Check out this bandsaw

[Mike Stateler]

I have an opportunity to submit a sealed bid for this bandsaw where I work. I haven't seen it yet and don't even know the brand, but I plan to look it over tonight or tomorrow. It looks like it would be just the ticket for resawing tops and backs and it looks sturdy enough that even if it needs repairs it would be worth considering. I have until Thursday to submit my bid. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Mike

[Luthier]

Mike, if you can find out the widest blade it can take, the make of the machine, and what the bandsaw was primarily used for. Just from the photo, however, it appears to be an industrial quality machine that you may want to look into.

Don

[douglas2cats]

Since it does look like an industrial machine, there's a chance it could require 3-phase 220 power, which you probably don't have. The cost of an inverter to use with your 220 single phase home power could significantly add to the cost - maybe even more than what you pay for the machine itself. Just be sure you're able to use it with your setup. Also - any clue how much under-blade capacitiy it has ?

[Mike Stateler]

Thanks guys for the input. I looked it over and it can run on 115,208,or 230 volts. I couldn't find out the blade widths, but the length was 144". I placed my bid and will know later today.

[Talon]

Inverters are normally used to change DC power to AC power. What a person would need is a phase CONverter. There are two basic types of phase converters on the market which let 3 phase motors run using single phase power. The two types are referred to as static and rotary. The static converter is basically only a start circuit that once the motor starts, disengages and lets the motor run on single phase power. The disadvantage of this method is that the motor winding currents will be very unbalanced and the motor will not be able to run above about two-thirds its rated horsepower. The rotary converter provides current in all 3 phases and although not perfect, will allow a motor to provide all or nearly all its rated horsepower. If the motor has a service factor of 1.15 to 1.25 then you should be able to use full rated horsepower. You can build these types on your own, You can even make a self starting type of rotary phase converter, #that is even easier. I see he wont be needing one though. You could also use a Scott connection "teaser transformer".

[douglas2cats]

I knew someone would know more about the power details. I just wanted to make sure he checked it out. I almost bought a used jointer several years ago that I wouldn't have been able to use as is. Fortunately the seller was decent enough to alert me to the fact that there are 2 flavors of 220V power & that a lot of the larger industrial machines use 3-phase.

[sunburst]

I don't know the details, but I have a friend who does know how to make rotary phase converters. It actually turns out to be pretty inexpensive if you have an extra 3 phase motor lying around that is of higher horsepower rating than the one or ones you intend to run.
3 phase motors tend to sell used for less than single phase motors because of people changing motors to convert tools to single phase.
I'm looking at a 12 inch jointer (five horsepower) right now that is 3 phase direct drive. I don't think it will be practical to change motors, so if I get the tool I'll be running a converter most likely.

Hope you get the bandsaw! it looks like a good one.

[Jim Hilburn]

While that saw looks great for re-sawing, it's not going to be very useful as a general luthier workshop saw. I can re-saw 5-6 " wood for 2-piece tops and backs on my old 12" Craftsman, so the only thing I have to farm out is one piece backs. Keep this in mind. Of Course, if you get it for a song, then go for it.

[Mike Stateler]

Thanks to everyone for the input, but I found out today I didn't have the high bid. #Maybe next time. # #Mike