Re: Curious why people need a small bandsaw for DIY?
You ask the question as if the 4x6 saw is the most industrious tools us DIY guys have in our garages.? If someone asked me what kind of tools I have the saw would be low enough on the list I may forget it.? In addition to the 4x6 saw, I have a mini-milling machine, a 10x22 Grizzly metal lathe (which I converted to 3 phase with variable frequency drive), a couple welders, a Quincy QT-5 air compressor, etc.
I work as a software engineer, but I'm very much a DIY kind of guy.? I enjoy doing things and figuring out how on my own.? When I ordered the lathe,? I had never seen a metal lathe operated, much less ran one myself (I had only watched you-tube videos).? Usually?if I want something done, I figure out how to do it.? When I've tried to hire things done, more often than not I'm disappointed in the result.
A couple examples: Years ago I bought a project truck without a bumper.? I made a bumper for it. When the jet-ski trailer rusted through, instead of buying another one that would rust through again (because they're made out of thin box tubing), I made a much better one out of C-channel with a folding trailer tongue, etc.?? The types of things I use the tools for would be too much time and hassle (and money) to hire done.??
For me its not (just) cost of hiring something done.? Its that doing it myself is the only way it will happen.
Another example:? I'm annoyed that every time I grab my wheelbarrow the tire is flat.? I could replace the tire or tube, but it doesn't get used much and I'll be fighting with that tire again before long.? I also wish it had two wheels up front for more stability.? I looked at all the two wheel new wheelbarrows for sale in my area, they all have inflatable tires.? So if I buy new, I'll still be fighting with flat tires.? So instead I'll order two solid/no-flat rubber wheels from Amazon and make a new axle on the lathe & band saw.? The time investment won't be much more than assembling a new one, the cost will be far less, and it will be better than what I can buy.
Keep in mind there is a selection bias in your survey results.? The people on a list like this (or the people interested enough in the saw to pay any attention to your survey) will more likely be the people who tinker and improve things.? They'll be the more "hard core" users.? The owners of these saws who look more like a generic homeowner / DIY person probably won't be captured in your survey.
-Joe
On Thu, May 21, 2020 at 8:26 AM Henry < rongfu@...> wrote: As the topic says, I am a bit curious why people need a small bandsaw to cutting something by themselves? As i know most of our bandsaw sold to US market and lots of DIY brands machine also do as well, can anyone share why people need this kind of machine? like 4x6 small bandsaw or hacksaw...? In Taiwan, people doesn't do this very often, is it because high labor charge or any other reason cause people in US like to do it by themselves?
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Curious why people need a small bandsaw for DIY?
As the topic says, I am a bit curious why people need a small bandsaw to cutting something by themselves? As i know most of our bandsaw sold to US market and lots of DIY brands machine also do as well, can anyone share why people need this kind of machine? like 4x6 small bandsaw or hacksaw...? In Taiwan, people doesn't do this very often, is it because high labor charge or any other reason cause people in US like to do it by themselves?
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Re: Improving the Horizontal Position Accuracy of a 4 x 6 Horizontal/Vertical Bandsaw
Ah, you are right. Sorry about that.?
Rick
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On May 17, 2020, at 2:14 PM, "mrbill@..." <mrbill@...> wrote:
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Hey Rick, I'm not sure, but I think you might have missed the reference to "wheelchair motors".? ?
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-------Original Message-------
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Date: 5/17/2020 11:52:47 AM
Subject: Re: [4x6bandsaw] Improving the Horizontal Position Accuracy of a 4 x 6 Horizontal/Vertical Bandsaw
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Robert,
The controller that comes with it supplies the power. You just need 120 VAC.?
Rick
On May 17, 2020, at 9:42 AM, Robert Downs via groups.io <wa5cab@...> wrote:
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I would vote No.? Although they could probably be made to work, they are probably made to operate off of a battery in the 9 to 24 Volt range.? So you would have the additional expense of reducing the line voltage to the battery voltage and the additional expense and I-Squared-R losses inherent in operating at a significantly lower voltage and higher current.?
