So I have been using my bandsaw to cut the pieces of aluminum that I use for my amp projects. The problem with doing this was that every time I wanted to use it, I had to fight with the motor mount and pulleys to change the saw speed, mount a different blade, then tune the saw for that blade. Overall it was a major PITA and because of this, I was sometimes reluctant to work on a project. So I stumbled on what I think was a relatively low cost solution.
I began looking around at various resale and reuse places that specialize in reselling salvage items. They typically handle lots of architectural items, like windows and cabinets, but also tend to collect all manner of old interesting stuff. So I found this old table saw that was actually produced in 1937.
Attachment:
Saw as Purchased.jpg
It cost me a whopping $35 USD (Original cost in 1937 was $33.50 USD so I guess you could say it held it's value well
). And yes it actually ran when I got it. I know that it looks a little rough but these old saws are mostly cast iron that stands up relatively well to time.
So I took it back to my shop, tore it down, removed the rust, cleaned up and painted the parts, repacked the bearings, and put it back together with a non-ferrous metal cutting blade. Then I put together a little rolling table for it from materials I already had around the shop and mounted it on top. This is the result.
Attachment:
Saw_on_table.jpg
It turned out rather well and now I have a dedicated saw for cutting metal whenever I want to use it. I think the entire project cost me less than $100 USD all told. And this saw will probably serve me for as long as I live and probably for my children as well.
So I'm wondering, what have other people on the forum done for their own tooling and amp production. I'd like to see what other people have done to solve problems or just make their hobby more productive and/or enjoyable. Anything goes big or small. These are potential tips and trick that can help us all.
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