4x6 HarborFreight Bandsaw

[Hobweld]

I can't say enough about this little gem, money well spent for sure. I did take the advice of others I had read and changed the gearbox oil. I must say while I didn't see any sand which has been reported by others, I did see the biggest glob of goo in a off green metallic color. If that stuff was gear oil I don't even want to know where it came from. All better though and the gears don't show any sign of wear, but sure glad to get that gunk out of there. I can only guess the metal particles were from break in on the initial start up. I would sure suggest to anyone thinking of buying one to go for it.
Ken

[fla jim]

Congradulations.
That a good deal for $150 bucks. A couple of good projects for it would be a better stand. And a modification of the vise to clamp short stock. I drilled and tapped the movable jaw for a 3/8" x 16 clamp.

[Hobweld]

Deluxe quality stand?!!! I popped a weld on a hinge just taking it out of the dang box.
Oh for sure the stand has got to go, my back isn't what it used to be and that thing could use a good six inches I'd say in height.
Didn't yours have a blue painted square tubing stand you built? What height did you build yours to?

[fla jim]

The base that the stock sits on is at 31.5" I made it that height to match a stand that I have to support long stock.

[Aaron]

I must be different, then. I made mine several inches lower, so it will easily sit under a workbench when not in use. My shop isn't as magic as yours, Jim, so I need the space!

One advantage to the lower height is that it's COG is low. It should never flip over. I've tested that already, by putting it in a trailer and dragging it across town. :D

Mine is also made of 1-1/2" Sq-SS tube. It will last much longer than the saw ever will. :D

[fla jim]

I made the base wide enough to tipping is not a problem. The saw has it own space in the magic garage. In front of the Air compressor, between the plasma buggy, and the work bench.:dizzy:
Come to think of it isn't Tipping The city in China where HF stuff comes from:laugh:

[Dman033189]

What kind of oil did you use? Probly should know but I new.:rolleyes:

[fla jim]

SAE 85 W 90 gear oil

[Jim314]

Thanks for the idea on the short stock clamp Jim.

[Mike W]

Dang, I guess I will have to make a bright blue stand for mine now. I also should look inside the gearbox. I bought it in........1975? :rolleyes:

[rusted]

Originally posted by Dman033189
What kind of oil did you use? Probly should know but I new.:rolleyes:

FWIW the manual specifies 140w gear oil.

I also love the thing. I cut out a few pieces of angle stock, and they miced out at 1" +-.005" I was impressed for the first 4 pieces of metal I've cut with a bandsaw. I had it set up and running in an hour, although I did pop the blade off once adjusting it. Mine was all out of whack :confused: Doing fine now though, was a good exercise for me to use all the adjustments.

I've read the famous bandsaw page, and I'm just starting on the forum. The belt housing has GOTTA go for sure. I believe it's actually more dangerous than no housing at all. The stand can wait for a while, it's just for my shop so I can baby it along, although it'll be my first project when the house is re-wired.

The supposed 'handle' for the stand was no where NEAR to fitting in the pre-drilled holes. I got a good laugh out of the ancillary parts but the machine itself I'm very impressed with for $169.

[Dman033189]

I totally agree with the housing it was rubbing for a while until it burned thru. Whhat are you going to replace it with? I just put in the oil that fla jim said.