Building a bandsaw on the cheap from mostly scrap wood

[glatt]

True.

And the truth is also that I would never feel justified to buy one for several hundred dollars, but spending $50 here and there is totally justified.

[glatt]

Just spent $24 on hardware. These knobs are pricey.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Yes, that's why I tried to salvage bits and pieces like that whenever/wherever I could. I don't think you have many opportunities in a white collar office, but even heavy trash put out on the curb for collection have good shit like cords and hardware. having a stash provides a window of spontaneous solutions and creations, even after the stores are closed. The down side is the questions. What that for? Don't you have enough junk? What if someone sees you?

[glatt]

4/23/16 Saturday
Just spent an hour finishing the top wheel. Both wheels are the exact same size (49 and 13/16ths inches circumference, or 15.86 inch diameter wheels) and are crowned. Sanded them both and then put one coat of water based polyurethane one them. They are probably dry enough already for a second coat. I'll put a few coats on and then sand the finish smooth on the edge of the wheel. Tire will stick better to a smooth surface.

I also measured the frame and marked the exact center line that the axles need to line up on.

[footfootfoot]

Do you have this book?
http://cllr.me/cn3

[xoxoxoBruce]

I think you should pencil notes, dimensions, and an occasional appropriate curse on it, then clear coat. Give future generations a touchstone to their roots when you've become a shade tree.

[glatt]

Originally Posted by footfootfoot

Do you have this book?
http://cllr.me/cn3

No. Do you recommend it? I should get a book. I have a fairly good understanding of them but there's definitely room for more knowledge.

I've only used a band saw once or twice and managed to break a blade in that time.
I like the clear coating over notes idea. I'll do that on the frame.

I've got two more coats down. It's finally starting to get a little smooth and the disposable sponge brush isn't snagging as much.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Do the plans give you a blade length?

[Griff]

Just wanna note the cool factor here. Well done!

[glatt]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

Do the plans give you a blade length?

Yes. And there are a couple inches of adjustment when tensioning, so it doesn't have to be exact.

[xoxoxoBruce]

I had a bunch of blades I made at work. We bought the blade on a 50 or 100 ft roll, and there was a welder and grinding wheel built into each DoAll bandsaw, so we could make any length. When I added a 6" riser to my saw so they were a foot too short. I don't remember the length or even if I have any left, but if you give me a size I'll root around the cellar and see.

[footfootfoot]

Originally Posted by glatt

No. Do you recommend it? I should get a book. I have a fairly good understanding of them but there's definitely room for more knowledge.

I've only used a band saw once or twice and managed to break a blade in that time.
I like the clear coating over notes idea. I'll do that on the frame.

I've got two more coats down. It's finally starting to get a little smooth and the disposable sponge brush isn't snagging as much.

Absolutely. I think he may have an updated version of it, but this one is thorough and a must for troubleshooting. I re-read it the other night and discovered things I had missed the first seven times I read it. Also, new weird things are always cropping up of the "why is this happening all of a sudden?" variety and a passage that seemed irrelevant before suddenly becomes pertinent.

As Bruce mentioned welding blades, there is a whole section on welding blades, brazing, and silver soldering them.

[glatt]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

I had a bunch of blades I made at work. We bought the blade on a 50 or 100 ft roll, and there was a welder and grinding wheel built into each DoAll bandsaw, so we could make any length. When I added a 6" riser to my saw so they were a foot too short. I don't remember the length or even if I have any left, but if you give me a size I'll root around the cellar and see.

Thanks Bruce! This saw takes a 105 - 106 inch blade, which is the size a 14inch saw with a 6 inch riser block would take, so it's a fairly common size. If you have any extra ones kicking around that you don't need, I'd be happy to take them off your hands.

[xoxoxoBruce]

I'll check the dungeon.

[xoxoxoBruce]

I don't know if Franny really said this, but I like it.