Duro 15" Bandsaw - Info and Opinions Requested

[wwunder]

I'm in the market for a bandsaw and am looking at older cast iron saws from 12" to 15" in size. I'm going to look at a 15" Duro tonight and am wondering if anyone has any information or opinions on them.

I am thinking that I would use a treadmill motor to give variable speeds and use it as a general purpose saw. I do have a little power hacksaw for basic cutoffs, so the bandsaw would be for contour cuts or material that isn't easily held in a vise. I have attached a photo of the saw in question.

Thanks!

 

[wwunder]

I went ahead and picked up the saw last night. It seems to be generally in functional shape. The fence is shot and i'm not sure if its worth salvaging, the motor is underpowered 1/4 hp and I left the stand as I'll be putting it on a more suitable size stand with the motor mounted underneath.

The seller gave me hundreds of feet of bulk blade with it so all I have to do is figure out how to weld them or take them to the local saw shop for welding.

 

[AlanR]

The seller gave me hundreds of feet of bulk blade with it so all I have to do is figure out how to weld them or take them to the local saw shop for welding.

You can braze bandsaw blades, google it. A simple fixture and a grinder to taper the ends is all you need.

 

[drs23]

Nice score. Since you're going to be making a new bench/platform and relocating the motor are you planning a restore or just a return to service on you new to you saw?

 

[wwunder]

I see lee valley tools carries a blade brazing kit for cheapo enough. I think I'll pick that up and give it a try.

As far as restoration goes, I probably won't get too involved. I'll give it a good cleanup and get it running for now unless something needs serious work. With a baby and a toddler at home, i'm lucky to get time in the workshop to use the tools let alone rebuild them!

 

[drs23]

I see lee valley tools carries a blade brazing kit for cheapo enough. I think I'll pick that up and give it a try.

As far as restoration goes, I probably won't get too involved. I'll give it a good cleanup and get it running for now unless something needs serious work. With a baby and a toddler at home, i'm lucky to get time in the workshop to use the tools let alone rebuild them!

Ahh, fully understood. The joys of parenting! I really enjoyed raising my two and yes, it sure cuts into "Daddy Time". I'm in the Grand Kids mode now. I just spoil 'em and send 'em home. :lmao:

 

[wwunder]

Well I popped into basement for a few minutes last night and started cleaning her up. The blade tensioner bolt, spring and nut were rusty so they went into the evaporust bucket. The table tilt handle was really stiff so I dissassembled it and cleaned off the old hardened grease and it moves more easily now.

The previous owner had replaced the upper blade guides at one point because he percieved the new ones were better. The newer guide has a thrust bearing with a concave outer race that I'm not sure if it started flat and wore in or if it was built that way. The bearing is toast so I reinstalled the original one that seems fine, but needs a cleanup. I attached photos of them below.

The trunnions on the saw are interesting. There is a front and a back trunnion that look like brass. The rear trunnion has degree markings and a lock while the front trunnion is relatively free to move. When the lock is loosened, the table has some front to back play in addition to the tilt.