Resawing with a half horsepower motor?
I just bought a used Delta 14″ bandsaw. It has the open leg stand, and a one-half horsepower motor. I was considering purchasing a riser kit for it. I have some spalted beech in my firewood pile that I would like to use for something. I would only need to resaw something this thick on a rare occasion.
I have read that for this bandsaw cutting 12″ thick, I would need a bigger motor. Some things I’ve read or been told say that a three-quarter horsepower motor would be adequate, others say that I need a 1 horsepower. Still others say that the half horse is good enough for occasional resawing.
I’d like to get a riser so that I can resaw some logs, if this motor is adequate. But, I don’t want to spend money on a riser AND a new motor. I need some advice on what to do before I start buying blades.
Replies
1HP PLUSSSSS
I have a Jet 14" w/riser block 1HP motor. I do some resawing using a 1/2" 3Hook blade. and it is sloooow gowing in maple, not too bad in poplar. But still a boring process.
IMHO most band saws are way underpowered. as far as resawing goes.
Bruce, Nah
Tighten the belt. All will be revealed.
I can feel the tension now.
My belt is tight , 1/4" deflection with a pretty force applied to center of belt.
aaalll right then maybe . . .
a pulley slipping on the shaft. Set screw not tight ?
One thing came to mind after I spouted off before : are you on 220 volt or 110 ? 220 best if your motor can be changed over.
Here is info for the OP
There are several threads here about 14" saws and 1 horse power or less for occasional resawing. Here is one. Attention to detail is everything.
http://forums.finewoodworking.com/node/118177
Here is a bit I copied from the thread at Jedd100 s coment part way down the thread. I agree.
I quote:
I used to have the industrial model Grizzly 14" bandsaw with the 3/4 HP motor and cast iron wheels, it was an excellent saw for resawing. I sold that saw and now have the Griz 17" Extreme model with the cast iron wheels, and WITH THE RIGHT BLADE is a resawing dream machine. I love it, cutting my own veneers all day long.. . . . Anyway, with the right blade and a properly setup saw, 3/4 HP has proven to be plenty adequate up to 10" or so, 1-1/2 HP plenty for resawing up to 14" or so in my experience. You MUST have the right blade however and good dust/chip collection is critical as well. Good luck. IF you don't have these attributes, then yes, you need a lot of HP to plow your way thru.
End quote
Of course bigger is more fun but one can get by with much less for occasional work.
220 on tablesaw, DeWalt GP radial arm, Boice Crane 6" Jointer, dust collector and plan on the Bandsaw, as the saying goes, when time and manpower permit. ;-0
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