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Bandsaw power


 

I am getting close to realizing a years-long dream of undertaking luthiery, having recently retired. I’ve been collecting hardwood for years with the intent of resawing my own guitar backs and sides. It’s looking like I will overtake a basement for my shop and I am a little concerned about installing a large bandsaw through a doorway, so while I want to purchase a saw with enough power to resaw ~9 inch-wide pieces of domestic and exotic hardwoods without straining, it would be kind of disappointing to invest that money then learn I can’t get it installed in the shop ?. I’ve been looking at the FB610 and FB710 and wondering if the 5.5 hp (or 7.5 hp option) of the 710 is warranted for this application, which would also entail the additional expense of providing 3-phase power. ?Can someone advise on this topic?
Thank you,
Doug


 

I have an older Agazzani 20” bandsaw with a 3 hp single phase motor, on which I regularly re-saw hardwood up to 12”. ?I use a 1” -2 tpi carbide tipped blade, which does an amazing job. I very often use the bandsaw for the initial rough ripping of thick, solid stock, simply because it does such a quick, efficient job of it. ?A larger saw with a larger motor might get through it a little quicker, but in all the years I’ve had the saw, I’ve been very satisfied with this setup. I think 5.5 or 7.5 hp isn’t absolutely necessary. ?The main thing is a good blade, a properly set up fence with no drift, and a steady feed rate. I’ve used other, larger bandsaws, up to a Northfield 36”, with huge motors that cut at the same rate as my Agazzani. The one factor limiting speed of cut is the ability of the blade to evacuate the sawdust while cutting the stock. ?The larger gullets of the 1” blade pull a lot of dust out of the cut, but once they are full, all the power in the world won’t make the cut go any faster. ? Yes, you can buy a larger blade with fewer teeth per inch, but I haven’t found it necessary. ??


 

Doug

I have a 610 with what I think is the base motor (4hp).? I’ve been re-sawing quite a bit of walnut (up to 14” wide so far) and its been a champ.? As (more?) important has been to have the right blade (and at its right stage of useful life). ?

You mentioned basement and doorways.? By my measure, my 610 is a big machine. ?82” tall (on mobile base) and probably close to 30” wide.? And of course heavy and unwieldy (its a bandsaw).? Not trivial to maneuver around smaller spaces.

I’d add, in addition to the proper blade to evacuate sawdust, capable extraction is also a must imo.? Resawing generates a lot of dust.

Good luck with your decision.? I’m a big fan of these machines.

Mike

On Thu, Jul 7, 2022 at 8:07 AM Doug Speck via <speckde=[email protected]> wrote:
I am getting close to realizing a years-long dream of undertaking luthiery, having recently retired. I’ve been collecting hardwood for years with the intent of resawing my own guitar backs and sides. It’s looking like I will overtake a basement for my shop and I am a little concerned about installing a large bandsaw through a doorway, so while I want to purchase a saw with enough power to resaw ~9 inch-wide pieces of domestic and exotic hardwoods without straining, it would be kind of disappointing to invest that money then learn I can’t get it installed in the shop ?. I’ve been looking at the FB610 and FB710 and wondering if the 5.5 hp (or 7.5 hp option) of the 710 is warranted for this application, which would also entail the additional expense of providing 3-phase power.? Can someone advise on this topic?
Thank you,
Doug


 
Edited

Dough,

How wide and tall is your doorway?? How many steps down the stairs to the basement???

The FB 710 is a very large bandsaw, weighs 900 lbs, and is 90 inches tall.? It requires (for me) a forklift (or an over head crane/hoist) to erect after delivery because it is delivered lying down, on its spine.? The table alone is about 200+ lbs.? When fully erected, it is somewhat top heavy, even with the table installed.? Unless there is an equipment elevator/lift, I cringe at the thought of you trying to bring this bandsaw down to your basement going through residential doorways and stairs.? I do not think it is a safe idea, for both personnel and material.??

