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20 inch Davis Wells bandsaw

20 inch Davis Wells bandsaw (post #89677)

George_Ivins on Sat, 03/02/2002 - 19:25

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Looking at a Davis Wells 20" band saw. 3hp-3ph, Carter 600 guides.
Good tires. Needs drive wheel bushing. Any ideas on FAIR price?
This saw is a beast! 7' tall and heavy,so vibration shouldn't be a problem. A parts list/breakdown is also available. This is three times the saw I currently need but as my abilities grow, who knows?
Thanx in advance for your replies. GEO

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by Rick_Rubio in reply to George_Ivins [original] on Wed, 02/27/2002 - 01:13

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George,
Check out http://www.davisandwells.com/usedmachinery.shtml
They list several 20" used Davis & Wells bandsaws from $2500 to $3750. I bought mine from a retired cabinet maker for $850. It needed new tires, which cost $140 to get professionally installed. It's a great machine and I wouldn't part with it if someone offered me 3 times of what I spent on it.
I don't know about a drive wheel bushing. Mine has ball bearings. You could call the number on the web site and they should have the part. If you don't have 3 phase, I would consider getting a 3 ph speed controller and have variable speed as a bonus.

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by George_Ivins in reply to Anonymous [original] on Thu, 02/28/2002 - 02:43

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Rick, Thanx for the reply. Please explain the "3ph speed controler"
I'm familiar with rotary and static "converters" but this is fuzzy to me. The asking price is $650 US!!!!! whooo hooo! All I need now is a few strong backs and weak minds! Whats the smallest blade you've safly run? I imagine that this saw is also a decent re-saw also.
Thanx again GEO

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by Rick_Rubio in reply to Anonymous [original] on Thu, 02/28/2002 - 03:29

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George,
If everything else is in good condition, jump on it if you haven't already. That's a great deal. I was able to move mine with just one strong helper and a pickup. I removed the motor and motor bracket, the table, and wheel cover to lighten it up and so I could lay it down on the truck bed without damaging it.
I don't have any direct experience with electronic 3 phase speed controllers, but someone on the rec.woodturning forum mentioned using one on a lathe with a 3 phase motor, with great results. The device was about $200 for controlling up to 3 hp as I recall. It's a single phase to 3 phase electronic converter which also gives you speed control knob. Maybe you can do a search on the woodturning forum and find the post.
The smallest blade I have used is 1/4", but I think a 1/8" will work just fine. For resawing, I have used 3/4". The saw has no problem tensioning a 3/4" blade, and it zips through 10" wide boards easily. Have fun with your saw!

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by George_Ivins in reply to Anonymous [original] on Sat, 03/02/2002 - 19:25

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Thanx Rick, I'll be picking up the saw today{sat}. I will look up the controller in the archives. My wife thinks I'm a bit overboard, but after looking at prices of others and given the size/capacity of the Davis and Wells she's come around! I wish I had this machine about 8mos ago when I built a crib for my grandson. The crest rail is byrdseye maple 2 in thick with 3'' and 1 1/2' radii that I had to use a jigsaw on. GEO