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The saw in operation |
WARNING! - I don't recommend anyone attempt this unless they are willing to assume the risk of electrical shock, because your working with electrical equipment and water in close proximity to each other. Take all necessary precautions to avoid electrical shock. Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) when operating this equipment.
Equipment and Parts:
I choose a reconditioned SKIL Model 3386-01 Band Saw for several reasons. Corrosion was of primary concern, and the body of this saw is constructed almost entirely with plastic and aluminum. However, all the bolts, nuts and screws are steel. The saw blade wheels are manufactured with aluminum, but the bearings appeared to be double-sealed, which means they are not water proof, but are resistant to dust.- SKLR3386-01-RT Reconditioned SKIL 9" Band Saw with Light $89.99
- 301395925194 KENT 59.4"x1/4", Band Saw Blade Diamond Coated $102.00 Each
- 90131A553 Abrasion-Resistant Cushioning Washer, SBR Rubber, 1/2" Screw Size, 0.500" ID, 2.250" OD (Packs of 10) $7.55
- 10095K51 Loc-Line Any-Which-Way Coolant Hose 1/4" ID, Coolant Supply Valve, 1/4" NPT Male (Packs of 2) $10.98
- 10095K42 1' Length of 1/4" ID Loc-Line Any-Which-Way Coolant Hose $6.59 per pack of 1
- 10095K17 1/16" Diameter Round Nozzle for 1/4" ID Loc-Line Any-Which-Way Coolant Hose $4.35 per pack of 4
- 10095K62 Bracket Mount Manifold for 1/4" ID Loc-Line Any-Which-Way Coolant Hose $14.67 Each
- E982DFN-CTN CARLON 1/2-in Schedule 40 PVC Transition Type FSS - Single Gang Box $5.58 Each
- PTC100GY Hubbell TayMac 1-Gang Rectangle Plastic Weatherproof Electrical Box Cover $4.27 Each
- 15-Amp Switch $4.90 Each
- 871980305016 GeoGlobal Fountain Pump 70-130 GPH $21.98
- CB50040BL Olson Cool Blocks 1/4" $17
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Previous location of Main Power switch, and covered with a piece of plastic sealed with silicon. Seal wire for LED light with silicon. |
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Weather proof single gang box and switch located on back of saw. |
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Back of Band Saw. Note: I haven't fabricated a cover for the motor yet. |
The saw was plumbed to provide water/cutting fluid to the diamond blade. All of the plastic parts for the coolant hose were purchased from McMaster-Carr, and the part numbers are shown above. The brass parts and hoses were purchased locally at Sears.
The water/cutting fluid system is powered by a fountain pump. I purchased a 70-130 GPH pump for this purpose, which may be more than enough flow for the saw. However, the flow from the pump is adjustable, and the next smallest size was not much cheaper than the model I purchased.
When using the saw we place it on a 16"x10"x5.5" base constructed of 3/4" PVC siding.
This base sits in a 40qt. - 16.8"Wx24.14"Dx7.8"H plastic container as seen below.
One other modification I made was the addition of a Sling Washer between the small drive pulley and the motor bearing. I used an Abrasion-Resistant Cushioning Washer, SBR Rubber, 1/2" Screw Size, 0.500" ID, 2.250" OD as seen below. Sling Washers are common items on water pump shafts to prevent water from creeping up the shaft and into the motor bearings.
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Sling Washer |
NOTE: I have not constructed a cover for the top of motor yet, and temporarily cover the motor with a piece of plastic. Some sort of cover MUST be added to prevent water dripping into the motor housing.
Conclusion:
After completing the conversion, I was extremely disappointed with the blade tracking of the SKIL Model 3386-01 Band Saw. The upper wheel mount and the adjustment mechanism for this saw was poorly designed, cheap and resulted in a great deal of play and difficulties with tracking. I found the upper and lower wheels were not parallel, and required shimming of the upper wheel mount. The lower wheel has no adjustments. This requires all adjustments for alignment to be made by the upper wheel mount.
After tuning the machine, we were able to cut 2"-3" thick slabs fairly easily, and the motor never slowed. We also cut a wine bottle in half very easily. Overall, the saw worked as I had hoped, and my only complaint is the blade tracking mechanism.
Is this a less expensive alternative to buying a lapidary/diamond band saw...maybe. There are small inexpensive wood cutting band saws on the market that might be better candidates for conversion than this make and model.
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