Other members will have better advice for you regarding resaw capabilities.? In my own experience, with a 3 PH 7.5 HP motor and a quality carbide-tipped blade, I can resaw 10-inch cherry no problem, manual feed.? In fact, I use it mostly for ripping and resawing these days, leaving the 1-inch Woodmaster CT blade on it.??

People leaned toward Phase Perfect here and for good reasons.? I have a PT330.? It was about $3500 when I purchased it.? There are many advantage to the PP phase converters.? There are many discussions in the archive.??

You should look at SCM bandsaws before deciding on the FB 710.? I believe the fly wheels on the SCM machines are heavier.? My first choice was the SCM S 540P, but due to disappointing dealer experience and concern for after sale support, I bought the FB 710 instead.? Felder's post sale support has been very good for me personally.

SW


 

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Look for a used mm16 or mm20, a vintage mm16 2000ish can resaw 12” no problem, you could easily get it in your basement and it will tension a CT blade. I would go for the mm20 if you could find one.

Regards, Mark

On Jul 7, 2022, at 11:07 AM, Doug Speck via groups.io <speckde@...> wrote:

?I am getting close to realizing a years-long dream of undertaking luthiery, having recently retired. I’ve been collecting hardwood for years with the intent of resawing my own guitar backs and sides. It’s looking like I will overtake a basement for my shop and I am a little concerned about installing a large bandsaw through a doorway, so while I want to purchase a saw with enough power to resaw ~9 inch-wide pieces of domestic and exotic hardwoods without straining, it would be kind of disappointing to invest that money then learn I can’t get it installed in the shop ?. I’ve been looking at the FB610 and FB710 and wondering if the 5.5 hp (or 7.5 hp option) of the 710 is warranted for this application, which would also entail the additional expense of providing 3-phase power. ?Can someone advise on this topic?
Thank you,
Doug


 

I purchased a used 2004-2005 Laguna LT20(ACM 500, i think) with a 4.8hp baldor motor. For what you want to do, a machine like this with a carbide blade(i have resaw kings) would meet your expectations, i believe. Ive resawn walnut crotches 18-19" tall several times on this machine, and it did fine. On stuff that is under 10-11", it flies through it. I know my feedrates?are most likely too aggressive, but i am an impatient person. If the majority of your needs will be 12" or under, then you could also consider the MM16. I prefer more throat capacity, and i think the larger diameter wheels are easier on blades, but that might be an easier machine to get into your shop.

Im also in a basement shop. Welcome to the joys of a comfortable heating/cooling environment and an absolute PITA in every other regard. I have 7' to the bottom of my joists with an open ceiling. My laguna fits in the space by 1/4" in some areas and in other areas it just clips the bottom of the joists. It is the reason i dont have a 24" machine, and a reason why i should probably have a 16-18" machine instead. I push the envelope, however, and i subscribe to 'bigger is better'. My basement connects to a one car garage at grade, which means i dont?have stairs for moving in and out tools. But, i do have to get everything through a standard mandoor. For my bandsaw, i rolled it in on its spine on homemade furniture dollies. I then had the fun assignment of tilting it up into place. I asked my dad over to help me with that process--he was maybe 60-62 at that point--and he kinda watched as i tilted it into position. 2-3 people of moderate fitness would be able to do this easily. Just make sure you brace the bottom of the machine so it cant?slide out from under you use it as a fulcrum.?

Patrick

On Thu, Jul 7, 2022 at 11:57 AM Shinta Wakahisa via <vnh84=[email protected]> wrote:

[Edited Message Follows]

Dough,

How wide and tall is your doorway?? How many steps down the stairs to the basement???

The FB 710 is a very large bandsaw, weighs 900 lbs, and is 90 inches tall.? It requires (for me) a forklift (or an over head crane/hoist) to erect after delivery because it is delivered lying down, on its spine.? The table alone is about 200+ lbs.? When fully erected, it is somewhat top heavy, even with the table installed.? Unless there is an equipment elevator/lift, I cringe at the thought of you trying to bring this bandsaw down to your basement going through residential doorways and stairs.? I do not think it is a safe idea, for both personnel and material.??

