #5
    My doall 1612 (16" throat, 12" height) weighs in the order of 1200 lbs. Was a chore getting it into the shop then placed to where i wanted it to go. Its a beast.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2016
    Location
    Modesto, CA, USA
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    9,876
    I have just started thinking/looking but I think to get wood speeds you have to get the variable speed. I have not seen a high speed only version. They did make more of the slow speed only units that are too slow for wood.
    Someone on Craigs list near me has a band file blade for $30 but it is not clear how long it is.
    Bill D

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    New York, NY
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    Most of them come with a blade welder / grinder so you can make your own.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2016
    Location
    Modesto, CA, USA
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    9,876
    I have read some people say the welder only works on carbon steel blades others say they have welded bi-metal blades with no problem. The welder is three phase but an easy rewiring to run off 240 single phase.
    Bill D.

  9. #9
    I have blades for my 1612 cut to 120".
    I paid $1500 for my saw, (doller a pound?) rotary phase converter, maybe 10 new blades, and a box of extras including v belts, a sliding miter and rip fence from doall. Also included were 20 or so guides for different thickness blades. I tell people who look at the beast "it helped win the war", I let their imagination figure out which war...
    The guy I bought it from used it to cut wood before he turned them on his lathe. He sold the saw to me as he was buying a new " resaw" type band saw. About a month later he called and asked if I would be willing to trade saws. I turned him down.
    Is the saw as good as a dedicated wood cutting band saw? Maybe not. But I use it to cut wood and metal, Have cut 1/2 steel plate with the thing besides 11 1/2 inch maple I veneered.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Indiana
    Posts
    46
    Quote Originally Posted by Bill Dufour View Post
    I have read some people say the welder only works on carbon steel blades others say they have welded bi-metal blades with no problem. The welder is three phase but an easy rewiring to run off 240 single phase.
    Bill D.
    I have a large Doall with the blade welder an I routinely weld both carbon and bi-metal blades. It is rated for max of 1" width but I have welded 1-1/4" for the woodmizer.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Kansas City, MO
    Posts
    832
    We had a 3616 3 wheel 36" throat used primarily for wood. Excellent saw and I would expect no less from a 16. And don't let them fool you, dust collection on a bandsaw just isn't that good.
    Chuck

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