1bbford Posted October 2 Report Posted October 2 I have a family friend selling his dads's 11-inch free-standing Shop Smith 505641 bandsaw, 1/2 hp Westinghouse motor. He is not sure of the price, so I figured I would ask the experts: What is a fair amount? Needs a good cleaning, wheels are in good shape, strong motor, cuts well, has block guides, and the bearing at the back of the blade (makes a bit of noise). The bandsaw needs a good cleaning, but the wheels are in good shape, and the motor is strong. It cuts well and has block guides; however, the bearing at the back of the blade makes a bit of noise. lew, Grandpadave52 and Gunny 3 Quote
Cmtpdxtn Posted October 2 Report Posted October 2 I personally would only want to spend between $100-150 for it especially with the bearing issue, I know it’s a free standing bandsaw but it’s a bench top size with a base. Grandpadave52, lew and Gunny 3 Quote
Masonsailor Posted October 2 Report Posted October 2 If the price is really low ( $100 ?) then maybe. I am a hardcore Shopsmith fan but the advantage of SS bandsaws is the 1hp powerhead, the variable speed and the fact they are inexpensive so you can have two with different blades. It only takes a minute to change between the bandsaws which is far easier and quicker than changing blades. As a freestanding with a 1/2 hp motor you have lost all those advantages. For a freestanding bandsaw a delta/jet/grizzly 14” is a better choice IMHO. Paul Cmtpdxtn, lew, Gunny and 1 other 3 1 Quote
1bbford Posted October 2 Author Report Posted October 2 20 minutes ago, Cmtpdxtn said: I personally would only want to spend between $100-150 for it especially with the bearing issue, I know it’s a free standing bandsaw but it’s a bench top size with a base. . To be clear, it's the thrust bearing for the blade. Grandpadave52, Gunny and lew 3 Quote
Gunny Posted October 2 Report Posted October 2 27 minutes ago, Masonsailor said: For a freestanding bandsaw a delta/jet/grizzly 14” is a better choice IMHO. I would agree, another thing to consider is what kind of work do you use this for and how often, will it suit your needs? I have a 14 inch JET cabinet BS from the late 90's. Use it for larger things and have a jig to make circles for it. BUT, I also have a smaller 10 RIKON that I use for curved cuts and such. Like @Masonsailor pointed out it is easier to just change the head then the blade. For me I made the space for the extra saw, same reason. lew, Grandpadave52 and Fred W. Hargis Jr 3 Quote
1bbford Posted October 5 Author Report Posted October 5 Thanks for the reply, not really anything big, just little projects, so size is not a big factor, just ran across it and wanted some opinions, I think I am going to pass.. Thank you Grandpadave52 1 Quote
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