Other members will have better advice for you regarding resaw capabilities.? In my own experience, with a 3 PH 7.5 HP motor and a quality carbide-tipped blade, I can resaw 10-inch cherry no problem, manual feed.? In fact, I use it mostly for ripping and resawing these days, leaving the 1-inch Woodmaster CT blade on it.??

People leaned toward Phase Perfect here and for good reasons.? I have a PT330.? It was about $3500 when I purchased it.? There are many advantage to the PP phase converters.? There are many discussions in the archive.??

You should look at SCM bandsaws before deciding on the FB 710.? I believe the fly wheels on the SCM machines are heavier.? My first choice was the SCM S 540P, but due to disappointing dealer experience and concern for after sale support, I bought the FB 710 instead.? Felder's post sale support has been very good for me personally.

SW


 

I have the MM20 and cut through anything without issue. Several luthiers come over for help and I have done plenty for guitars. I try to limit to 16 inches but only because I have a 16 inch jointer. I use a one inch Lennox blade that I’ve had sharpened after cutting ipe. Damn stuff! It also ate my hose to dust collector. Did Purple Heart 16 inch piece for electric guitar that another luthier was using.

Philip Davidson

--
Philip
davidsonukuleles.com


 

Hi Doug,
You've received good feedback here. I build some guitars (hopefully more soon) and lots of furniture. We have a FB540 and it's plenty for your use. I'd also second a MM16 or MM20.

We have a resaw feeder, and i wouldn't be without one now that I'm used to it. I'll continue to plug the Woodslicer blades. A fraction of the cost of carbide, superb finish and thinner kerf.?

Happy guitar building!
Jason

Jason Holtz
J. Holtz Furniture
3307 Snelling Ave. South
Minneapolis, MN 55406
612.432.2765

--
Jason
J. Holtz Furniture
3307 Snelling Ave. South
Minneapolis, MN 55406


 

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I am with Jason on the woodslicer, i have the CT and it cuts fine but a bear to tension and i detension CT every time because of the 16” wheel. So if i have a ton of resawing I might put on the CT but 3/4” woodslicer works pretty well and even the 1/2” works well for resawing plus lot cheaper, can buy 5-6….

Regards, Mark

On Jul 7, 2022, at 3:14 PM, Jason Holtz <jholtzy@...> wrote:

?
Hi Doug,
You've received good feedback here. I build some guitars (hopefully more soon) and lots of furniture. We have a FB540 and it's plenty for your use. I'd also second a MM16 or MM20.

We have a resaw feeder, and i wouldn't be without one now that I'm used to it. I'll continue to plug the Woodslicer blades. A fraction of the cost of carbide, superb finish and thinner kerf.?

Happy guitar building!
Jason

Jason Holtz
J. Holtz Furniture
3307 Snelling Ave. South
Minneapolis, MN 55406
612.432.2765

--
Jason
J. Holtz Furniture
3307 Snelling Ave. South
Minneapolis, MN 55406


 

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Doug, ??

Give me a call … i have a Centauro (MM 16) I can highly recommend.


On Jul 7, 2022, at 8:07 AM, Doug Speck via groups.io <speckde@...> wrote:

?I am getting close to realizing a years-long dream of undertaking luthiery, having recently retired. I’ve been collecting hardwood for years with the intent of resawing my own guitar backs and sides. It’s looking like I will overtake a basement for my shop and I am a little concerned about installing a large bandsaw through a doorway, so while I want to purchase a saw with enough power to resaw ~9 inch-wide pieces of domestic and exotic hardwoods without straining, it would be kind of disappointing to invest that money then learn I can’t get it installed in the shop ?. I’ve been looking at the FB610 and FB710 and wondering if the 5.5 hp (or 7.5 hp option) of the 710 is warranted for this application, which would also entail the additional expense of providing 3-phase power. ?Can someone advise on this topic?
Thank you,
Doug


 

I also work in a basement shop and have the FB600 with 5.5hp single phase motor. Coming from a prior Jet bandsaw, the performance benefit of the FB600 was significantly better, I regularly resaw lumber with > 9" common. I have had no problems other that I wish I had a power feeder for better quality cuts. I am using a 1" carbide blade that is rarely removed. Installation was tedious getting to my walkout basement; but once inside, it was stood up from a horizontal position by pivoting it up with a couple of guys.

