Photo Index - Yates-American Machine Co., Inc. - Y36 "Snowflake"

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Yates-American Machine Co., Inc.
Beloit, WI; Roscoe, IL; Liberty, NC

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Band Saw
Machine Size:	36" Wheels
Submitted By:	Chuck Hess

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	Y36 "Snowflake"
Date of Manufacturer:	1940-41
Serial Number:	B-15564 (View SN Registry Entry)
Last Updated	8/1/2007 12:54:40 PM

Comments:

Yates American Y36 Snowflake 36" Band Saw. Serial # B-15564, 1940-41. 7/30/07

Well this was by far my easiest restoration.... since Doug Westlind did the work! I got to put a blade on it and cut some wood. The story started back in December of 05, Doug found this one for me up in Seattle and the original plan was to ship it to Maui. Well plans change, and I asked Doug if he could hold the saw a while we might be moving back to the mainland. We did relocate to Western North Carolina and he did restore the saw and hold it for me until earlier this year, and we shipped it about 2500 miles in the opposite direction of the original plan. I've looked her over pretty good now and I am very impressed with both the saw and Doug's fine job. This is the first time I have used a Y36 and this one is very smooth. This is by far the quietest of the big band saws that I've owned. It has a low blade speed and runs very comfortably, snapping up to full speed in just about 2 seconds.
This saw has a very interesting feature in that it has a non original, 1800/400 RPM, GE, 3 HP motor, with a 4 to 1 gear reducer built right in to the front of the motor. The saw was being used to cut aluminum and plastic. That gives an arbor RPM of 400, I checked that myself with a hand held tachometer, and a blade FPM of 3768. Ive said before that I really like a slower blade speed for resawing and I really like the way this saw cuts. Even though it is only a 3 HP motor it seems to have plenty of torque. If I am reading the pocket ref correctly, this would have greater than 370 in lbs. of torque. That would compare to a 10HP @ 1725 RPMs = 365 in lbs., and a 20 HP @ 3450 = 365 in. lbs., in terms of torque. Torque is an interesting subject that I dont have much experience with, but the gurus will correct me if Im wrong. That is all book stuff, what really matters is how this baby will cut, and so far, GREAT!
It sure is an impressive looking saw up close. Not only is the snowflake a beautiful and sought after design of a band saw, for good reason, but Doug's resto work is absolutely impeccable. Thanks again Doug!

Its a keeper!

Photo 1:

Comments: Front shot
Source: Mines

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Photo 2:

Comments: Motor Shot
Source: Mines

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Photo 3:

Comments: badge shot
Source: Mines

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