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Oldtool
891 posts
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16 followers
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in over 2 years
Bandsaw Riser Block
This forum is in response to a private message from another member, asking where I purchased my riser block for my Hitachi CB13F saw. Unfortunately I must have deleted the message by mistake when going to look for my paperwork, although I don't think I did.
I purchased my riser from the Sears / Craftsman Parts sales website. Turns out the Craftsman saw was manufactured by Hitachi. Sears had the part, Hitachi did not.
If this source is now defunct, here's a YT video on how to make a wooden riser for any bandsaw,
https://youtu.be/6Dwm_v3y0pg?si=txkcxGC-zb00SG2i
NOTE; the link above only works for me if I copy and paste in my browser search. Don't know why, but you can search YT for "Can you maker your own riser block out of wood?"
Another link for same video, this one copied in YouTube:
https://youtu.be/6Dwm_v3y0pg?si=_DW4MO5JoCESz_TE
I hope the member who sent me the PM sees this post, and maybe help others as well,
Good luck,
I purchased my riser from the Sears / Craftsman Parts sales website. Turns out the Craftsman saw was manufactured by Hitachi. Sears had the part, Hitachi did not.
If this source is now defunct, here's a YT video on how to make a wooden riser for any bandsaw,
https://youtu.be/6Dwm_v3y0pg?si=txkcxGC-zb00SG2i
NOTE; the link above only works for me if I copy and paste in my browser search. Don't know why, but you can search YT for "Can you maker your own riser block out of wood?"
Another link for same video, this one copied in YouTube:
https://youtu.be/6Dwm_v3y0pg?si=_DW4MO5JoCESz_TE
I hope the member who sent me the PM sees this post, and maybe help others as well,
Good luck,
7 Replies
An additional note. I have a HF 14" BS. It's a Delta clone, but the finish was POS quality, so I swapped in a lot of Carter parts, and the easy stuff like thumb screws and stuff where they had really cheesy parts, they are tapped so parts with big old wings on the thumbscrews, and such are easy to actually use, anyhow I wanted a riser, and everywhere I looked for one I was told they no longer sell them. Called HF one day on a Customer Service issue, while talking I mentioned I would love to have a riser for my bandsaw, and he said that would be $102.56. I'm like whatttt? He said the price again. I 'm like no, you mean you actually have them???? He's like, thousands of them. Sales does not sell them, customer service does.
So my HF POS BS has been converted to an 11 1/2" resawing, really fine machine, which got even finer when I threw in a Baldor 2 HP motor. I figure it's about 750 bux worth of bandsaw. I mostly make boxes with mine, but it's my curve cutter, and my actual resaw machine is an 18" Rikon. I got on a flash sale for 750.00 about 14 years ago. Won the HF saw in a poker game, where I ended up losing 20 real bux, so I figure it cost me 20 dollahs.
So my HF POS BS has been converted to an 11 1/2" resawing, really fine machine, which got even finer when I threw in a Baldor 2 HP motor. I figure it's about 750 bux worth of bandsaw. I mostly make boxes with mine, but it's my curve cutter, and my actual resaw machine is an 18" Rikon. I got on a flash sale for 750.00 about 14 years ago. Won the HF saw in a poker game, where I ended up losing 20 real bux, so I figure it cost me 20 dollahs.
Craftisian does not seem to recognize YouTube URLs in the format youtu.be. They have to be youtube.com format.
--Nathan, TX. Hire the lazy man. He may not do as much work but that's because he will find a better way.
Lazyman. ......... 👍👍
After having added an official riser block, I realized the best thing they offer is on the guard side, which the block of wood riser doesn't. Otherwise the block of wood could be a fine spacer, to be a riser. Me personally I like having the longer guard/blade shield. I suppose guys like Kenny, or Jim who can also do a lot of perfect metal work could roll their own guard. I don't do that well with metal myself, so a set up like I have works best for me. If made incorrectly I can see a lot more issues then just being a bit wonky. But I do like my guards, and use them on all cuts where I can.
Mr. West,
I agree with your input on riser blocks and blade guards. In the shop safety first is a must. When I installed my riser on the Hitachi CB13F, I included the extended blade guard with it. Last thing I need is to lose part of another finger.
I also installed additional options, like the quick tensioning lever from a Grizzly saw. This sure beats twisting the tensioning knob until your hand cramps.
I agree with your input on riser blocks and blade guards. In the shop safety first is a must. When I installed my riser on the Hitachi CB13F, I included the extended blade guard with it. Last thing I need is to lose part of another finger.
I also installed additional options, like the quick tensioning lever from a Grizzly saw. This sure beats twisting the tensioning knob until your hand cramps.
My 18" Rikon, is close to stock, but my 14" Delta clone, and HF special. I added the Carter de-tensioner, and sometimes use it. I think the biggest Carter add on was changing the crappy little knob that took a week to turn a few times, to a Carter tall tension knob, it makes changing tension a dream. I also have the small blade guide on it, and it's turned it from a metal block POS to a Ferrari. With a small blade, usually 1/8" or 3/16" it turns on itself. Makes a bandsaw box easy as pie. I blame Alex for all of them, he'd do a demo, and next I knew I was standing in line to buy one.
Ah yes, Alex Snodgrass, I've viewed him many times early on, but not so much now as I'm not having any problems.