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I have a couple of wheelchair motors I just found when clearing up my workshop. Forgot I had them and not sure why I have them. Would they be suitable on a bandsaw, do you think?
Philip
On 17 May 2020 02:16:10 BST, Joe Blount <joe.blount@...> wrote:
I second the "as big as? you can find" suggestion.
I got one on ebay with the controller years ago for my mini-mill.? It's still just a mini-mill, but its a much better machine than how it started out.? I made a pair of 3 speed pulleys for it, but I never need to change it from the middle speed.? It has enough power to go whatever speed I want from the middle speed.? That's the big advantage of an overized DC motor.? You can achieve all the variable speed you need the dial instead of the belt.
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Re: Improving the Horizontal Position Accuracy of a 4 x 6 Horizontal/Vertical Bandsaw
Hey Rick, I'm not sure, but I think you might have missed the reference to "wheelchair motors".? ?
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?
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Show quoted text
-------Original Message-------
?
Date: 5/17/2020 11:52:47 AM
Subject: Re: [4x6bandsaw] Improving the Horizontal Position Accuracy of a 4 x 6 Horizontal/Vertical Bandsaw
?
Robert,
The controller that comes with it supplies the power. You just need 120 VAC.?
Rick
On May 17, 2020, at 9:42 AM, Robert Downs via groups.io <wa5cab@...> wrote:
?
I would vote No.? Although they could probably be made to work, they are probably made to operate off of a battery in the 9 to 24 Volt range.? So you would have the additional expense of reducing the line voltage to the battery voltage and the additional expense and I-Squared-R losses inherent in operating at a significantly lower voltage and higher current.?
?
?
?
I have a couple of wheelchair motors I just found when clearing up my workshop. Forgot I had them and not sure why I have them. Would they be suitable on a bandsaw, do you think?
Philip
On 17 May 2020 02:16:10 BST, Joe Blount <joe.blount@...> wrote:
I second the "as big as? you can find" suggestion.
I got one on ebay with the controller years ago for my mini-mill.? It's still just a mini-mill, but its a much better machine than how it started out.? I made a pair of 3 speed pulleys for it, but I never need to change it from the middle speed.? It has enough power to go whatever speed I want from the middle speed.? That's the big advantage of an overized DC motor.? You can achieve all the variable speed you need the dial instead of the belt.
?
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Re: Improving the Horizontal Position Accuracy of a 4 x 6 Horizontal/Vertical Bandsaw
Robert,
The controller that comes with it supplies the power. You just need 120 VAC.?
Rick
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Show quoted text
On May 17, 2020, at 9:42 AM, Robert Downs via groups.io <wa5cab@...> wrote:
? I would vote No.? Although they could probably be made to work, they are probably made to operate off of a battery in the 9 to 24 Volt range.? So you would have the additional expense of reducing the line voltage to the battery voltage and the additional expense and I-Squared-R losses inherent in operating at a significantly lower voltage and higher current.? ? ? ? I have a couple of wheelchair motors I just found when clearing up my workshop. Forgot I had them and not sure why I have them. Would they be suitable on a bandsaw, do you think?
Philip
On 17 May 2020 02:16:10 BST, Joe Blount <joe.blount@...> wrote: I second the "as big as? you can find" suggestion.
I got one on ebay with the controller years ago for my mini-mill.? It's still just a mini-mill, but its a much better machine than how it started out.? I made a pair of 3 speed pulleys for it, but I never need to change it from the middle speed.? It has enough power to go whatever speed I want from the middle speed.? That's the big advantage of an overized DC motor.? You can achieve all the variable speed you need the dial instead of the belt.
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Re: Improving the Horizontal Position Accuracy of a 4 x 6 Horizontal/Vertical Bandsaw
I would vote No.? Although they could probably be made to work, they are probably made to operate off of a battery in the 9 to 24 Volt range.? So you would have the additional expense of reducing the line voltage to the battery voltage and the additional expense and I-Squared-R losses inherent in operating at a significantly lower voltage and higher current.? ? ?
