1800's band saw

WarnerConstCo. · Jun 9, 2011

I just got this baby off the trailer and stored safely in the shop.

There are no makers marks or any other identifiable markings on this saw.

She needs a little love but, is in darn good shape for being 111+ years old.

Kevin Stricker · Jun 9, 2011

So where is the top wheel? I bet some Carter guides should fit no prob.

WarnerConstCo. · Jun 9, 2011

Kevin Stricker said:
So where is the top wheel? I bet some Carter guides should fit no prob.

Leaning against a giant pile of timer in photo #5

I actually found markings on the one roller guide that was with it, J.A. Fay & Egan Co. Not sure if is the original one or not though.

flair woodworks · Jun 10, 2011

VERY nice! How much does the saw weigh? Are you going to make guards for it?

WarnerConstCo. · Jun 10, 2011

Flair Woodworks said:
VERY nice! How much does the saw weigh? Are you going to make guards for it?

probably 650 pounds.

As for the guards, I am not planning on it.

waho6o9 · Jun 10, 2011

"As for the guards, I am not planning on it."

You might want to reconsider that idea. Blade snaps, goes flying around, how do you stop it? Good idea from Flair's Woodworks me thinks. [smile]

WarnerConstCo. · Jun 10, 2011

waho6o9 said:
"As for the guards, I am not planning on it."

You might want to reconsider that idea. Blade snaps, goes flying around, how do you stop it? Good idea from Flair's Woodworks me thinks. [smile]

Sorry not going to happen.

It has a spot for a vertical piece to run from the bottom to the top wheel on the left side of the saw.

That will get a piece of hardwood there and should minimize what a blade may do if it snaps.

Once a blade breaks, that is about all that happens. It does not go whipping around wildly as the wheels spin.

waho6o9 · Jun 10, 2011

Sorry not going to happen.

It has a spot for a vertical piece to run from the bottom to the top wheel on the left side of the saw.

That will get a piece of hardwood there and should minimize what a blade may do if it snaps.

Once a blade breaks, that is about all that happens. It does not go whipping around wildly as the wheels spin.

Rock on. [big grin]

WarnerConstCo. · Jul 31, 2011

Well, I had some time to get back to this saw.

I should have it all wrapped up and ready to cut some wood by weeks end.

LostInTheWood · Jul 31, 2011

I love the look of old machinery. It has an elegance to it unlike anything you find today. Something that old I can't imagine having tires. I see the trim adjustments on the upper spindle, but wondering how well the band stays on track. Are the wheels dead flat or crowned? Is that an adjustable guide block I see? Nice find btw!

WarnerConstCo. · Jul 31, 2011

LostInTheWood said:
I love the look of old machinery. It has an elegance to it unlike anything you find today. Something that old I can't imagine having tires. I see the trim adjustments on the upper spindle, but wondering how well the band stays on track. Are the wheels dead flat or crowned? Is that an adjustable guide block I see? Nice find btw!

The wheels are flat. I managed to get the blade to track pretty well on the current old cracked up tires.

I am epoxying new thicker rubber tires on, they are 1 1/2" wide. The tires and epoxy cost almost as much as the band saw. [big grin]

I will also crown the new tires.

It has a set of Wright guides on it, with a patent date of 1892 on them. All parts for these guides are still available.

LostInTheWood · Jul 31, 2011

Amazing. I love it. If it were me I'd be torn as whether to actually use it or put it in the house as like a nightstand or something... [big grin]

JimRay · Aug 1, 2011

Nice work. The guys over at "Old Woodworking Machines" would probably like to see it. Plus, there is a wealth of information available there, and they may be able to help with identification, etc.

Try this http://www.owwm.org/

Jim Ray

tiralie · Aug 1, 2011

Beautiful looking machine...

tbellemare · Aug 1, 2011

I'm guessing it was originally powered by a waterwheel and leather belt?

Tom

WarnerConstCo. · Aug 1, 2011

Thanks guys!!

I think it would have been a flat belt machine, powered from a line shaft. You could power your line shafts several different ways, water being one of them.

There were also some treadle powered saws back then too but, I dont think this was one of them.

I am looking for a vintage 2hp 3 phase GE/Century/westinghouse motor for it.

WarnerConstCo. · Aug 28, 2011

Well, it cuts wood!!

Got a few little issues to go over, mostly reducing vibrations.

I see now that this frame style does not offer too much in terms of rigidity, I need to chase down all the little sources of vibration.

I got the blade tracking right down the middle of both tires and a couple other small things really smoothed it out.

Getting real close to earning it's keep

RONWEN · Aug 28, 2011

I love old tools but especially very old machines -- WONDERFUL! Did you find a "Sears Craftsman" logo on it anywhere??? [big grin]

spikfot · Aug 29, 2011

Did you get a chance to have the wheels balanced before you mounted the tires?

WarnerConstCo. · Mar 4, 2012

This thing was a lesson in patience. Things I did to it:

New tires
New guide parts
New motor (ok new to the BS since the motor is from about 1915)
New Vintage starter
New tables, from reclaimed Hickory
New pulleys
New belts

Hours of adjustments and dialing things in.

I am proud to say that I am pretty much done with this one.
There is hardly any vibration and what little is left, I am not sure the effort to eliminate it would be worth it.

Here she is:

1800's band saw

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