Old Buffalo 14" bandsaw

[jonmulzer]

I have a chance to pick up an older model Buffalo 14" bandsaw which I believe is one of the generic imported cast iron frame saws for cheap. The only issue is that the guy says the tracking keeps getting off. He says it will run for 5-15 minutes and then the blade comes off the wheels. My guess is that there is a REAL good chance that he just doesn't know how to adjust it or set it up and that is the issue. "Loose nut at the wheel" sort of thing.

If that is not it, what is the worst case scenario? I can sell my Ryobi 10" for enough to pay for it, plus about $30 in parts probably. Not a big deal if it is over that, just wanted to give you guys some idea of cost. Price wise, what do you think this would realistically cost me to get going?

[Martin]

Old buffalo saw

if you look at it, try to determine if it has ball bearings or cast iron bearings. Some of the old saws of that era sold by Wards did not have roller bearings, but had cast iron bearings like a lathe.

[dbhost]

Also check your blade. It is possible the blade has a slight taper and walks toward the thin side until it slides off the wheels.

Not sure about the bearing thing... No idea of the year of MFG or model #, but I recall years ago helping a friend overhaul a 14" Buffalo band saw, it used pretty standard sized roller bearings as I recall, like a car's wheel bearings. I believe we got the replacements at Grainger.

Another item that might influence the blade taking a walk is insufficient tension. Many of these 14" band saws, when equipped with a riser block can't tension enough with the stock spring. The Iturra / Cobra Coil tension spring is a worthwhile investment.

If everything is nice tight and smooth, and the blade is tensioned right, I would be willing to bet he's just not got the saw set up right.

[jonmulzer]

It looks like this one slipped through my grasp. I was going to go get it after we volunteered at the women's shelter. I should have left right then. Apparently I don't have enough good karma stored up yet!!

[jonmulzer]

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/tls/1270246903.html

Anyone want to wager that this is the same one that was I was going to buy for $50?

[tfischer]

Email him from another account and see who replies.

[cgallery]

Email him from another account and see who replies.

Yep, it could be a case of bandsaw arbitrage (someone identified a $50 bargain and is trying to make a buck, or 150, on it).