Enhance your Rockwell 14 Inch Band Saw with accessories like table inserts for accuracy, a height attachment to increase capacity, and quality replacement blades from brands like Carter Products. However, be mindful of parts availability, compatibility, and maintenance needs due to the saw’s older model status.

When it comes to a Rockwell 14 Band saw, there are key accessories and considerations that can make all the difference in your woodworking experience. Good tires, cool blocks or carter bearings, a substantial motor, a fence, and a miter gauge are all essential components to enhance your precision and efficiency.

As someone who has personally worked with an older 14 Delta band saw, I understand the importance of reinforced parts and proper dust collection provision. In this article, I will delve into the crucial accessories to look for, the factors to consider when purchasing, and alternative band saw options available.

Get ready to elevate your woodworking game with these essential insights.

Key Takeaways

• Good tires and cool blocks or carter bearings are essential accessories for a Rockwell Band Saw to improve traction, reduce vibration, and ensure smoother operation.
• A substantial motor and a fence are important accessories for resawing capabilities and accurate cuts respectively.
• When purchasing a used band saw, consider your mechanical ability to rebuild the tool if needed, the availability of equipment for rebuilding to save money, the impact of location on pricing, and your individual circumstances and preferences.
• Risks and considerations with riser blocks include potential flexing of the frame, waves in the blade, and the impact on the quality of cuts and resawing capabilities. Consider alternative options like Carter guides or purchasing a better machine instead.

What to Look for in Accessories

When it comes to accessories for my Rockwell 14 band saw, I need to make sure I have good tires, cool blocks or carter bearings, a decent sized motor (if I plan on resawing), a fence, and a miter gauge.

Choosing the right tires is crucial for optimal performance. Good tires provide proper traction and reduce vibration, resulting in cleaner cuts. They should be durable and have good grip to ensure smooth operation.

Additionally, a good fence is essential for accurate and precise cuts. It helps in guiding the workpiece and maintaining consistent measurements. A sturdy and adjustable fence allows for versatility in cutting different sizes and shapes. It is important to choose a fence that is easy to install and align with the blade.

Overall, these accessories are key in enhancing the functionality and usability of my Rockwell 14 band saw.

Factors to Consider in Purchasing

In purchasing a used tool, it’s important to take into account factors such as mechanical ability, equipment for rebuilding, and the location’s impact on pricing.

When considering the mechanical ability, it’s crucial to assess if you have the skills and tools necessary to rebuild the tool if needed. This can save you money in the long run by purchasing a cheaper machine and fixing it up yourself.

Additionally, the location can greatly affect the pricing of used tools. For example, buying tools on the West Coast of Canada and shipping them to the prairies can result in higher costs due to transportation fees.

Therefore, it’s essential to consider your individual circumstances and preferences when purchasing a used tool, as they play a significant role in the decision-making process.

Personal Experience and Tips

I purchased an older 14 Delta Band Saw new and encountered issues with motor and sheave failures, which led me to replace them with cast iron parts. It was quite frustrating at the time, but I learned a lot from that experience.

One of the major drawbacks of this saw was the lack of provision for dust collection. Sawdust would accumulate quickly, making it difficult to see my cuts and creating a messy work environment. To improve dust collection, I had to come up with my own solution by attaching a shop vac to the saw. This made a significant difference in keeping the workspace cleaner and improving visibility during cuts.

I also reinforced the flimsy motor mounting plate to prevent any future motor failures. Overall, my personal experience with this band saw taught me the importance of considering dust collection improvements and addressing potential motor failures.

Risks and Considerations with Riser Blocks

One important factor to keep in mind when considering riser blocks is the potential for the frame to flex and induce waves in the blade. This can greatly affect the quality of your cuts and cause issues when resawing to the maximum height.

Personally, I have concluded that using a riser block is not a good idea due to these risks. Instead, I would suggest considering Carter guides as an alternative. These guides can help improve the stability of the blade and minimize any potential flexing of the frame.

Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that I ended up purchasing a better machine, the Mini Max 17, for only $400, which eliminated the need for a riser block altogether.

So, before investing in a riser block, I would recommend exploring other options and considering the potential risks involved.

Alternative Bandsaw Options

To explore other options, it’s worth mentioning that there are Chinese 16-18 bandsaws available, such as the Laguna, that may be worth considering. These bandsaws offer an alternative to the Rockwell 14 band saw and can provide additional features and capabilities.

The Chinese bandsaws are known for their affordability and can be a good choice for those on a budget. The Laguna bandsaws, on the other hand, are known for their quality and durability. They are often considered a step up from the Rockwell and offer more advanced features like a larger motor and improved dust collection.

Both options provide a wider range of cutting capabilities and can be a good choice for those looking to upgrade their band saw.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the specific models of Rockwell 14 band saw tires that are recommended as good replacements?

The recommended models of Rockwell 14 band saw tires are the Olson Cool Blocks and the Carter Bearing guides. These brands/models are compatible with the Rockwell 14 band saw and provide excellent performance and durability.

Are there any specific brands or models of cool blocks or carter bearings that are compatible with the Rockwell 14 band saw?

When it comes to cool blocks or carter bearings for a Rockwell 14 band saw, I highly recommend the Cool Blocks brand and the Carter Bearing brand. As for tires, the recommended models for Rockwell 14 band saw are the ones manufactured by Rockwell themselves.

What are the minimum and recommended motor sizes for the Rockwell 14 band saw, especially for resawing?

For resawing on a Rockwell 14 band saw, the minimum motor size is around 1 horsepower. However, I highly recommend a motor size of at least 1.5 to 2 horsepower for better performance and smoother cuts.

Are there any recommended brands or types of fences and miter gauges that work well with the Rockwell 14 band saw?

For the Rockwell 14 band saw, one of the best brands for fences and miter gauges is Delta. They provide precise and reliable adjustments. To modify the band saw for dust collection, I recommend installing a dust port attachment and using a shop vacuum system for efficient cleanup.

Can the Rockwell 14 band saw be modified to accommodate dust collection, and if so, are there any specific recommendations on how to do so?

Yes, the Rockwell 14 band saw can be modified to accommodate dust collection. One recommendation is to install a dust port on the lower wheel housing and connect it to a dust collection system. Additionally, replacing the tires with good quality ones can improve dust collection efficiency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to outfitting your Rockwell 14 band saw, there are a few essential accessories and considerations to keep in mind. Good tires, cool blocks or carter bearings, a powerful motor, a sturdy fence, and a reliable miter gauge are all key components for optimal performance.

Additionally, when purchasing a used tool, it’s important to assess its mechanical ability and consider the availability of equipment for rebuilding. Pay attention to the condition of the machine and its location, as these factors can affect the price.

Drawing from personal experience, reinforced parts and provision for dust collection are crucial for an older 14 Delta band saw. While riser blocks are an option, they come with potential risks such as blade waves and frame flexing, so it’s worth considering Carter guides instead.

Lastly, if you’re open to exploring alternative bandsaw options, Chinese 16-18 bandsaws and brands like Laguna and WEN offer compelling alternatives. To ensure easy maintenance, look for models with easily replaceable motors.

By carefully considering these accessories and factors, you can enhance the performance and longevity of your Rockwell 14 band saw.

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