paskmakes.com/free-plans/ I've wanted make these modifications to the saw for a couple of years. The only thing stopping me, I wasn't sure if it would make a good video and if something isn't a video these days, it doesn't get done. Anyway I decided I really wanted to get it done I'm glad I did, it's now gone from a capable saw to an awesome saw that will be a pleasure to use! :)
I can't speak for anyone else, but I watch your stuff because I like to see a craftsman at work, not because I plan to do anything like this. You sometimes seem apologetic for having better tools (like the milling machine), or you try to justify the time you spent on something that was probably unnecessary. You shouldn't. You are a skilled craftsman and I think most of us are here because we want to see what you do, regardless of whether it'll ever apply to us. If anyone gives you flack for making a video that you wanted to make, ignore them.
I own none of these metal working tools, I’m an amateur wood worker but I must say… Neil, your videos on any topic are a delight to watch. You’re so informative & honestly the reason I like your channel, you’re very innovative. Thanks for the content, mate!
Exactly. Woodworking only for me, even built his swivel workbench seat (wood version), but I am just as eager to watch @paskmakes metal working videos as his woodworking... knowing full well I have no intention of ever realistically getting into metal working
Agreed! I'm pretty much the same, and don't envision I'll ever get into metalworking, but i still feel like I learn a lot watching these videos - creative problem solving, improving tools in useful ways, functionality oriented design, and overall just learning to think critically and constructively around improving annoyances and shortcomings of tools and equipment. I doubt I'll ever apply anything from these videos directly, but the thinking? Useful all the time.
To answer your question in the video -> I watch your videos for the enjoyment of them Neil. You really are missed in the community here when you are away for a while, but I, like most of us here, keep checking your channel regularly in hopes of catching one of your videos. We love your videos and you are very much respected. Whatever you make is enjoyable.
You wondered out loud why people would watch this when they don’t have your saw. We’re watching how to solve problems, and how to overcome challenges. Not how to modify a saw. Great content, as always. Please keep it coming.
Brilliantly said... as i sit here try to articulate why I'm watching videos on tools' don't own or even intend to own. It's the very neat solution to a problem.
Also it is amazing to see how a person can make THINGS with their own hand, in a way I do not know, and can not imagine. Its like watching a secret knowledge tutorial :D
I totally agree. Much more relatable. I'm rarely good at coming up with a tool design from scratch. But I can see 5-10 ways to improve nearly every tool I own.
Wow, best video yet. Most UA-camrs have no clue that the average hobbyist does not get equipment for free, can’t afford high end equipment, does not get the tax write off for every nickel spent, and gets huge enjoyment in making a reasonably affordable tool into a high end product. There are so many candidates for “pimping” modest tools into really nice equipment and this is a great look at how to do that. Thanks!
After every mod I kept thinking the video was going to end but they just kept coming. Great work! I love seeing people modify tools and gear more than simply buying a "better" one off the shelf. Buying something ready-made seems counterintuitive to the hobbyist mindset.
I'm on a pension so forever having to try and make do with what I have. While I don't have this specific tool, the changes you make are applicable to many other tools. I also appreciate you mentioning your mistakes, gives something to look out for as well as a little less guilt when I mess up myself.
You had me at putting decent casters on it. Then horn-swoggled me with a ratchetting tap handle! But why upgrade? Well, when you have a machine you like its better to improve it than chance a new machine that will no doubt have its own problems. And why would I watch your video. . . ? Well; I've neither your skill or your workshop and sadly don't think I'll ever amass either - so living vicariously through you is a wonderful alternative and I often pick up tricks and tips anyway. So thanks for all you bring, its truly a joy, Neil.
"I looked away at the depth gauge and now it has some pretty colors!" I have to say, I don't do metal work but I love your videos. Your voice is soothing to me, you know what you're talking about and you slip a little humor in. Keep doing what you're doing!
11:53 nothing like seeing imperial getting sanded away 😂 I'll never build anything like this, I'm more of an aspiring woodworker, but I find your process fascinating. I love how you mix hand tools and power tools, your application towards accuracy and resourcefulness in sourcing materials. Basically I'd watch you make anything just to see how you make it, the poetic side of craftsmanship I guess
hello Neil, I am a French amateur metal worker. I bought 3 years ago the same saw as you. Mine is an Austrian brand and painted in red... I am so happy to finally find useful and cool modifications. Well done and thank you. I would love to have your milling machine and your metal lathe. I plan to make one myself. Thanks again Neil.
I particularly like the use of the tool being upgraded for all of the modifications. Each subsequent upgrade shows how the previous upgrade improved the original tool.
This is subject matter I have no interest in, but I just love your work, narration, and video quality so much that it’s super intriguing and great to watch.
I don't have this saw, nor do I intend to buy one. I watch because your method of problem solving, logic and workflow are inspiring and quite educational. Well done!
I've had (pretty close to) that exact saw for about 25 years and suffered most of the same issues! It's REALLY time to move it up the to-do list and cure them... Thanks for the ideas!
im loving the recurring theme of "I could have doen this with a hacksaw and a file, but i have a mill and it is fun" i know you like to keep things approachable but you have spent the time and effort on your workshop, use it with no shame!! maybe one day do a comparison video where you make a semi-complicated part and do one on the mill and one with hand tools. you could show easily that the results are comparable but highlight the difference in time.
