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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: coaster500 on June 16, 2011, 11:27:00 AM
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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)
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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".
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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
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Keep checking craigslist.
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I made over 100 bows with that model saw. $50-100 is about the range you should pay.
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Thanks guys it was listed for $75 with three new blades... I just wasn't fast enough :dunno:
I'll keep looking....
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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.
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I have used the same saw for all types of wood as well as horn,worked great for me.
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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
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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.)
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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
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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
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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
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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