formariz 11,865 #1 Posted February 1 This is my Makita bandsaw which I have owned for over 25 years. It is virtually unknown to most . It was always a pretty rare machine specialized and dedicated to resawing lumber or machining timber framing parts. It is from the late 70s and along with a very similar model from Hitachi is the only type ever made. It is a machine not used often but essential when the need arises. It works great for its intended purpose by it is an intimidating machine . It takes a 2-1/2” blade the one on it being carbide tipped. It is a noisy machine due to the unusual motor set up. It is a universal motor rotating at 25000 rpm’s geared down to the machine working speed. Something I always wanted to change but never go around to it. It is built like a tank weighing a whopping 450 Lbs . Saw sits low since large timbers heavy are used on it 2-1/2” carbide tipped blade Heavy castings all over. Two lift hooks provided Motor with gear reduction Even wheels are heavy cast iron Table tilts to 45 degrees Lift hooks for fork lift 12-1/2” height capacity 6 3 1 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 24,230 #3 Posted February 1 One question: Why not use a hand saw? Amazing tool!!! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 7,362 #4 Posted February 1 That is a serious piece of machinery. Variable or fixed for blade speed, FPM??? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,897 #5 Posted February 1 9 hours ago, formariz said: It was always a pretty rare machine specialized and dedicated to resawing lumber or machining timber framing parts. Every woodworker dreams of someday owning a resaw bandsaw. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
formariz 11,865 #6 Posted February 1 7 hours ago, ri702bill said: That is a serious piece of machinery. Variable or fixed for blade speed, FPM??? Indeed. Speed is fixed. I don’t know what it is. Never found a manual for it. I know wheels turn at 1150 rpms. I guess that with a little calculating I could figure that out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 10,656 #7 Posted February 1 With 15” wheels, about 1,440 FPM? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
formariz 11,865 #8 Posted February 1 41 minutes ago, Handy Don said: With 15” wheels, about 1,440 FPM? They are 16” wheels. I just need to see what size pulleys and at what speed they are turning. It seems slower than the other bandsaws I have here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 10,656 #9 Posted February 1 I was guessing that the big wheels are turning at about 350 RPM, as does mine at high speed. Circumference: 16” ÷ 12" x π = ~4.2 feet 4.2 * RPM = FPM Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 7,362 #10 Posted February 1 Wow - I was expecting the feet per minute to be less than 600 or so - that is a LOT of blade mass that needs to shed its heat from friction.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 10,656 #11 Posted February 1 16 minutes ago, ri702bill said: Wow - I was expecting the feet per minute to be less than 600 or so - that is a LOT of blade mass that needs to shed its heat from friction.... I'm thinking you might be closer to correct. The heaviest blade my saw handles is ½” so I suspect it is running faster than @formariz's Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