It's not about a saw per se, but about seeing how you problem solve. Each individual challenge might relate to something not connected to saws but which could be just the answer needed for something else. Always greatly appreciate your filming and narration style which is succinct but informative, edited perfectly. Thanks Neil, keep on being you!
I love your videos and your attitude reminds me of my late Father, we should modify and mend things, not just buy new every time. I think that this is a lot more satisfying for your soul. Thank You
I’m a woodworker, but I do bits of metalwork and I love that your videos show all the little metal pieces you make because it gives me ideas for small metal projects I can do with my limited stuff.
I own Grizzly's version of this saw, and I feel as you do, that its fundamentals are fine. Your improvements are spot on, and I plan to do several of them immediately.....casters, the small table for vertical use, and the outfeed table. Thank you!
Yes it was. I’ll have to get around to do same. So many project so little time and I’m retired lol. Love my home shop it’s where my mind can run free. 😂
Fantastic idea. I have struggled with a simple solution for the vertical table. Don't like taking the screws off and on to change and add the vertical table. Thanks for the simple idea. I have the same saw and have made many modifications, but the vertical table was genius.
I own a similar horizontal saw, so I feel like this video was made for me! I probably won't do all of these upgrades, but I'm definitely going to add the small outfeed table and fence. And the "return to 90" adjustable stop block is a must. Thanks for the video and the motivation!
The reason I watch videos such as this is because it shows me tricks and techniques to do things that have nothing to do with the things in the videos. So many times I've done something a certain way because I remember seeing it on some UA-cam video. The odds of someone having your particular model of machine and your particular set of tools is nearly zero but the methods transfer to all sorts of things.
Tapping the button on the welder starts the gas so there is gas coming out of the nozzle when starting the weld, it is handy for more gas coverage for better looking welds and when ending keeping the torch above the weld for 5 to 10 sec so there is more gas until the weld cools down is also better for looks and quality.
@@PaskMakes Your welds look fine already, so probably not worth sweating over. On the better MIG (and TIG) machines, there should be a setting labelled "post flow" which sets how long the gas coverage continues after the trigger is released and the arc has stopped. Might be hidden in a menu, or on a dedicated MIG machine, just be a fixed number of seconds and appear nowhere in the manual or control menus.
I used to love working with my hands and doing the things you do here. As no longer am able to it is good to watch these endeavors and how the human mind works great job.
As a journeyman steel fabricator for over forty years, a job well done sir, makes a decent little saw into an acurate (enough) workhorse, and very mobile at that. May well have to get one for myself !
if a thing has good bones it's always worth modifying. this proves the point magnificently. thank you. i enjoy your thought processes in tool building.
What I like about this video is you end up using a lot of your other shop machines to make this one cheap, but suits the needs of your shop better. It showcases current skill, gaining more experience and how projects in the future will be improved by the improvements to the machine getting the improvements.
In the 80's I held on to the exact saw for three years. It was a totally annoying and frustrating piece of garbage. I gave it away on craigslist for FREE. Hats off to you Sir. The videos are great and you are a genius.
I live in an apartment and I don't make anything. I just like watching you make things. I am a photographer and this video reminds me of the saying "the best camera is the one you have with you". It's fun to dream about new fancy gear but ultimately it's often best to work with what you have.
Apart from what I see in your ever entertaining videos I really know nothing about metal working. But seeing you extend this machine's functionality while making the best use of the existing parts is highly entertaining and enlightening. Things like the perfectly shaped new clamp or the idea of attaching the vertical table by clamping it onto the horizontal fences just show a great understanding of what you're doing.
Neil, I’d watch you take out the rubbish bin! I’ve been watching your channel for years, and I love your videos and the projects that you tackle - large and small. You are a very talented maker, and I am always impressed and inspired by your videos!
I will most likely never ever have any use for any of this, but I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this video, Neil. You are not a "Jack of all trades" - you are a MASTER of all trades. Awesome project!
I’ve had a similar relationship with my 4”x6” horizontal saw, making the following mods to date: - Extension for small parts - Vertical table - Hydraulic lowering piston - Flood coolant / coolant-trip tray - Riser base (I’m 6’5”) - Higher leverage handle (spiked wheel with rotating handle) REALLY looking forward to incorporating several of your additional mods mate !
As much as I'd like to, I'll never own metal lathe, but I do enjoy watching you use one. I'll never own a band saw like this either, but again, it was a joy to watch you use and upgrade it. Something I do regularly use from your videos is ideas for how to make something better, and the many techniques you show us that we can apply to our own projects. Any time you think something may not make a good video, please go for it regardless. We always enjoy them and learn a lot from you. Thanks so much!
