Baileigh Industrial Band Saw: What to Check Before Buying or Restoring One
You are looking at a Baileigh industrial band saw and you want to know if it is worth buying. Or you already own one and you want to restore it. Baileigh Industrial is a manufacturer of metalworking and woodworking machinery, including band saws. You need to know what to look for, what to avoid, and what it takes to get one running well.
Baileigh Industrial is a manufacturer of metalworking and woodworking machinery based in Wisconsin. Their band saw lineup includes horizontal metal cutting saws, vertical metal cutting saws, and woodworking band saws. Baileigh saws are designed for professional and industrial use.
Model Identification
Common Models
| Model | Type | Blade Length | Cut Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BS-712M | Horizontal metal | 64-1/2 inches | 7 inch round | Popular model |
| BS-912G | Horizontal metal | 64-1/2 inches | 9 inch round | Larger model |
| BS-1012W | Horizontal metal | 93-1/2 inches (verify) | 10-1/2 inch round | Heavy duty |
| BS-128M | Horizontal metal | 93-1/2 inches (verify) | 12 inch round | Large capacity |
| BS-210 | Vertical metal | Varies | 12 inch throat | Vertical metal |
| BS-248 | Vertical metal | Varies | 24 inch throat | Large vertical |
| BS-510 | Woodworking | 93-1/2 inches | 10 inch resaw | Wood saw |
| BS-710R | Woodworking | 93-1/2 inches | 12 inch resaw | Wood saw |
How to Identify Your Model
- Find the model number on the label on the saw frame.
- If the label is missing, measure the blade length and cut capacity.
- Check the motor label for horsepower and voltage.
- Contact Baileigh Industrial customer service with the model number.
What to Check Before Buying Used
1. Frame and Base
Check the frame and base for cracks, welds, and damage. Industrial saws have heavy cast iron or welded steel frames. Look for signs of abuse or repair.
Red flags: Cracks in the frame, welded repairs, bent base.
2. Wheels
Check the blade wheels for cracks, chips, and wobble. Spin the wheels by hand and feel for bearing roughness.
Red flags: Cracked or chipped wheels, wobbly wheels, rough bearings.
3. Tires
Check the tires on both wheels. Tires should be smooth and flexible. Replace if cracked or hardened.
Cost to replace: 20 to 40 dollars per pair.
4. Blade Guides
Check the blade guides for wear. Industrial saws often have carbide or bearing guides. Check for wear or damage.
Cost to replace: 30 to 100 dollars depending on guide type.
5. Motor and Drive
Run the motor if possible. Listen for bearing noise, humming, or smoking. Check the drive belt or gearbox for wear.
Red flags: Motor that hums but does not start, bearing noise, smoking, gearbox noise.
6. Vise and Material Support (Horizontal Saws)
Check the vise for smooth operation and jaw alignment. Check the material support rollers for smooth rotation.
Red flags: Vise that does not hold securely, bent vise jaw, damaged rollers.
7. Coolant System (Metal Cutting Saws)
Check the coolant pump, tank, and nozzles. Run the pump if possible and check for flow.
Red flags: Pump that does not run, leaking tank, clogged nozzles.
8. Hydraulic Downfeed (Horizontal Saws)
Check the hydraulic downfeed cylinder for smooth operation. The saw head should descend smoothly and controllably.
Red flags: Head drops too fast, head will not descend, hydraulic leak.
Common Repairs
Replacing Tires
Cost: 20 to 40 dollars per pair.
Replacing Blade Guides
Cost: 30 to 100 dollars depending on guide type.
Replacing Wheel Bearings
Cost: 15 to 40 dollars per bearing.
Replacing the Drive Belt
Cost: 15 to 30 dollars.
Motor Repair
- Motor replacement: 200 to 500 dollars (industrial motors are more expensive).
Coolant Pump Replacement
Cost: 30 to 80 dollars.
Hydraulic Cylinder Repair
Cost: 50 to 150 dollars (rebuild kit or replacement).
Vise Jaw Replacement
Cost: 20 to 50 dollars per pair.
Blade Selection
Horizontal Metal Cutting Saws
General metal cutting: 10/14 variable pitch, bi-metal M42. Cost: 20 to 35 dollars. Thick material: 6 to 8 TPI, bi-metal M42. Cost: 20 to 35 dollars. Thin material: 14 TPI, bi-metal M42. Cost: 20 to 35 dollars. Production cutting: Carbide-tipped. Cost: 50 to 150 dollars.
Vertical Metal Cutting Saws
General metal cutting: 10 to 14 TPI, bi-metal M42. Cost: 20 to 35 dollars. Contour cutting: 1/8 to 1/4 inch width, 14 to 24 TPI. Cost: 15 to 30 dollars.
Woodworking Saws
General woodworking: 3/8 inch, 4 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: about 15 dollars. Resawing: 1/2 to 1 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth, bi-metal. Cost: 25 to 50 dollars.
Restoration Tips
Clean everything. Disassemble the saw, clean all parts, and remove old coolant, chips, and grease.
Replace the blade. A new bi-metal M42 blade makes a big difference in cut quality.
Check the vise. Make sure the vise jaws are square and hold material securely.
Check the coolant system. Clean the coolant tank, replace old coolant, and check the pump.
Check the hydraulic downfeed. Adjust the descent rate for smooth, controlled cutting.
Check the drive system. Replace worn belts and check the gearbox oil (if applicable).
Is a Baileigh Band Saw Worth Buying?
Yes if:
- The frame and wheels are sound
- The motor runs smoothly
- The price is reasonable for an industrial saw
- You need a heavy-duty saw for production work
No if:
- The frame is cracked or repaired
- The motor is burnt out
- The hydraulic system is damaged
- The coolant system is damaged
Good for: Production metal cutting, fabrication shops, maintenance departments. Typical restoration cost: 100 to 300 dollars for tires, blade, belt, coolant, and hydraulic service.
FAQ
Are Baileigh band saws good quality?
Yes. Baileigh Industrial makes professional and industrial-grade machinery. Their band saws are designed for production use and are heavier and more capable than hobby-grade saws.
Where can I find parts for my Baileigh band saw?
Contact Baileigh Industrial customer service with the model number. They stock parts for their saws. Aftermarket blades, bearings, and belts are available from industrial suppliers.
What should I check before buying a used Baileigh band saw?
Check the frame for cracks, the wheels for wobble, the tires for wear, the motor for smooth running, the vise for secure clamping, the coolant system for function, and the hydraulic downfeed for smooth operation.
What blade should I use for my Baileigh horizontal metal cutting saw?
A bi-metal M42 blade in the correct length for your model. 10/14 variable pitch for general cutting, 6 to 8 TPI for thick material, 14 TPI for thin material.
References
- Baileigh Industrial. “Band Saw Owner’s Manuals and Parts Lists.” baileigh.com.
- Baileigh Industrial. “Band Saw Specifications.” Baileigh Industrial Product Catalog.
- Practical Machinist. “Baileigh Band Saw Discussion.” practicalmachinist.com.
- Modern Machine Shop. “Industrial Band Saw Buying Guide.” Gardner Business Media.
- Pro Tool Reviews. “Baileigh Band Saw Review.” ProToolReviews.com.