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From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of donnygadee via groups.io
Sent: Sunday, May 17, 2020 03:17
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [4x6bandsaw] Improving the Horizontal Position Accuracy of a 4 x 6 Horizontal/Vertical Bandsaw? I have a couple of wheelchair motors I just found when clearing up my workshop. Forgot I had them and not sure why I have them. Would they be suitable on a bandsaw, do you think?
Philip
On 17 May 2020 02:16:10 BST, Joe Blount <joe.blount@...> wrote: I second the "as big as? you can find" suggestion.
I got one on ebay with the controller years ago for my mini-mill.? It's still just a mini-mill, but its a much better machine than how it started out.? I made a pair of 3 speed pulleys for it, but I never need to change it from the middle speed.? It has enough power to go whatever speed I want from the middle speed.? That's the big advantage of an overized DC motor.? You can achieve all the variable speed you need the dial instead of the belt.
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Re: Improving the Horizontal Position Accuracy of a 4 x 6 Horizontal/Vertical Bandsaw
Hi All
Thoroughly recommend you look at Ricks article?for setting up the saw for squareness (and copy for your files).?
I had a hand in reviewing it for Rick and its sound.? Follow what he's says and the the saw will cut square.??
Some bits are just brilliant, like the set-screw in the back of guide assembly bracket on pg21 - so simple and easy. I'm guessing that not 1 in 100 saws will have this stop, which makes setting the back guide roller-to-blade distance independent of the blade twist setting, which is a major part of setup for squareness. I'm doing it to my machine now to replace the clunky stop I had.??
This is one of those posts like John Pitkin's 'Blade adjustment and tracking' doc - jv.
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Re: Improving the Horizontal Position Accuracy of a 4 x 6 Horizontal/Vertical Bandsaw
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Re: Improving the Horizontal Position Accuracy of a 4 x 6 Horizontal/Vertical Bandsaw
I have a couple of wheelchair motors I just found when clearing up my workshop. Forgot I had them and not sure why I have them. Would they be suitable on a bandsaw, do you think?
Philip
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 17 May 2020 02:16:10 BST, Joe Blount <joe.blount@...> wrote:
I second the "as big as? you can find" suggestion.
I got one on ebay with the controller years ago for my mini-mill.? It's still just a mini-mill, but its a much better machine than how it started out.? I made a pair of 3 speed pulleys for it, but I never need to change it from the middle speed.? It has enough power to go whatever speed I want from the middle speed.? That's the big advantage of an overized DC motor.? You can achieve all the variable speed you need the dial instead of the belt.
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Re: Improving the Horizontal Position Accuracy of a 4 x 6 Horizontal/Vertical Bandsaw
I second the "as big as? you can find" suggestion.
I got one on ebay with the controller years ago for my mini-mill.? It's still just a mini-mill, but its a much better machine than how it started out.? I made a pair of 3 speed pulleys for it, but I never need to change it from the middle speed.? It has enough power to go whatever speed I want from the middle speed.? That's the big advantage of an overized DC motor.? You can achieve all the variable speed you need the dial instead of the belt.
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Re: Improving the Horizontal Position Accuracy of a 4 x 6 Horizontal/Vertical Bandsaw
Tom,
My guess is to get as big a motor as you can find. Hopefully others have a better answer.?
Rick
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On May 16, 2020, at 4:33 PM, Tom D <perhaps200@...> wrote:
? I see free treadmills on Free pickup forums all the time
What motor would I look for to mount on my bandsaw?
Thx. Tom
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Re: Improving the Horizontal Position Accuracy of a 4 x 6 Horizontal/Vertical Bandsaw
I see free treadmills on Free pickup forums all the time
What motor would I look for to mount on my bandsaw?
Thx. Tom
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Thanks!
