Worth Repairing a bandsaw?

[donbrizzo]

I've seen this up for sale locally and am considering fixing it up.
I've looked into other saw options and I've set my mind to getting a bandsaw over a circular saw.

Do you think this is worth £50-60? It may need a new motor as it's not running, but it could be an easy fix.
It looks like it's missing some parts too, but the clarke and draper ones look identical.

 

[Wozzaaah]

I know I sold it cheaply but I shifted my fully working one on here not long ago for £65.

 

[Erie Fred]

Oil all around the gearbox is showing a leak and probably not re-filled/checked
Missing the left guide assembly as well.

 

[anto44]

Missing the left guide assembly as well

If that guide assembly doesn't come with it I personally wouldn't bother buying it.

 

[donbrizzo]

Thanks for the tips lads.

I'll probably steer clear of it then. I don't need anymore paperweights in the garage!

 

[donbrizzo]

I know I sold it cheaply but I shifted my fully working one on here not long ago for £65.

That's a deal. I'll keep looking on the forum.

 

[Wozzaaah]

That's a deal. I'll keep looking on the forum.

To be fair, I didn’t really know what it was worth and I was just glad a long-standing and highly-contributing member took it.

 

[winchman]

The problem is how long and how much effort to fix it? Unless thats part of the fun.
Are many available locally?

 

[hunter27]

I have been using my Clarke saw today it's virtually the same as that and I curse it every time I use it. Poorly designed, poor vice clamp but with fiddling it eventually gets the job done.

 

[donbrizzo]

The problem is how long and how much effort to fix it? Unless thats part of the fun.
Are many available locally?

Well I started to have a romaticized idea about repairing it and using the angle grinder till I manage it, but unless I can get it for silly cheap, I don't think i'll go for it.

I can't find one near me that isn't new or £200-300.

 

[donbrizzo]

I have been using my Clarke saw today it's virtually the same as that and I curse it every time I use it. Poorly designed, poor vice clamp but with fiddling it eventually gets the job done.

If you're after a project, I saw this the other day. It looks like it's more of a labour of love than money saving, but it could get it to how you'd like it.

 

[6ply]

@donbrizzo Keep looking. I've owned + tuned several of the Chinese saws and they frequently come up cheap. I wouldn't pay more than £80 for one in good condition.

The best thing you can do for the saw is make a good solid base / mobile trolley. Mine is loaded up and very heavy, and this transforms the saw.

 

[donbrizzo]

@donbrizzo Keep looking. I've owned + tuned several of the Chinese saws and they frequently come up cheap. I wouldn't pay more than £80 for one in good condition.

The best thing you can do for the saw is make a good solid base / mobile trolley. Mine is loaded up and very heavy, and this transforms the saw.

Thanks mate, that's solid advice.

Yeah a solid base and frame seem like a big upgrade straight off the bat.

 

[Richiew]

I like these saws but understand not everyone gets on with them. Wouldn't buy one one with parts missing. Not worth the chew sorting when you can buy complete.

 

[winchman]

Well I started to have a romaticized idea about repairing it and using the angle grinder till I manage it, but unless I can get it for silly cheap, I don't think i'll go for it.

I can't find one near me that isn't new or £200-300.

I have fixed a few beyond repair things in the past as I like doing it. The bargains are never on your door step, been to Yorkshire twice in the last week for stuff we couldn't find locally

 

[6ply]

Keep looking. I just did a quick search and found this one 20 minutes away from me. Motor looks like it has seen better days, and if I wanted it I'd probably start with an offer of £50.

 

[6ply]

Not what you wanted, but here's a bargain...

 

[donbrizzo]

Keep looking. I just did a quick search and found this one 20 minutes away from me. Motor looks like it has seen better days, and if I wanted it I'd probably start with an offer of £50.

View attachment 504136

Thanks for sharing that, it's a deal and a half. If I thought I could get away with a 600 mile road trip to grab it I would, but I have a 6 week old and I'd probably not have a wife when I got back haha.

@winchman Yeah I think that's a fair point from you and @6ply I'll have to look further than 50 miles away.


For cutting angle iron and box section can I get away with a vertical bandsaw? I feel like i've mentally commited to getting horizontal as it just makes more sense getting a straight cleaner cut.

 

[donbrizzo]

I've seen this, but it's slightly more than I'd like to spend

Clarke metal bandsaw, Clarke CBS45MD Metal Cutting Bandsaw, 4 1/2", 240V | in Grimsby, Lincolnshire | Gumtree

Clarke metal bandsaw, Clarke CBS45MD Metal Cutting Bandsaw, 4 1/2", 240V This Bandsaw is working, Used, See photos for details,

www.gumtree.com

 

[6ply]

Thanks for sharing that, it's a deal and a half. If I thought I could get away with a 600 mile road trip to grab it I would, but I have a 6 week old and I'd probably not have a wife when I got back haha.

@winchman Yeah I think that's a fair point from you and @6ply I'll have to look further than 50 miles away.


For cutting angle iron and box section can I get away with a vertical bandsaw? I feel like i've mentally commited to getting horizontal as it just makes more sense getting a straight cleaner cut.

I wouldn't want to use a vertical band saw for cutting anything other than sheet or small stuff. Unless it had an automatic feed and then you'd be talking about an industrial machine. Last night I had to cut several pieces of 1.5" x 3" and I just let the horizontal machine run and do its thing while I got on with other jobs.