Sal


 

Hi Doug!?

For reference, I wound up ordering a FB710 earlier this Spring. When I was doing my research, I learned that the FB610 is only available with the 4hp 1ph motor, while the FB710 is only available in 3ph, with the 5.5hp or 7.5hp motors (I opted for the 7.5hp).

In the mean time I've been using a little Laguna LT14 SUV (my first non-benchtop machine), which is their Euro-inspired, Asian-built 14" machine with ceramic guides. No longer made by Laguna, but available from Harvey with bearing guides. For what it is, it's a decent little machine with a 3hp 1ph motor and 14" resaw height. I haven't ripped much thicker than ~6-7" Maple, but I don't remember the saw straining, and a 14" machine might be a nice fit for a basement luthiers shop.

Otherwise, the other saws mentioned above are all solid machines, just a matter of getting it into the basement...

Best, ?
--
Tom Gensmer
Heritage Home Renewals, LLC
Minneapolis, MN


 

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I’m pretty happy with my FB510. ?It has the same resaw capacity as the FB610 and the same motor. ?So you can save a bit of coin if you can accept the slightly diminished cutting width (3.75” less on the FB510).

I’m running a Lennox Woodmaster CT 1” blade and it works quite well…

Mike

On Jul 7, 2022, at 9:54 AM, Shinta Wakahisa via <vnh84@...> wrote:

Dough,

How wide and tall is your doorway?? How many steps down the stairs to the basement???

The FB 710 is a very large bandsaw, weighs 900 lbs, and is 90 inches tall.? It requires (for me) a forklift (or an over head crane/hoist) to erect after delivery because it is delivered lying down, on its spine.? The table alone is about 200+ lbs.? When fully erected, it is somewhat top heavy, even with the table installed.? Unless there is an equipment elevator/lift, I cringe at the thought of you trying to bring this bandsaw down to your basement going through residential doorways and stairs.? I do not think it is a safe idea, for both personnel and material.??

Other members will have better advice for you regarding resaw capabilities.? In my own experience, with a 3 PH 7.5 HP motor and a quality carbide-tipped blade, I can resaw 10-inch cherry no problem, manual feed.? In fact, I use it mostly for ripping and resawing these days, leaving the 1-inch Woodmsater CT blade on it.??

People leaned toward Phase Perfect here and for good reason.? I have a PT330.? It was about $3500 when I purchased it.? There are many advantage to the PP phase converters.? There are many discussions in the archive.??

You should look at SCM bandsaws before deciding on the FB 710.? I believe the fly wheels on the SCM machines are heavier.? My first choice was the SCM S 540P, but due to disappointing dealer experience and concern for after sale support, I bought the FB 710 instead.? Felder's post sale support has been very good for me personally.

SW


 

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BTW, I ordered my saw before they offered the ceramic guides. ?Based on a recommendation from someone here, I decided to go to ceramic guides, and installed the Laguna ones as they were considerably cheaper than the Felder ones. ?They work just fine and there were no complications in installing them.

On Jul 7, 2022, at 5:00 PM, habacomike via <habacomike@...> wrote:

I’m pretty happy with my FB510. ?It has the same resaw capacity as the FB610 and the same motor. ?So you can save a bit of coin if you can accept the slightly diminished cutting width (3.75” less on the FB510).

I’m running a Lennox Woodmaster CT 1” blade and it works quite well…

Mike

On Jul 7, 2022, at 9:54 AM, Shinta Wakahisa via <vnh84@...> wrote:

Dough,

How wide and tall is your doorway?? How many steps down the stairs to the basement???

