Users Manual for 12" Craftsmand Bandsaw-Sander

[Bushmaster]

I have a Bandsaw-Sander that I have to pick up and move to my shop (garage). I am looking for a users manual so I can take it apart safely and put it back together. It has been sitting for about 10 years, so I am also not sure it will fire up without cleaning. Finally, I will need a new 80" blade, and I am not sure they make them anymore. Any ideas?

[gwyneth]

Plug the model number into the parts section of the Sears web site and it ought to let you reach a diagram, and possibly order a manual.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Finally, I will need a new 80" blade, and I am not sure they make them anymore. Any ideas?

Lots of folks sell custom length blades. Don't let the word "custom" scare you. In this case custom doesnt necessarily mean expensive. Most custom blades are pretty decent quality as well.

Woodcraft sells the highly regarded Timber Wolf brand in 80". Suggest 1/4" blade for general work and 1/2" blade if you wanna resaw.

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=4810

Hartville has 80" blades in a wider range and probably more of what you are looking for . . .

http://www.hartvilletool.com/product/10803

[linear]

I used to have that saw. I called Sears and they will sell you a manual. No freebie.

There isn't much to it really. I used Lonnie Bird's book in place of a manual.

As noted, 80" is easy to get.

[vaking]

I have one of those - there were several models. 80" blades are easy to get, just stay away from cheap crafstman blades. There are craftsman professional blades - those are OK. Do not bother with belt for sanding. Saw is decent if it works. Gives you 6" resaw without riser. Taking apart - remove legs and that should be enough to get it home.

[linear]

In case it's not obvious, I'd suggest pulling the bolts that fit between the brackets and the stand, not the ones holding the saw casting to the brackets. The whole thing will be easier to reassemble that way.

[Bushmaster]

Thanks

Thanks for all the advice guys. I will look into the blades. As for the sanding, I didnt see this as a real option anyway. Taking the legs off should work for transport. I worry about the weight though.

[linear]

Good news: it's not heavy.

Bad news: because it's not heavy it can vibrate a lot.

[Bushmaster]

Add weight?

When I get it set up, would it help if I add some weight to it? Not sure how exactly, but I think I can figure something out.

[linear]

Things that helped mine:
tension the belt properly
use the leveling feet to level the saw
slightly tweak the blade tension if wobble is excessive

Things that undoubtedly would have helped:
add some weight to the base (sandbags, plywood, whatever)
replace the motor pulley with better balance (I think this one would have been the best upgrade)
change to a link belt

End of the day, mine worked great, vibration and all. I upgraded to a Jet 14" cast iron saw though.