Re: DoAll band saws: older vs newer

Used to be the price you wanted on clean used DoAll bandsaws was $100/inch, i.e. a 16" saw should cost $1600. Around the Seattle area we tend to get stripped and rusty hulks for about twice that, so I gave up years ago. - GWE

Ned Simmons wrote:

In article <KNqdnez8vYjSnkLeRVn-hg@xxxxxxx>, physical@xxxxxxxxx says...

Awl--

I'm in the market for a 16" DoAll, and came across a local dealer w/ an interesting older model.
It's much heavier than more recent models, w/ some neat features, one of them is a weight-driven power feed! Actuated by a foot pedal in front, and chains/wire rope that hook to a doodad that holds the work. !!
It is variable speed (2 ranges), old blade welder, side rail on the table like what's on a table saw, about 7 feet tall. Big metal circular speed chart on the front, lite, *dust blower*, probably other stuff I forgot about. Seems in good condition.

Did I say it's *heavy*?!  I think a 3/4" base plate.

Not as sleek/compact as my buddy's not-as-old 16" DoAll, but seems to have many more bells/whistles. I'm leaning toward the lighter version, tho, being a one-dude shop...

Asking $1600, also a bit more than I want to spend.
A good/decent deal?  Are the older DoAlls a good bet?

One thing I wonder about on DoAll's is that they don't use ball bearing guides for the blade. Anyone ever add these?

Appreciate all opinions.


That sounds like an ML or Metalmaster. I've got a 1948 ML, the Metalmasters go back to the late 30s. They seem to be more rugged no-
compromise machines compared to the newer small DoAlls. The newer saws do have a wider speed range on the high end. The MLs top out at 1500FPM - not a big deal unless you're planning on doing a lot of wood sawing or want friction sawing capability.

$1600 sounds reasonable to me for a saw that you can inspect and try out from a reputable dealer. I've seen these saws sell on ebay and at auctions for under $1000.

Ned Simmons

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