band saw info

[D]

I found this saw in my father in laws barn a year or so ago.  I asked about it and he gave it to me.  I don't know hardly anything about it besides its HEAVY!!!!!!  The whole thing is cast, the wheel covers and everything.  The wheels are 14" but it takes a 91 inch blade.  There's no make or brand or anything on it.  The motor is a GE.  The tag on it says its only a 1/2 horse but I figured by the size of it it was more than that, not to mention it seems to turn with some force, but whoever made the tag knows more about it than me..lol  Roy told me I needed to put it on here and see if any of you all might know something about it.  See if its worth restoring a little or not.  

 
 
 
The top wheel cover has a light in it.
 

[D]

Well I posted the same picture twice for some reason.  The second one was supposed to be of the motor.
 

[Iron Eagle]

Im no expert on bandsaws but I do own one. As far as the mechanical goes I would check the bearings, nuts, bolts, and check the tires. I would also think about taking the table top to a machine shop and get it milled. Now the electrical part I can help on. It always more expensive to try and fix an electrical motor than buy a new one so if it comes to that just get a new one. But if it runs solid with no noise or smell should be fine. The older equipment in my opinion is almost always better quality, you know back when tools were made in the US. One other note also looks like you have guide blocks I would try and upgrade to guide bearings if at all possible. Other than that from the pics it looks like a solid saw, hard to tell with not actually being there.

[leftyfred]

David,
Your saw is a J.D. Wallace workace probably from the 1930's.  The handy light built into the upper wheel cover is awesome!  I respectfully disagree with taking the top to be re-ground.  Many other ways to save it's original appearance.  That saw should last many lifetimes, and is much more desirable than any Taiwan saw that you could buy today. Would love to see more photos. Here is a link to the original manufacturer advertisement.   http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/809/407.pdf

[Roy from Pa]

I'll give ya $50.00 for it..

[D]

Gee way to reach for the stars Roy..lol. thanks for the info. I was guessing it was from the 50's but wouldn't have thought it was from the 30's. I appreciate the help. As far as the electric part goes it runs great. Doesn't squeek or anything. No hesitation in the motor or anything It turns up fast. The light even works. I had to put put a new bulb in it but it came on fine

[Roy from Pa]

Ah so the lights coming on? About time son..    LOL

[macbow]

That should make a fantastic saw for bow work.
Those old work horses are heavy and stable.

[Roy from Pa]

OK, $75.00....  

[John Scifres]

$80

[cunruhshoot]

I am surprised Roy did not recognize this bandsaw earlier I believe this is a photo of him in his earlier years working on one...

 
   

I think it may have been the first one off the line...

[Roy from Pa]

$85.00


Cameron, yer name is now at the top of the thumpin list buddy..  

[John Scifres]

Um, Roy in a tie???

A million trillion dollars is my final bid!

[Roy from Pa]

Ah John, now your gonna pick on the ole man too? I thought we was friends dude? LOL  

D, that is me in the picture with the saw. And there is a recall on that model of saw. So your just gonna have to ship it to me and I'll fix it up and test it for a couple years...  

[John Scifres]

That was a compliment.  I don't trust men in ties  

[D]

Lolol holy crap that pic was funny and pretty cool too. I have absolutely no intentions of selling it but i am curious to know what its worth

[canopyboy]

You lucky dog. I love old machinery. Agree that the last thing you probably want to do is regrind the top. Old saws like that rarely need to be flattened, and the dings and patina just add to the whole package!

As for what it's worth? I have no idea if it has any value as a collectible, but I know utilitarian people who'd drop about 5 bills for good cast iron like that, maybe a little less if the motor was on its last legs or sumpin. And that's before they go spend a little more putting new tires, guides, etc on it. There may be those out there who'd spend more though, but I can't afford to hang out with 'em.

Enjoy that thing. It'll make some good bows.

[wood carver 2]

It looks like a great saw to me. With shop tools, old is usually good and heavy is better. Have a look at the bearings to see if they are sealed or if they need periodic greasing or even oiling.
Any rust on the table is easily looked after with some WD40 and a light sanding. Stick a sheet of sandpaper to a piece of plywood or mdf and sand by hand to keep the table flat.
Dave.

[Roy from Pa]

D, it is priceless.. Just fix her up and paint her up and make bows with it for years to come.  Hell ya could even make the first bow off it for me..  

[D]

Yea I plan on using it. Gotta buy a blade and tires for it.   No hint dropping Roy..lol