First impressions-New Harbor Frt Bandsaw ($159)...

J

JohnPatrick

Joined
Mar 21, 2000
Messages
18
Hello,
Am a new/aspiring knifemaker-to-be, learning a heckuvalot from this Forum and enjoying the good company here. Just wanted to say that because of y'all I bought the el cheapo HF bandsaw and assembled it today. It's odd and kinda funky, ain't it? That said, everything was perfectly adjusted on it---whoever put it together really cared about their work. It's so "Rube Goldbergish" I kinda enjoy it. :>)
And it's a major quantum leap for someone used to hacksaws and a jewelers saw!!!
Should've got one about a year ago. The AK-47 of bandsaws---not very precise, but simple to repair and maintain.

Next acquisition will be to pick up the HF mill this week. After that I want to look into building my own evenheat type oven, if possible. (Am doing the coffee can forge thing for now, making small utility blades out of O-1. I don't know, but seems like that's a really underestimated steel(?))

Would like to get into forging but that's a good ways down the road. For now I'm just reading up on it.

Thanks and take care!

John Patrick
Smithville, Texas
 
I have no idea what is Rube Goldbergish about that bandsaw. It is only a low end metal cutting bandsaw; pretty straight forward I believe and well suited to us in general.

O1 is a fine blade steel especially for those new to heat treating but also for accomplished knife makers. That is my opinion of O1 tool steel.

RL
 
As far as the HF Bandsaw if it breaks take it back for an exchange just be sure to tell them you just bought it a couple weeks ago:D Ask me how I lnow this!
I have had this last one for over 3+yrs and still going strong.
Be sure to not overtighten the blade. Grainger carries the replacement guide bearings for the blade as well. And BTW you may need to disassemble the motor on ocassion to clean the inside of the windings.
Built like a sloppy tank but will run for years with proper care.
 
I've gone through lots of the no-name brand bandsaws. Finally baught a portaband and never needed another. Blades are cheap and easy to find. They will cut anything because they run at a slower speed. When cutting titianum liners the blade on old saw always jumped off. The portaband fixed that problem.
 
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