Hi guys.  I love old stuff namely old machinery. I’m getting this Parks bandsaw from a friend and wondering what anyone can tell me about it.  Age?  What’s original?  What isn’t?  Ok to paint it or worth more not to?  Cateloges out there?  Etc?

thanks in advance!

 Chris

Edited May 10, 20197 yr by Canoeman
Forgot images

Wow, that placard is in pristine condition! Wonderful bonus to this purchase.

Larry Buskirk is our resident Old Machinery master technician, I have notified him to view your Bandsaw and contribute any feedback here.

Also, is that the Parks 18" ?

About a 22” throat.

Thank you!

Hi Chris,

 I'll see what I can find info wise for you, give me a little time. Maybe tomorrow. 

Chris,

I'm still looking for a users manual, but did find a catalog with your bandsaw in it.

It would appear to be from 1927 or later due to the Parks Woodworking Mach. Co. badge.

Before 1927 the company was known as the Parks Ball Bearing Machine Co.

Here's the link to the catalog.

www.vintagemachinery.org/pubs/1113/18387.pdf

And another.

www.vintagemachinery.org/pubs/618/334.pdf

Edited May 11, 20197 yr by Larry Buskirk

Interesting.   A friend of mine bought a Parks Planer shortly before they went out of business.    They were just a few miles from where I lived at the time and even closer to where I worked.

Yes, and thanks for the info!!

Does anyone know what these bolts were used for?  Original?

Also, is it ok to sandblast the cast iron?  Will it weaken it?

Hey, @Larry Buskirk

Little help please!

Hi Chris,

Sorry for the late reply, sandblasting is ok but there is another way that will also clean the insides, loosen bolts etc.

 

Thats a left hander. Should finish up nicely as it appears to be all there. Those bolts may have been for some kind of guard for the blade. Not many things concern me about the safety of old equipment but an ungaurded band saw blade is one of them

All that, and only $75...  reading the description made me realize how little bandsaw technology has changed, it could be describing my Grizzly.

You might have a later model machine (than 1927); your frame is different and has the bolts for a blade guard (we think).

Those bolts look to be a bit hefty for a blade guard. Nevertheless, it's a good idea to use them for that. 

23 hours ago, Gene Howe said:

Those bolts look to be a bit hefty for a blade guard. Nevertheless, it's a good idea to use them for that. 

Considering the age of the machine, I would not say hefty for a blade guard at all.  The guard would not have been thin tin or plastic like today's machines - it would have been overbuilt to do the task for which it was designed.  Compare a 1930's car with anything built today.

 

Edit, looked over the catalog that Larry linked to and found this page offering the blade guards.

 

Edited July 4, 20196 yr by Cal

Awesome, thanks so much!!

You're right Cal. A steel, upper and lower guard like those you posted, would need hefty attatchments. 

Chris, I'm still trying to find a manual for your band saw.

I did however find that Sears also sold this machine in their 1927 catalog.

Here's the add from the catalog.

Hi guys.  I have to let go of the bandsaw.  I sandblasted and primed and painted it.  Cleaned up parts and the table.  Also comes with a 5 hp single phase motor.  I will accept a fair, honest offer.  I live in Holland, Michigan.  Chris.