The FB 710 is a very large bandsaw, weighs 900 lbs, and is 90 inches tall.? It requires (for me) a forklift (or an over head crane/hoist) to erect after delivery because it is delivered lying down, on its spine.? The table alone is about 200+ lbs.? When fully erected, it is somewhat top heavy, even with the table installed.? Unless there is an equipment elevator/lift, I cringe at the thought of you trying to bring this bandsaw down to your basement going through residential doorways and stairs.? I do not think it is a safe idea, for both personnel and material.??

Other members will have better advice for you regarding resaw capabilities.? In my own experience, with a 3 PH 7.5 HP motor and a quality carbide-tipped blade, I can resaw 10-inch cherry no problem, manual feed.? In fact, I use it mostly for ripping and resawing these days, leaving the 1-inch Woodmsater CT blade on it.??

People leaned toward Phase Perfect here and for good reason.? I have a PT330.? It was about $3500 when I purchased it.? There are many advantage to the PP phase converters.? There are many discussions in the archive.??

You should look at SCM bandsaws before deciding on the FB 710.? I believe the fly wheels on the SCM machines are heavier.? My first choice was the SCM S 540P, but due to disappointing dealer experience and concern for after sale support, I bought the FB 710 instead.? Felder's post sale support has been very good for me personally.

SW



 

When is delivery of your saw Tom? I ordered the same and mine was originally scheduled to show up in July 2022. I haven’t heard any status in quite awhile though so I’m not holding my breath.

On Thu, Jul 7, 2022 at 4:13 PM habacomike via <habacomike=[email protected]> wrote:
BTW, I ordered my saw before they offered the ceramic guides.? Based on a recommendation from someone here, I decided to go to ceramic guides, and installed the Laguna ones as they were considerably cheaper than the Felder ones.? They work just fine and there were no complications in installing them.

On Jul 7, 2022, at 5:00 PM, habacomike via <habacomike@...> wrote:

I’m pretty happy with my FB510.? It has the same resaw capacity as the FB610 and the same motor.? So you can save a bit of coin if you can accept the slightly diminished cutting width (3.75” less on the FB510).

I’m running a Lennox Woodmaster CT 1” blade and it works quite well…

Mike

On Jul 7, 2022, at 9:54 AM, Shinta Wakahisa via <vnh84@...> wrote:

Dough,

How wide and tall is your doorway?? How many steps down the stairs to the basement???

The FB 710 is a very large bandsaw, weighs 900 lbs, and is 90 inches tall.? It requires (for me) a forklift (or an over head crane/hoist) to erect after delivery because it is delivered lying down, on its spine.? The table alone is about 200+ lbs.? When fully erected, it is somewhat top heavy, even with the table installed.? Unless there is an equipment elevator/lift, I cringe at the thought of you trying to bring this bandsaw down to your basement going through residential doorways and stairs.? I do not think it is a safe idea, for both personnel and material.??

Other members will have better advice for you regarding resaw capabilities.? In my own experience, with a 3 PH 7.5 HP motor and a quality carbide-tipped blade, I can resaw 10-inch cherry no problem, manual feed.? In fact, I use it mostly for ripping and resawing these days, leaving the 1-inch Woodmsater CT blade on it.??

People leaned toward Phase Perfect here and for good reason.? I have a PT330.? It was about $3500 when I purchased it.? There are many advantage to the PP phase converters.? There are many discussions in the archive.??

You should look at SCM bandsaws before deciding on the FB 710.? I believe the fly wheels on the SCM machines are heavier.? My first choice was the SCM S 540P, but due to disappointing dealer experience and concern for after sale support, I bought the FB 710 instead.? Felder's post sale support has been very good for me personally.

SW



 

Hi Jared!

I ordered my FB710 on February 9th 2022 and was advised to expect delivery in September 2022. I ordered mine with the 7.5hp motor, which motor did you select??

