I just picked up a 1 1/2 hp 1740 rpm motor from a friend today for $30. It’s a VERY clean old Doerr brand motor made in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. After rewiring it to run in reverse, I installed it into my rigid 14” bandsaw that has a 6” riserblock, and many carter upgrades.
Let me say that the saw is a totally different beast now! With the underpowered stock 3/4 HP motor, a very slow feed rate was needed to resaw tall stock. Now it breezes through 10” rock maple without slowing down at all. I am very pleased with the results, and would suggest this to everyone as one of the most needed upgrades to the typical 14” Chinese made saws. Now if I would have just saved my money before I bought this 14” saw, and just bought a well built 17” saw. Oh well, it works well now, and I am happy with it.
-- Julian, Park Forest, IL
4 comments so far
Todd A. Clippinger
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8654 posts in 2270 days
#1 posted 1547 days ago
I made a similar upgrade to a 14” Jet saw a few years ago. It made a dramatic difference. I also had the other upgrades with the riser block and Carter guides. These were all welcome improvements.
I am sure that you will be really happy with it for a long time.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://americancraftsmanworkshop.com
woodworm
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14104 posts in 1761 days
#2 posted 1547 days ago
What a great save!
-- masrol, kuala lumpur, MY.
CedarFreakCarl
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595 posts in 2224 days
#3 posted 1547 days ago
I’ve got the Ridgid BS and you’re right….it’s very under powered. However, if you’re not resawing, it does a pretty good job at everything else. I’ve got a Rikon 18” for resawing. Some of the Ridgid 14” BS’s have vibration issues. How’s it doing for you in that respect?
-- Carl Rast, Pelion, SC
Julian
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880 posts in 1696 days
#4 posted 1547 days ago
The wheels were out of balance a bit, so I drilled partial holes in the outer lip of the wheel where needed. I also added a link belt and a piece of plywood where the motor mounts. There is almost no vibration to speak of now.
-- Julian, Park Forest, IL
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