Band saw mod for long stock?

Question

I've got an old band saw sitting around and had an idea... Has anybody ever tried to turn a normal band saw into one that will do long stock, by modifying the guides to twist the blade? Seems like it wouldn't be too hard, since the portable cut-off band saws really aren't that complicated. If the mod worked, I think it would make a great saw for cutting long, smaller, non-ferrous stock.

Andrew Mawson · Accepted Answer

anybodystock,There is an option for Startrite bandsaws to do this - look at thisfile and roll down to the combination guide:

Ned Simmons · Answer

That's was such a great idea that I just ran down to the shop and made a set for my DoAll ML...

formatting link

(I built those guides several years ago before discovering that DoAll made something similar for that saw 60 years ago. But it's still a good idea. )

My guides twist the blade a full 90 degrees using rollers, the DoAll guides twist the blade less and use their usual block guides with a roller backup. I do have drawings of mine, with details of the eccentric adjustment on the rollers, if anyone is interested. There's no reason to limit use to light material if the saw is beefy enough.

Ned Simmons

Mark Rand · Answer

Hits head with hand...I'd never considered why the slotted plug that the blade goes through in thetable of my Startrite 301 was circular. It's always been a bit of anirritation, because there is a tendency for it to rotate against the bladeteeth and wear the slot wider. Now I can see a small project that will need afew more ball bearings from Ketan.Mark RandRTFM

dpdphoto · Answer

Thanks guys... I knew there had to be some industrious people that hadtried this. At least I know it can work. I didn't think it would bepossible to go a full 90 degrees though. I'm actually kind ofsurprised that there doesn't seem to be any kits available for this.There's numerous guide upgrade kits, but none seem to turn.

Band saw mod for long stock?

Join the Discussion

Didn't find your answer?