For anyone who has or knows someone who has "gone through" a HF bandsaw

[Fletch Helical]

. The only mod i made was to make a new table for it. It has made it more rigid the stock table flexes to much.

What did you make the new table out of?


Also I wanted to ask the opinion of you guys. Since I'll be throwing the blade is came with out, what is a good blade to get? I really know nothing about metal cutting blades so not sure what a good option is.

 

[Fletch Helical]

Double post please delete

 

[Barry Clodfelter]

What did you make the new table out of?


Also I wanted to ask the opinion of you guys. Since I'll be throwing the blade is came with out, what is a good blade to get? I really know nothing about metal cutting blades so not sure what a good option is.

I made mine out of a 6x8" piece of 3/8" mild steel. Drilled out the holes for the bolts a little oversized and counter sunk them so they don't stick up.

I used the blade that came with mine to cut out 3 blanks before it broke. So it isn't totally useless just mostly useless.

Once you get the pully box on you can lift up the motor to move the belt.

 

[Burl Source]

Butch-

I have that 7X12. Look for a discount retailer in your area. Chuck Bybee turned me onto a store within driving distance that has scratch and dent Jet stuff. I got that saw with a small dent in the motor fan cover for $700.

I have a few pieces of equipment made by Jet / Performax. Both are the same company. No complaints about any of them.

 

[Mike Hull]

I got one from MSC well over 20 years ago. It's the same as all the 4X6 bandsaws as they're all made in the same plant, or they used to be.
The only problem(s) I've ever had was the blade jumping off the top pulley, and the workrest rattling like crazy(very distracting). I made a new wiorkrest from 1/8" mild steel and that cured that problem.
Make sure you read the instructions well on setting up the blade and pulleys. I finally did that long after purchase and it made a world of difference by stopping the blade from popping off the top pulley.
Other than that, I've had no trouble with it in all the years I've owned it.
I do vacuum the vents in the motor out regularly, or blow them out with an air hose.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

I use Starrett 24 TPI bi-metal blades. They last forever

 

[chris609]

Others offered good choices on new table material mine is .5 thick aluminium plate. Steel may have been a better choice but the aluminium was at hand. I used the old table as adrill guide and traced in the slot and milled it.

 

[clw3]

I took a cutoff wheel to the little D handle on my HFBS and got rid of it. Now I can keep the skin on my knuckles while turning the blade tension knob. Best mod I ever made!!