The most useful modification I did to my cheap little 4x6 saw was to convert it into a 4x8 saw. I mostly use it for cutting blanks from aluminum bar stock. I use a lot of 1/2 by 6 and 3/4 by six. As you probably know the dimensions of aluminum flat bar varies from one extruder to the next. If I was cutting a batch that was exactly 6 inches I could push on it, and the rollers would rub. If it was a hair over 6 as some is, it would hang up. Can no longer do a
The blade technically does not have to be that tight. The saw will work anyway if it is tight enough to stay on the wheels. These factors are to make the saw work at it's best. All the adjustments being correct and blade tension and type being correct and cutting force being correct make the saw cut faster, give a good finish, make the blade last longer, and make it cut straighter. The band saw is just like any of your other Machines, it performs best when all the conditions are right.I've been rebuilding a 70s Taiwan 4x6 for over a year now. I have essentially redone everything short of pouring the cast iron. Gearbox, bearings, guides, etc.
This saw must have been a prototype that somehow escaped the factory LOL Hopefully will be cutting before winter!
Mark S.
ps nice to know about the blade tension-I had no idea it had to be so tight!
I made a similar change but I did not alter the back fence, so I can still cut angles. I made a second movable jaw that let's me cut a bit over 7 inches. I simply remove the movable jaw and install my other movable jaw.
I have had the same Taiwan 4X6 band saw for decades. It’s the only not USA machine I own. Not really proud of that fact, but it does work, and does a darn good job of it. It has a few quirks. The worst one is blade tension. I must tighten the blade tension as tight as can be or the blade will just slip right off the wheels at first cut. After I’m done using the saw, I always undo the blade tension, don’t want all that stress on everything when I’m not using it. I have looked at the problem a bit. Not seeing anything that stands out as the cause. So, I just tighten the blade as tight as I can and it’s all happy. I have the original knob, no cheater bar or extra leverage, just my hand on the knob for tightening…Dave
PS: I put pure STP in the gear box. Have not had a problem with the gear box. Maybe because I used STP???