Woodworking experts would come to agree that the first machine to have for a home workshop is the bandsaw. From just simple straight cuts to joinery through to intricate designs, chances are whatever you’ve got to do, you can do it with this powerful tool. Now when you are considering to buy a used bandsaw, it can be difficult sometimes to judge the equipment quickly because a lot of users don't know how or don't care to spend enough time to properly set up and tune this machine tool.
Most often, a used bandsaw would be just fine. It is the setup that can go wrong. So, make sure that you know the basic and fundamental steps first before you attempt to use one. If your projects are not so demanding for complex or difficult cuts, then a 14" cast iron frame bandsaw with cast iron trunnions is an ideal choice for most woodworking and other sawing tasks.
And since you are buying a used bandsaw, you can easily refurbish it if you want with the help of various accessories such as blades, tires, guides and riser blocks. Just keep in mind that bandsaw, in general, is a sawing beast, so always keep in mind to prioritize your safety at all times. With that in mind, here are the points that you should check when purchasing a used bandsaw.
Test the bearings by spinning the wheels to see if they are working properly.
Inspect the tires and make sure that they are also in good shape.
Check the adjustment knobs and guide blocks, ensuring they are not damaged.
Take a look beneath the table to check for trunnions.
Have the seller run the bandsaw to check for any vibrations.
Finally, make sure that the used bandsaw comes with a working on/off switch, for safety purposes.
Comments