Makita manufactured these bandsaws during the 1980's, and they seem to have been popular around these parts. As of a few years ago Makita was still able to locate a replacement casting for it.
This saw did hard work early in its life and the original owners threw out the stock motor. Apparently a common complaint with this particular model. It has been living a sheltered life since receiving a nice new 2 horsepower one.
Access for blade changes or inspection is easy as most of the enclosure swings well out of your way. The bearings in this saw are in good shape, and if the wheels are made free they will spin noiselessly almost forever.
After conversion to a new motor the wheels turn at roughly 1050 RPM for a blade speed of 4400 FPM. See the motor's image for the new electrical characteristics.
A simple pivot system was improvised for the motor mount, making it straightforward to set belt tension.
This is an excellent motor and it provides ample power. It has done light work in a home shop and Baldor has it listed for $564 new. The brake is quite abrupt but has not proved to be a problem in operation.
The gray casting in the blade tracking adjustment is a replacement, purchased after the original broke while trying to straighten a too thick blade. Keep in mind when shopping for new blades that Makita's are thin and flexible.
A rack and pinion mechanism is used to position the upper guide assembly over the work. The saw has a 12" maximum cutting capacity.
This is a 2" 1.5 tpi blade with every other tooth carbide tipped. It's getting dull and is missing a tip or two. Don't be tempted to replace it with a bandsaw mill blade; they're too heavy for the saw's tension system to bring straight.
The guide system is very simple with two phenolic plates above and below and a single thrust bearing. It's great with 2" blades but has never worked well for fine stuff.
One of the nicest features of this saw is its large 20" x 20" table.
The table may be tilted up to 50 degrees, but, because they are mounted to it, this position is incompatible with the regular table insert and lower guide blocks.
Makita included a very crude mitre fence which does not ride in a standard 3/4" slot.
However, the rip fence works well with a knurled screw for fine positioning and easily attached wooden cheeks.
The saw has been mounted on a welded plate steel stand with tubular legs. It's well balanced and very robust. Note: the legs appear curved in this image due to fisheye and perspective effects from a low focal length lens.
Each leg has a heavy duty swivel lock caster. The saw is heavy but rolls easily over unfinished concrete.
Makita made a capable resaw bandsaw and with the 2 hp motor it has no problem going through this 11" section of yellow cedar log. It's being sold to make room for a saw that can cut a circle.
If you're interested in cutting straight lines through large pieces of wood then this may be the saw for you. It's available for pickup in Vancouver, BC, and enquiries or offers relating to it may be sent to makitasaw3@oxide.org.