A rather interesting bandsaw

[crtreedude]

We are starting up our woodshop in the next month or so and I am into the meeting the local woodworkers. I went to see a person who is considered the best carver in the area. He wasn't home so we walked back into his shop to see if he had any examples I could see.

Didn't find any examples, but I did find this.



I have a 10" bandsaw, I might actually see if he will swap when my 17" bandsaw arrives. Cleaned up, what a great conversation piece - think Amy would let me put it in the living room?

[crtreedude]

I don't know if you all can tell - but almost EVERYTHING on the bandsaw is wood.

[breederman]

Well that makes it a whole lot cooler! I would snag it if you can.

[fstedy]

I had one of those years ago in the 1970's it was a kit made by a company Gilliom Mfg. they advertided in wood mags. and Popupar Mechanics. I believe they were located in St Louis, Mo. They supplied the metal castings and you made the frame out of plywood and oak. It was a good machine and the price was right about $40 bucks if I remember right.

[crtreedude]

I wonder how it got down to Costa Rica! 

I don't know if you saw, but the wheels look like old wagon wheels.

[fstedy]

Mine had cast alum. wheels maybe its an earlier version or another design.

[crtreedude]

Having looked at it up close - I don't think it is a kit. This is a common thing down here that I see frequently, someone making a tool. I am sure Harold feels right at home with some of this. ;)

[fstedy]

After thinking about it they did offer a version that you could build your own wheels. The other hardware, blade guides and tensioner sure look similar to the one I had.

[thecfarm]

Did you look out back for a sawmill?

[Todd]

anyone that could make one of those without a bandsaw probably dosen't need one

[crtreedude]

Lots of people have Alaskan style sawmills here - pretty common.

[Don P]

One of the first bandsaws I used was one of the Gilliom kits. I think it had the cast wheels but the tensioner was where that one is. Ours had a formica top, high class  .

[brdmkr]

That is one of the coolest things I have seen.  I have seen plans of a homemade table saw and drum sanders and such, but never anything like that.  It is amazing what a little ingenuity can produce.