Project 3 from KSmith. Category: Custom Shop Tools – Band Saw Stand

[KSmith]

The Harbor Freight 4X6 Horizontal/Vertical Band Saw comes with a stand that is too low, and in my opinion, not built strong enough for the heavy saw it is supporting. I turned the original stand into a smallish storage shelf, and built a new stand.

Dimensions:
Length: 35”
Height: 29”
Width: 22”
Step cutout for motor clearance: 8” deep

Materials:
1-1/2”x1/8” square tube
1-1/2”x3”x1/8” rectangular tube
3” swivel locking casters

I welded the stand with stick. Four short sections of 1-1/2”x1/8” square tube were welded like wings to support the saw. A space was made for the motor when positioned vertically, allowing the saw to be forward on the stand, for better center of gravity.



Six tabs made from 1”x1/8” angle were cut as standoff mounts for the saw. Two on each side, and one each front and back. I drilled these for the mounting bolts, and bolted them with enough slack that they could be moved by hand. I hoisted the saw on a strap and positioned the tabs where I wanted them. I tacked the tabs, and removed the saw, so I could finish the welds. I finished the stand in gloss Rustoleum Black, for easier cleanup. (the square tube leaning on the saw is not part of the stand, but some stock I was going to use for my first cut test).

I tacked two short pieces of 1" angle, to the underside of the saw mount 'wings', to accept a large cookie sheet for saw swarf collection.



The four casters are great. I can move the saw anywhere and slide it into any corner. I never use the caster locks, the stand is stabile on its own.

The original stand is now a shelf. Notice the spindly plastic wheels that came with the saw.



ken

[Kodin]

I did something similar, except I added angle down each corner of the original legs and welded a bracket for heavy rubber wheels so the saw can be picked up and rolled over gravel. I'll post pictures tonight if you'd like to see my take on it. I like your design though; any plans for adding a coolant pump/reservoir for the blade? Makes a huge difference in noise and blade life when it's lubricated and kept at a decent temp. Simplest designs I've seen take a HF fountain pump, water-soluble cutting fluid, some tubing, a bucket, and a nozzle. Just don't forget to add a sieve at the top of the bucket to filter out debris/chips as those will kill your pump.