Buffalo 14" Bandsaw advice?

[chopnhack]

Hello all, I found a deal? on a Buffalo 14" bandsaw. It's older as the company is no longer around but apparently parts can still be had as most items are interchangeable. Does anyone have one or have experience with one? What should I be on the look out for as this is an older used model?
Thanks all for your input

[Hoover]

While I know nothing about the brand, I am assuming it is probably a Taiwanese import from the late 70s to the late 80s. The best thing to do is give it a test run, and check out the saw. If it works good, not a lot of vibration, and no damage or worn out parts, it might be worth $75 to $100 tops for it. Some of the earlier imports were the same or similar to Harbor Freight and some of the Grizzly line, (1019 model). The early saws don't seem to have many propietary parts. I don't know if this helps, I am just throwing it out there. Good luck.

[Uncle Cracker]

Look for cracks in the iron castings, particularly near where the top wheel section meets the vertical column. Put a nickel on the table and run the saw, and if the nickel walks around, there may be a problem. Look at the "tires" on the wheels to see if they are worn or have deep grooves. Look for any wobble in the blade as it runs. Check that the blade continues to "run on" smoothly for a time (30 seconds or more) after the power is shut down. Check the guides and thrust bearings for wear. Grab the table and look for any "give" that might indicate a cracked trunnion (the mounting assembly that attaches the table to the main body of the saw). Check out the fence system for proper operation and stability. Check the blade tensioning system for any problems. If everything looks OK, see if you can make a good deal...

[Garasaki]

Buffalo is similar to central machinary (harbor freight). Not high quality. But if it's built in the late 70s early 80s, it's better quality then cheap stuff built now.

It's not american made.

[chopnhack]

Thank you all for good info/input. The owner is looking for $85 for it but he mentions that it does need new belts (I am assuming he means the tires). If upon inspection that is the only thing necessary I was thinking of offering $65. Seemed like a fair price to me. Thanks again.

[Uncle Cracker]

He may also mean the belt from the motor spindle to the lower wheel...

[chopnhack]

Hmm...good point Uncle C. that would make it much harder to inspect the unit to see if its in good running condition. Any suggestions, should I take some twine and fashion a temp. belt LOL

[Garasaki]

I think I'd buy something like that for 65 bucks. Especially since I'm currently bandsawless.

It'd be plenty adequate until I could find a really nice, reasonably priced piece of old arn to replace it with.

At that price, you can use it till you find a good opportunity to replace it, then sell it and it would easily command the price you paid for it.

[chopnhack]

I'll keep you posted, will speak with seller tom. Thanks again all.

[Uncle Cracker]

Hmm...good point Uncle C. that would make it much harder to inspect the unit to see if its in good running condition. Any suggestions, should I take some twine and fashion a temp. belt LOL

You may be able to find one of those adjustable link belts locally that will fit. They work better for a bandsaw anyway, especially if it is only used occasionally, because they are quieter (they don't get out of round from sitting in one place). Tell the owner that you will sell it to him at cost if you don't buy the saw.