Ellis 1600 Band Saw Parts Guide: A Compatibility Guide for Repairs and Restoration
You own an Ellis 1600 band saw and you need to find parts for maintenance or restoration. The saw is a workhorse in your shop and you want to keep it running. You need to know what parts commonly wear out, where to find replacements, and what is compatible. You need a parts guide that covers the Ellis 1600 and helps you source the right components.
The Ellis 1600 is a horizontal miter band saw designed for metal cutting. It is manufactured by Ellis Corporation and is popular in fabrication shops for its ability to cut angles without moving the material. The saw is built for regular use and parts are available from Ellis and aftermarket suppliers.
Model Identification
Ellis 1600
The standard Ellis 1600 miter band saw.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | 1600 |
| Type | Horizontal miter band saw |
| Cut capacity | 7 inches round at 90 degrees |
| Miter range | 0 to 45 degrees (head swivels) |
| Blade length | 93-1/2 inches (verify with manual) |
| Blade width | 1/2 to 1 inch |
| Motor | 1 HP, 120V or 220V |
| Speed | Variable, typically 80 to 330 SFPM |
| Coolant | Built-in coolant system |
| Vise | Quick-release cam lock vise |
How to Identify Your Ellis Saw
Check the model number on the label on the saw frame. Ellis model numbers are typically printed on a plate attached to the column or base. The 1600 is the most common Ellis model. Other models include the 1800 (larger capacity) and 3000 (larger industrial saw).
Common Wear Parts
Blade
The blade is the most frequently replaced part. The Ellis 1600 uses a bi-metal blade for metal cutting.
Specifications: Length varies by model (check manual), 1/2 to 1 inch width, 0.025 inch thickness.
Replacement: Available from Ellis, LENOX, MK Morse, and other blade manufacturers. Use bi-metal M42 for general cutting, M51 for stainless, and carbide-tipped for production.
TPI selection: 10/14 variable pitch for general use. 6 to 8 TPI for thick bar. 14 to 18 TPI for thin material.
Blade Guides
The blade guides support the blade during cutting. On the Ellis 1600, these are typically roller bearing guides.
Symptoms of wear: Blade wandering, poor cut quality, excessive vibration. Replacement: Replace the guide bearings. Available from Ellis or aftermarket bearing suppliers. Read the bearing number on the old bearing to find the correct replacement.
Cost: 10 to 30 dollars per bearing.
Drive Belt
The drive belt connects the motor to the transmission. It stretches and cracks over time.
Symptoms: Slipping, reduced blade speed, squealing noise. Replacement: Measure the old belt or look up the part number from Ellis.
Cost: 15 to 30 dollars.
Coolant Pump
The coolant pump circulates cutting fluid to the cut zone. It can fail after years of use.
Symptoms: No coolant flow, reduced coolant pressure. Diagnosis: Check the coolant level, clean the filter, and check the pump. If the pump is not running, check the electrical connection. If the pump runs but does not produce flow, the impeller may be worn.
Replacement: Available from Ellis. Make sure to match the voltage and flow rate.
Cost: 50 to 120 dollars.
Coolant Filter
The coolant filter prevents metal chips from recirculating in the coolant system.
Symptoms: Reduced coolant flow, chips in the coolant stream. Replacement: Clean or replace the filter regularly. Available from Ellis or industrial supply stores.
Cost: 10 to 20 dollars.
Vise Jaw
The vise jaw holds the material during cutting. It can wear from repeated clamping.
Symptoms: Material slipping during cut, jaw surfaces grooved or worn smooth. Replacement: Replace the jaw plates. Available from Ellis.
Cost: 20 to 40 dollars.
Hydraulic Downfeed Valve
The hydraulic downfeed valve controls the rate at which the saw head descends during cutting. It can wear or leak.
Symptoms: Saw head drops too fast or too slow, inconsistent cut rate, hydraulic fluid leak.
Adjustment: Adjust the valve to achieve a steady, controlled descent rate. The saw head should descend at a rate that maintains consistent cutting pressure.
Replacement: If adjustment does not fix the issue, replace the valve. Available from Ellis.
Cost: 30 to 60 dollars.
Motor
The motor is generally reliable but can fail after heavy use.
Symptoms: No power, humming but not starting, burning smell.
Diagnosis: If the motor hums but does not start, the start capacitor may be bad. If the motor runs but has no power, the bearings may be worn.
Replacement: Match the horsepower, voltage, and frame size. A standard 56-frame 1 HP motor is a common replacement.
Cost: 80 to 200 dollars.
Parts Sources
Ellis Corporation
The manufacturer is the primary source for OEM parts. Contact Ellis directly or through their website for parts diagrams, part numbers, and ordering.
Aftermarket Suppliers
LENOX, MK Morse, Starrett: Blade manufacturers that make blades compatible with the Ellis 1600. Bearing suppliers: Standard bearings are available from any industrial bearing supplier. Read the bearing number on the old bearing. Industrial supply: MSC, Grainger, and other industrial supply companies carry belts, bearings, and other common parts.
Used Parts
eBay and used machinery dealers can be good sources for hard-to-find parts.
Maintenance Schedule
Daily:
- Check coolant level and top off if needed
- Clean chips from the vise and chip brush
- Check blade condition
Weekly:
- Clean the coolant filter
- Check blade guide adjustment
- Lubricate the vise mechanism
- Check hydraulic downfeed operation
Monthly:
- Check drive belt tension and condition
- Check all bolts and fasteners for tightness
- Clean the coolant reservoir
- Inspect blade guides for wear
Annually:
- Replace coolant fluid
- Check motor brushes (if applicable)
- Inspect all bearings for wear
- Check electrical connections
FAQ
Where can I find parts for my Ellis 1600 band saw?
Ellis Corporation is the primary source for OEM parts. Aftermarket suppliers like LENOX, MK Morse, and industrial supply companies carry blades, bearings, belts, and other common parts.
What blade does the Ellis 1600 use?
A bi-metal blade in 1/2 to 1 inch width. The exact length varies by model, so check your manual or measure the old blade. 10/14 variable pitch is the best all-around choice.
Can I use aftermarket blades in my Ellis 1600?
Yes. Blades from LENOX, MK Morse, and Starrett are compatible as long as the length, width, and thickness match.
How often should I replace the blade?
When the cut slows down, the blade starts wandering, or the cut surface becomes rough. A sharp blade cuts smoothly with light pressure.
What coolant should I use in my Ellis 1600?
Water-soluble cutting fluid mixed at the manufacturer’s recommended ratio. Do not use straight oil in the coolant system.
How do I adjust the hydraulic downfeed?
Adjust the valve so the saw head descends at a steady, controlled rate. The descent should maintain consistent cutting pressure without the blade bogging down or racing through the material.
References
- Ellis Corporation. “Ellis 1600 Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” Ellis Corporation.
- Ellis Corporation. “Parts Diagram for Model 1600.” Ellis Corporation.
- LENOX Tools. “Metal Cutting Blade Selection Guide.” LENOX Industrial Division.
- MK Morse. “Master Cobalt Blade Performance Data.” MK Morse Company.
- Practical Machinist. “Ellis Band Saw Maintenance Tips.” practicalmachinist.com.
