dayton 4x6 bandsaw - any good?

PurpLev

PurpLev

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Hi, I have a chance of getting a used dayton 4x6 1/2hp bandsaw but am unable to find any reviews about this saw. it is similar to the newly made HF/grizzly/other 4x6 but only has a 1/2hp motor.

does anyone use this saw? how do you like it? any things to consider?

Thanks in advance
 
Purp,
Most of those saws are made in the same factory and shipped with different colors. The chinese aren't too bad, but if you get a Taiwan unit they are a shade better. All in all a little TLC and doing the initial adjustmen procedure will make them cut really well. PM me if you need a link to the site with the written down procedure. Takes about an hour to do, pretty simple abd straight forward.
Bob
 
Is it a Dayton 2LKT4? If so it is not a 4X6, it is a 5X6. They were and still are sold by Granger. Dayton is a house name brand for Granger.

"Billy G" :whistle:
 
Thanks for the reply guys.

7HC said:
Looks like it was made in the US! :shocked:

If so, the 1/2hp motor is probably equivilant to a 1 1/2hp Chinese one.

Check out this thread: http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general-archive/dayton-4x6-bandsaw-88692/
Click to expand...

That's what I'm hoping for. just wanted to check since I couldn't find any info online - thanks for the link, that was at least a bit of reassurance.

Rbeckett said:
Purp,
Most of those saws are made in the same factory and shipped with different colors. The chinese aren't too bad, but if you get a Taiwan unit they are a shade better. All in all a little TLC and doing the initial adjustmen procedure will make them cut really well. PM me if you need a link to the site with the written down procedure. Takes about an hour to do, pretty simple abd straight forward.
Bob
Click to expand...

thats the plan Bob, since it's an older saw just wanted to see if anyone had any insight on how long they last and how well built they used to be. TLC I have plenty

Bill Gruby said:
Is it a Dayton 2LKT4? If so it is not a 4X6, it is a 5X6. They were and still are sold by Granger. Dayton is a house name brand for Granger.

"Billy G" :whistle:
Click to expand...

Billy, this is a 4x6 not the 2LKT4. I could see it on grainger website it seems like they still sell it. look identical to the HF 4x6

If anyone else has any insight - please feel free to post.
 
The most important thing to do for your saw is to change the gear oil in the gear case. A lot of those units were shipped with casting sand still in the boxes. That resulted in premature bearing and gear wear. I cleaned mine out with mineral spirits and replaced it with Mobil ! synthetis rear end dope. That seems to be the biggest killer of those saws. Most will last for 10-15 years very easilly, with some even reaching 20-25. Once trued and properly adjusted you can get .010 or closer on the cut lengths with minimal wander and warp in the cut. One of the fellows on the 4X6 site was cutting .060 disks off of a round piece of stock with very consistent results. Hope this helps.
Bob
 
a little update -I checked out the bandsaw and while the motor ran, the entire saw seemed like it would require a bit more TLC then I have in stock at the moment (rust, missing parts, squeaking), and the base didn't seem too stable so I decided to pass on this one.

I was actually expecting it to be much quieter than my handheld dewalt, but it didn't seem like it was. at least not considerably quieter.
 
My saw is super quiet, but I did buy it new and tried to take good care of it along the way. All of the stands are flimsy. There is a thread somewhere that shows a 2 drawer file cabinet that is converted to a stand. Slick little mod if you happen to have one not being used for filing. Squeeks are usually a bad thing though, so you probably did well. With the HF sale and a 20% off coupon you can walk out brand bew for around a buck sixty with tax. Just make sure you get a new bi-metal or better blade for it theyr'e 64.5 inches in case you need to know.
Bob
 
Sometimes it just doesn't feel right and it is probably best to listen to that little voice inside. There will be more or like Bob said, wait for the HF sale and a 20% off coupon.
 
yeah thats why I walked away - I could have fixed'r'up for sure, but given it's current condition - whos to say what else might not have been taken care of that will pop up next week, or next month. I'd rather have a saw that works, than another project at the moment. and with the HF 20% coupon that is a viable alternative. although I'd rather have the grizzly white (too bad it's 2x the cost).

will keep my eyes open. in no rush - heck, I've been using a hack saw until a month ago. so I'll be just fine.

Thanks for the replies!
 
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