Photo Index - Herberts Machinery Co. - "Wood Wizard" No. 309 Band Saw

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Herberts Machinery Co.
Los Angeles, CA

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Band Saw
Machine Size:	9" wheels, 24" tall, 30 pounds
Submitted By:	Jeff McVey

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	"Wood Wizard" No. 309 Band Saw
Date of Manufacturer:	circa 1935
Serial Number:
Last Updated	11/13/2004 10:11:27 AM

Comments:

I obtained this machine in an eBay auction in the summer of 2004. Although Herberts also offered a heavier, ball bearing, 12" band saw, this bronze-bearing unit is a cheap machine. While it has an iron frame, practically everything else is die cast and very light duty. It has no lower guides. In fact, everything on it is so chintzy, I don't see how it could have ever worked properly in the first place!

I had to do some rather extensive modifications on the upper wheel mount in order to allow blade tracking adjustments without the necessity of completely disassembling it to simply turn the adjusting screw. The lower blade guard mount was out of alignment, which caused the lower wheel to rub against the guard. As a result, the wheel had cut all the way through the guard, and had come within about an inch of cutting a complete circle out of the guard. I was able to repair this with an aluminum strip, J-B Weld, and Bondo.

I've completed the cosmetic portion of the restoration, replaced the guide bearing, and corrected the design faults. However, the bronze bushings are worn to the point that excessive slop exists on both the top and bottom wheels, preventing its use. For the time being, it'll be a decorative item only, as it is rather cute. When time allows, and more important projects are occupying my time, I'll try replacing the bushings.

Photo 1:

Comments: front
Source: Jeff McVey photo

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Photo 2:

Comments: rear
Source: Jeff McVey photo

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Photo 3:

Comments: guards open
Source: Jeff McVey photo

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