I have another machine scheduled for a December delivery, I may opt to have the deliveries consolidated.?
--
Tom Gensmer
Heritage Home Renewals, LLC
Minneapolis, MN


 

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Doug
I bought a 20 yr old Agazzani 600 last yr, and a friend recently bought a Rapid 600 that is basically the same machine. ?I paid a little over 2300 for mine which is a 5 ho single phase. ? I think if you can find one that has had hobby use of either of these brands it would work for you. ?Very heavy duty with large table and cast iron wheel’s.

I removed the table and motor to make it easier to tip on Its spine into my pickup to transport and unload easier. Both of those were relatively easy to takeoff and reinstall, and might make getting down the stair easier. ?

If you find a 3 p one and don’t have 3 p and don’t have an expectation of getting more 3 p equipment, a single phase to 3,phase vfd might suffice for a few hundred dollars.

Best regards?
Mike?


On Jul 7, 2022, at 10:07 AM, Doug Speck via groups.io <speckde@...> wrote:

?I am getting close to realizing a years-long dream of undertaking luthiery, having recently retired. I’ve been collecting hardwood for years with the intent of resawing my own guitar backs and sides. It’s looking like I will overtake a basement for my shop and I am a little concerned about installing a large bandsaw through a doorway, so while I want to purchase a saw with enough power to resaw ~9 inch-wide pieces of domestic and exotic hardwoods without straining, it would be kind of disappointing to invest that money then learn I can’t get it installed in the shop ?. I’ve been looking at the FB610 and FB710 and wondering if the 5.5 hp (or 7.5 hp option) of the 710 is warranted for this application, which would also entail the additional expense of providing 3-phase power. ?Can someone advise on this topic?
Thank you,
Doug


 

Tom,
I ordered mine in October of last year. It did end up needing to be custom as I had added an E-Stop and they didn't have any. I wasn't in dire need of it at the time either. Hopefully it'll be here soon though! I also got the 7.5hp?motor, in my experience you can never have too much power on a bandsaw!?

On Fri, Jul 8, 2022 at 5:22 AM <tom@...> wrote:
Hi Jared!

I ordered my FB710 on February 9th 2022 and was advised to expect delivery in September 2022. I ordered mine with the 7.5hp motor, which motor did you select??

I have another machine scheduled for a December delivery, I may opt to have the deliveries consolidated.?
--
Tom Gensmer
Heritage Home Renewals, LLC
Minneapolis, MN


 

In the Luthier world, a few names stand out for being the best of the best such as Kathy Wingert, Jim Olson, Kevin Ryan, Wayne Henderson, Kim Walker and a few others. ?The quality of their work is amazing. ?Kathy happens to be a neighbor-friend.



I showed her this thread. ?Her feedback was that she has a Delta 14 inch, and that luthiers never really ever need to resew something more than 10 inches wide even for a harp guitar. ?If there is ever a need to do much with re-saw, it can be done on 1 occasion to provide wood that will require years to use in building guitars. ?

I am not suggesting you get a smaller bandsaw. ?Just an FYI.

She makes some very nice guitars, yes?


 

I have a souped up Delta 14? bandsaw and have made all my Maloof pieces off of it

On Friday, July 8, 2022 at 05:18:20 PM PDT, joelgelman via groups.io <joelgelman@...> wrote:


In the Luthier world, a few names stand out for being the best of the best such as Kathy Wingert, Jim Olson, Kevin Ryan, Wayne Henderson, Kim Walker and a few others. ?The quality of their work is amazing. ?Kathy happens to be a neighbor-friend.



I showed her this thread. ?Her feedback was that she has a Delta 14 inch, and that luthiers never really ever need to resew something more than 10 inches wide even for a harp guitar. ?If there is ever a need to do much with re-saw, it can be done on 1 occasion to provide wood that will require years to use in building guitars. ?

I am not suggesting you get a smaller bandsaw. ?Just an FYI.

She makes some very nice guitars, yes?