Homemade or Shop Built Bandsaw....?

[tod evans]

stu, still workin` on my first cup so the ol` brain cell ain`t up to speed yet... but the front spindle of an old camaro or such would be severe overkill for the top wheel and 15" rims are a dime a dozen. i could see a double pillow block and shaft set-up working for the drive wheel.....maybe the rear axle turned down to fit the pillow blocks?.....do you have access to a metal lathe? ........man this thing i`m envisioning would be heavy!! better quit typing and drink coffee ...tod

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

stu, still workin` on my first cup so the ol` brain cell ain`t up to speed yet... but the front spindle of an old camaro or such would be severe overkill for the top wheel and 15" rims are a dime a dozen. i could see a double pillow block and shaft set-up working for the drive wheel.....maybe the rear axle turned down to fit the pillow blocks?.....do you have access to a metal lathe? ........man this thing i`m envisioning would be heavy!! better quit typing and drink coffee ...tod

Well, I'm on my 12th hour at work, and I'm drinking coffee too......... hasn't really helped

I don't want this thing to be a MONSTER, remember, I have Big Blue for BIG resaw, so I really only need a curve cutter.

Maybe motorcycle or even scooter wheels and spindles.....?

The scooters have single sided swingarms too..........

I don't have access to a metal lathe, but I'm working on an idea of making a set up to use my DVR for light metal work.

Cheers!

[Rick Lizek]

Gilliom Manufacturing
P.O. Box 1018
St. Charles, Mo 63302
636-724-1812 ...no web presence, definitely old timers!
This company has been selling kits to make basic wood machines including bandsaws from plywood. There are also a few companies that sells plans and kits on making bandmills using auto tires for the wheels so you aren't the first to attempt building a bandsaw. Plywood wheels and aftermarket urethane tires would be a simple option.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Thanks Rick, I can Skype them and save the long distance charges

or I could even send them a SNAIL MAIL letter..........

Cheers!

[Wes Bischel]

Stu,
A couple links for your viewing enjoyment!

http://www.vintageprojects.com/power-tools/bandsaw.html

http://www.bedair.org/Bandsaw.html

http://www.vintageprojects.com/power...e-bandsaw.html

Okay, maybe update the last one from model T to Toyota.

I think I may have one or two more around, I'll check. Also, there is a book on making a horizontal/vertical saw by Vincent Gingery - out of print though.

Wes

[Paul Libby]

I helped an neighbor make a Gilliom 12" band saw, about 20 years ago. He was retired and an avid wood carver. Cut with the saw every day. Seems like the tires were pretty cheap and had to be replaced, but the rest of the saw was fine. We used 3/4" ply and clear Douglas fir 2X stock for the saw, and if I recall correctly a formica sink cut out for the table. If you look at their kits, and assemble one on a steel frame.....

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Thanks for the info Paul, I'm going to send them a letter.

Cheers!

[Bud Zysk]

Gilliom Manufacturing
P.O. Box 1018
St. Charles, Mo 63302
636-724-1812 ...no web presence, definitely old timers!
This company has been selling kits to make basic wood machines including bandsaws from plywood. There are also a few companies that sells plans and kits on making bandmills using auto tires for the wheels so you aren't the first to attempt building a bandsaw. Plywood wheels and aftermarket urethane tires would be a simple option.

My Dad made a BS from their plans and parts. Worked pretty good, IIRC.

[randy street]

Hey Stu,

Here's one of their old ad's.

Regards

Randy