I think providing someone else some inspiration is a key function of groups like this - both in terms of "I never thought of it that way" and " you way over engineered that; here is an easier way."
I have a folder of photos for inspiration, and often the idea I want to explore has nothing to do with why the photos were posted. The original was posted to show a part being made, but I was struck by the attachment on the mill, an attachment that isn't even being used to make the part.
Good luck out your project!
Karl
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Re: Improving the Horizontal Position Accuracy of a 4 x 6 Horizontal/Vertical Bandsaw
Bill, ? The 4x6 is a great saw and well worth the time to tune-up. Good luck with that motor! If I had to replace my motor, I’d be tempted to put in a DC motor with controller from an old treadmill. ? Rick ?
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From: [email protected] On Behalf Of Bill in OKC too via groups.io
Sent: Saturday, May 16, 2020 10:44 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [4x6bandsaw] Improving the Horizontal Position Accuracy of a 4 x 6 Horizontal/Vertical Bandsaw ? Thanks, Rick. Your email informed me that this group exists, and I bought a Taiwanese version, vintage 1983 or so, from Craigslist a while back. It needs a bit of restoration, which I'm not ready to start quite yet, and I figure while I'm waiting I should read everything I can lay eyes on about improving them. I saw mine run for a moment, until it tripped the inverter the guy was running it on, but it doesn't seem to want to run now. He'd been storing it outside in the rain, I've had it in the shop drying out for several weeks now, but the motor doesn't even hum. I did find a megger on ebay a while back so one of these days it's going to get tested. Trying to get cleaned up and organized, so I have a place to work, and can get to the stuff I need to work on. Seeing progress in that, which is good as I've acquired several other projects recently. Thanks!
Bill in OKC?
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Really nice. I've been wanting to do this to my saw for a while now. Thanks for the photos. I have an idea how I can do it.?
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Re: Improving the Horizontal Position Accuracy of a 4 x 6 Horizontal/Vertical Bandsaw
Thanks, Rick. Your email informed me that this group exists, and I bought a Taiwanese version, vintage 1983 or so, from Craigslist a while back. It needs a bit of restoration, which I'm not ready to start quite yet, and I figure while I'm waiting I should read everything I can lay eyes on about improving them. I saw mine run for a moment, until it tripped the inverter the guy was running it on, but it doesn't seem to want to run now. He'd been storing it outside in the rain, I've had it in the shop drying out for several weeks now, but the motor doesn't even hum. I did find a megger on ebay a while back so one of these days it's going to get tested. Trying to get cleaned up and organized, so I have a place to work, and can get to the stuff I need to work on. Seeing progress in that, which is good as I've acquired several other projects recently. Thanks!
Bill in OKC?
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Improving the Horizontal Position Accuracy of a 4 x 6 Horizontal/Vertical Bandsaw
In case you haven’t figured it out yet, the 4 x 6 Horizontal/Vertical Bandsaw is a partially finished kit. Yes, it lops off bits of metal, but do you like the off-square cuts? If the saw’s accuracy meets your needs, don’t waste your time reading this article. But if you would like your cuts to be closer to square, I might be able to help you.
If you are interested, please see
Your comments are welcome. All of us are smarter than any one of us.
Thanks,
Rick ?
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I made my backstop on the outfeed side by making it over long and trimming it with the blade as the last step too.
I've found it a problem only?when cutting very small length like 1/16" or less, when the offcut can jam between the stop and the blade, but the saw is stopping then anyway and its just a matter of pushing the blade toward the fixed jaw and lifting the sawframe to free it.
The benefits of having the backstop far outweigh this minor problem.
Nice work on the outfeed table - jv?
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Thanks.
The original plan I had was to make the vise extension "sort of" close, but when I was figuring where to make the cut, it dawned on me just to mount it long and cut it in place. I was worried that being right against the blade may interfere with shavings removal, but so far that has not been a problem.
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Henry
@KarlH
Patrick Lambert
Bill in OKC too