New (to me) band saw

yomax4 · Jul 19, 2011

If you plan to use bi-metal blades you really don't need coolant. Just don't run it too fast. I have an Ellis 1600 and you do not use coolant with it. Blades last great but you can't reef on them.

Kyle_in_Tex · Jul 19, 2011

Yeah, I'd find a quality water soluble coolant and mix it about 5-10% syrup to water ratio. Synthetic is better for lasting longer without going stagnant. If you mix it too weak, stuff will start to rust. Better to run it or stir it regularly to prevent stagnation. Synthetic will cost around $25/gal. or more. It can make up to 20 gallons of coolant.
Buy the "bi-metal" cobalt blades of a good brand. Also, use a fine tooth blade 10-14 teeth/inch for cutting thin wall or small cross sections of materials. You will probably find that the fine teeth blades last longer for you as they are more forgiving to "grabbing" and breaking teeth.
Better brands in no order are Lennox, Arndtz(sp?), Starrett, and others.

Hooked_on_HP · Jul 19, 2011

I searched for cutting fluid, cooling fluid with no results.
Bill

deereman75 · Jul 19, 2011

Hooked_on_HP said:
I searched for cutting fluid, cooling fluid with no results.
Bill

try cutting oil on harbor freight.

Turbys_1700 · Jul 19, 2011

Why can't I ever run up on deals like that when I am needing something...
That unit will last you a lifetime and you can let your kids fight over it in the will...
I want a bandsaw so bad right now I can taste it...
You did good...

JB4310 · Jul 19, 2011

Nice adition to your shop :thumbsup:

Definitely no HF homeowner model. I passed up on a small homeowner model a couple years ago, still kicking myself whenever I need to make a decent cut.

JB

Hooked_on_HP · Jul 19, 2011

Turbys_1700 said:
Why can't I ever run up on deals like that when I am needing something...
That unit will last you a lifetime and you can let your kids fight over it in the will...
I want a bandsaw so bad right now I can taste it...
You did good...

It took me over a year to find this deal.I searched CL and ebay every day. I actually got out bid on this saw but the high bidder retracted his bid and I got it.:thumbsup:
Bill

Turbys_1700 · Jul 19, 2011

Hooked_on_HP said:
It took me over a year to find this deal.I searched CL and ebay every day. I actually got out bid on this saw but the high bidder retracted his bid and I got it.:thumbsup:
Bill

Last year I was looking for a good air compressor to help run my air impact wrench...

My 6' RFM blades are a real pain to take off and I needed a compressor with at least 6 cfm to run my wrench...

I got lucky and found a 6HP 30 gal oiled 220 Volt compressor with very low hours for $250...

I guess the moral of the story is to be patient and you can find deals occasionally...