I am thing about trying to build a bow... I found an old 12" sear band saw for $75. Is 12"s a decent size to work with and has anyone got one of these? Is it a good saw or junk?
Thank you
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/3na3k63o65V65P55S6b6af3760310308d18c7.jpg)
I use a 12" Craftsman bandsaw for roughing bows out of osage and hickory staves. It works fine for me. I have a different model, but basically the same thing. I have a problem with the drive pulley. It is a little wore out and the set screw keeps coming loose. When it starts thumping, I shut it down and tighten everything back up. I tried ordering a new pulley, but they don't have them in stock anymore. Other than that, it works great. One day I would like to get a grizzly 14".
Thanks for your help but it seems that the 18 miles from my house to his gave someone else time to get there first... I'll keep looking
Keep checking craigslist.
I made over 100 bows with that model saw. $50-100 is about the range you should pay.
Thanks guys it was listed for $75 with three new blades... I just wasn't fast enough :dunno:
I'll keep looking....
If you can, make sure you plug it in and fire it up when you go look at one. If it starts off a little slow, and you'll be able to tell, "this doesn't sound right", tell em thanks and keep looking. I bought what I thought was a nice craftsman but I found out the motors tend to go pretty easily on those.
Just try to get something with at least 1/2 HP, preferably more. I know it's hard sometimes to get what you need without spending some $, but you'd hate to spend $100 now, only to realize you just blew your $100.
Good luck tho. When you get it, you'll see it's the most versatile tool in your army.
I have used the same saw for all types of wood as well as horn,worked great for me.
That was a good price, I have one similar to that one..I put a 4tpi carbide blade on it and use it thruout the bow build. I bought a 16 inch Grizzly a few months ago but still use the craftsman
Kip, there will be other deals come along. I picked up a 14" Jet bandsaw for $100. It was only 4 yrs old. (by the way you'll have a package Sat.)
i have that saw. picked it up on craigslist. the gut who had it before me took very good care of it. i like it. don
Thanks Snag, can't wait to solve our spine question so I can get those great lookin arrows you're building :)
I'll keep lookin for a saw. One will show up sooner or latter... thanks guys
Kip, don'g bother with a 9" saw. I bought one last summer and it's too small and light weight for staves. Works well on thin backings and antlers, though.
Stan
i have one just like it it works great my father bought it new when i was a lil kid and so i know where all it has been but i was looking at harbor freight and they seem to have a decent selection of them and not too bad of prices either worth a look