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Subject:	Re: Upgrading this ole band saw...
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Message Thread:

Upgrading this ole band saw...

10/1/21

Brad

Member

I need to upgrade my ancient 16" Grizzly band saw, but I'm not sure if what I'm needing is possible. I need a bigger support platform as well as increased cutting height. I think there are upgrades out there for increased cutting height but not sure about if there are options for installing a larger platform. I'm hoping my platform mount is of a universal type and there might be an upgrade option out there. Or if I can rig it somehow that'd be acceptable too. Any advice on where the parts I'm needing might be sold?

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10/1/21 #2: Upgrading this ole band saw... ...

RichC

An upgrade for an old import machine is not possible. No such thing as universal platform mount. Look for vintage American made for what you want.

10/1/21 #3: Upgrading this ole band saw... ...

TonyF

Brad:

I don't recall ever seeing riser blocks for anything larger than a 14" band saw. Whether those will work for your particular saw is hard to say, as it might depend more on the dimensions of the arm than anything else, and if the accessories such as the guide posts and guards fit your saw, or can be easily modified.

If your concern about a larger support base is driven by using heavy lumber on the saw, and the extent to which the table cantilevers from the support trunnions, which are probably aluminum or pot metal, Grizzly makes a heavier cast iron trunnion assembly for band saws (link below), but I think it is for their newer generation of band saws. You may be able to retrofit it to your saw, but the flange holes on top of the trunnions may not align with your existing table, which will require additional retrofitting of the existing table, or the purchase of the newer table.

You might spend about $350 in parts and supplies, and about a day's labor, to give yourself a 12" cut, 16" throat, well supported band saw, if the available accessories can be made to fit your saw. You have to decide whether or not it is worth it, versus buying a band saw that is a bit beefier than your current model.

One further consideration is how well you can get the blade to track after the incorporation of the riser block. This can be frustrating at times even on a non-modified band saw, and may possibly be a factor as you use a larger blade and have to determine the proper tensioning to get it to track properly, as well as not tearing up your wheel tires.

Hope this helps. Good luck.
TonyF

Heavy Duty Trunnion

10/1/21 #4: Upgrading this ole band saw... ...

perley bowen

You could have a machine shop make a riser. You could put a ply on table to make as large as you want.

10/1/21 #5: Upgrading this ole band saw... ...

RichC

If you have a riser custom made, you'll also need a blade guide bar made too. You could probable pay for half of an old Yates American for the price of that custom work.

10/2/21 #6: Upgrading this ole band saw... ...

Bill

Member

We bought an old 36" bandsaw, put a couple dollars in it and it would meet any need you have.

10/2/21 #7: Upgrading this ole band saw... ...

Thomas Gardiner

To be blunt, don't waste your time and money "upgrading " a Grizzly saw. Keep it until you find a proper industrial saw for sale near you. Resawing puts a large strain on the cantilevered frame so a massive saw frame will be better at cutting without flex and vibration which wil ruin your cuts.

10/3/21 #8: Upgrading this ole band saw... ...

Hen Bob

Member

I agree with the others, Just look for a bigger more robust machine. Big bandsaws can be found pretty cheap these days, just need to be patient. I bought a 36" Moak for $500 bucks a few years back.

10/23/21 #9: Upgrading this ole band saw... ...

Brad

Member

Thanks for all the advice TonyF. I've since used the table's tapped holes in the side meant for a guide fence and extended the table a bit with some angle iron. My goal was to have it support a circle cutting jig and so far it's working well. I was anticipating needing to cut full sized logs on the table but now that I've found robohippy's log cutting method I won't need to increase my cutting height...so it seems like things have worked themselves out. Glad to have your advice again though that you might as well buy a good quality tool that does what you need, buy once cry once.

Thanks for the other responses too mirroring the advice to get a better machine. Def on the same page now.

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