12 band saw question

[coaster500]

I am thing about trying to build a bow... I found an old 12" sear band saw for $75. Is 12"s a decent size to work with and has anyone got one of these? Is it a good saw or junk?

Thank you

 

[scrub-buster]

I use a 12" Craftsman bandsaw for roughing bows out of osage and hickory staves.  It works fine for me.  I have a different model, but basically the same thing.  I have a problem with the drive pulley.  It is a little wore out and the set screw keeps coming loose.  When it starts thumping, I shut it down and tighten everything back up.  I tried ordering a new pulley, but they don't have them in stock anymore.  Other than that, it works great.  One day I would like to get a grizzly 14".

[coaster500]

Thanks for your help but it seems that the 18 miles from my house to his gave someone else time to get there first...  I'll keep looking

[scrub-buster]

Keep checking craigslist.

[John Scifres]

I made over 100 bows with that model saw.  $50-100 is about the range you should pay.

[coaster500]

Thanks guys it was listed for $75 with three new blades... I just wasn't fast enough    

I'll keep looking....

[fish n chicks]

If you can, make sure you plug it in and fire it up when you go look at one. If it starts off a little slow, and you'll be able to tell, "this doesn't sound right", tell em thanks and keep looking. I bought what I thought was a nice craftsman but I found out the motors tend to go pretty easily on those.

Just try to get something with at least 1/2 HP, preferably more. I know it's hard sometimes to get what you need without spending some $, but you'd hate to spend $100 now, only to realize you just blew your $100.

Good luck tho. When you get it, you'll see it's the most versatile tool in your army.

[shikari]

I have used the same saw for all types of wood as well as horn,worked great for me.

[Robertfishes]

That was a good price, I have one similar to that one..I put a 4tpi carbide blade on it and use it thruout the bow build. I bought a 16 inch Grizzly a few months ago but still use the craftsman

[snag]

Kip, there will be other deals come along. I picked up a 14" Jet bandsaw for $100. It was only 4 yrs old. (by the way you'll have a package Sat.)

[don s]

i have that saw. picked it up on craigslist. the gut who had it before me took very good care of it. i like it. don

[coaster500]

Thanks Snag, can't wait to solve our spine question so I can get those great lookin arrows you're building  

I'll keep lookin for a saw. One will show up sooner or latter...  thanks guys

[red hill]

Kip, don'g bother with a 9" saw. I bought one last summer and it's too small and light weight for staves. Works well on thin backings and antlers, though.
Stan

[Jake Fr]

i have one just like it it works great my father bought it new when i was a lil kid and so i know where all it has been but i was looking at harbor freight and they seem to have a decent selection of them and not too bad of prices either worth a look