6x4 metal cutting band saw. While not very old, it is definitely
a project machine. A lot of people on the web say they can't live without
their little import band saw, even those with a shop full of expensive
domestic metal machines. My attitude was originally "What a bunch of prima
donnas, I'll make do with a hacksaw". The first time I considered cutting
a 50mm (2") piece of solid round bar it quickly changed to "Gotta get a
power saw".
I'd also read these machines were of very poor quality in a number of places: the motor likes to burn out, the belt cover is annoying, the stock vertical mode table is rubbish and the base is too flimsy. As such, a new machine needs quite a bit of work to turn it into something decent. As this machine was found, it had no motor, pulley cover or vertical mode table. The base is indeed rickety and buckled in a few places. Perfect I figured, I won't be paying for the parts I'll end up chucking anyway. Well not quite perfect, the cut off stop and a couple of knobs are also missing (no biggie), as are both 3-step pulleys (definitely an annoying and potentially pricey problem). This machine is made in Taiwan and is of the better variety with the cast iron blade guide assemblies. Bought at auction for about half new price.