I love modification videos like this. Not because I need them, but I enjoy watching you do your magic, Neil. As far as modifying vs buying new, well, not everyone can afford to drop a perfectly good machine that needs a few tweaks and buy one with all the bells and whistles that in the long run doesn't really do a better job. This was fun and fascinating to watch. Thanks. Oh, continue to use that lathe. You have it, use it. It's fun to watch as well.😁
I love what you did to improve your saw! I have a large Jet wet saw, metal cutting bandsaw and other dry saws. However, a few years back I bought a Milwaukee Portaband saw and mounted it on a table from Swag Offroad. I added a foot pedal to it. I have found that I end up using this simple saw far more than my others. You can easily make a table and roller stand for it. You did a fantastic job! What a great saw!
This is why i still love and watch every one of your vids. Its so refreshing to see you stick to your style of "Hey, this is what im doing and how i did it, watch it if you like, hope it's helpful" So many channels like this feel they have to keep ramping up their channel until its basically a reality TV show that happens to have some Making in it. Your realism and down to earth approach really just makes me feel like I'm watching my dad in the shop as problems are solved and new things are created. Thanks for another great video!
This is absolutely fantastic. I own that same saw (well, mine is red) and you have inspired me to make some modifications. I bought mine at Harbor Freight. It has been a very good saw. Cuts very accurate. I named it Clark - it is Super Saw. Thanks for posting this video. Very good work!
I have owned the same saw for 40 years. Everything you have noted and done are spot on.The only thing you missed is a cushion to pad your bum when using it as a vertical saw.
I get it. love watching your process. If you buy something else, you have to relearn how it works and it's quirks, by modifying something you already have you can keep the good things you like about it and improve the things that you want it to do better. very enjoyable to watch you upgrade something you use to be more effective and more usable.
Great additions to the saw. I have one of these as well. Things I did to mine was I made a "0" clearance insert to fill that slot under the blade. Sometime when trimming a piece of stock it would fall in the gap and jam the blade. I built a base with casters as well but made mine out of channel iron because that was what I had lying around. That allowed me to make a folding stock support for the "left hand" side so I wouldn't need to use a stand to hold up long pieces.
Dad bought a saw similar to yours in the mid eightys, I have inherited the saw, Its time for upgrades, I will be trying some of yours, thanks for showing everyone how you did yours! 🏁
Have regularly used this saw for about a decade.....your identification of it's shortcomings are spot on. I had already addressed some of them, but you have taken it to the next level!....great video! These saws are really a solid tool for the price, but your mods triple it's value.
I think this video is a great example of the value of buying mid grade used tools and the processes you can work through to improve them and turn them into higher quality tools.
As a metal worker for over 30 years all I can say what a great workshop you have I use to make fixtures to go onto our vices so we could hold small parts on our cnc milling machines and it was great to heard the sound of that grinder I thought I would never hear that again I would use milling machines ,bandsaws and lathes and I would die for a workshop like that Thank you for the great video
90 min to grind that face is pretty full on. I've noticed over the years just how patient you are with jobs that take a bunch of time - anything kumiko are an even better example - and for some reason I really appreciate that about all of your projects. Also, the leftover "Lu" on the ruler would drive me nuts 😂
The "using a tool to improve itself" type of process is always fascinating to watch, and while I'm likely never going to have any direct use from seeing this, your way of approaching and solving problems big and small is incredibly useful to me as an amateur maker - helping me make the journey from "my tools can't do the thing I want (at all or without massive amounts of fiddling)" to "hm, maybe if I do this, I can make my tools do what I need them to do". And that's _huge_ for someone whose ideas and projects tend to far outstrip my budget 😅
Thanls for this Neil. I have had the same saw for a couple of years now and noticed you have the same, like you I have put up with the shortcomings but for the money it is a super handy tool. I will certainly be coppying some of these ideas, thanks heaps for sharing. Something else I find myself wanting for is an adjustable height prop for cutting long items, currently I use offcuts of steel on a beer keg 😂
Mate this was awesome, I bought one of these saws and the next day UA-cam recommended your vid. Thanks YT. I am looking forward to doing most of the mods..starting with getting rid of those wheels. Cheers
Hi Neil. YT originally suggested one of your videos to me when you were making nice stuff out of firewood and I subbed at that time. I enjoy watching you build/modify and improve your machines. You really do fantastic work. I particularly like it when you include your problem solving and design steps. Thanks for sharing from the USA.
I will never have one of these saws, but it was so much fun to watch you solve problems, and follow them one by one down the chain of solutions. I especially loved the Chinese puzzle box that makes the movable fence! Kudos, and thanks for being yourself. That's what people love about you.
This video is for exactly me. I have this exact model of saw and have been trying to find a great list of modifications for it. And lo and behold my favorite Australian maker named Pask makes that video! Great day!
Wow. What an awesome series of upgrades. You're playing on another level, Pask. I have one of these saws, and it wasn't cheap in spite of its limitations. I have done a lot of cutting with it, and every one of your modifications rang true. My mill and lathe aren't equal to yours, but like you said, anyone can do it with any tools if they set their mind to it. Thanks for this valuable contribution.
I got one of these from a Craigslist seller who got it from his brother- both guys were not interested in it, and so I bought it for $20.00 U.S. I did make a new wheeled base for it and a small table for the vertical function, the thing is bulletproof, very robust construction. Nice video too by the way.
There are many things about to learn in this video, the tiny clamps, the center punch to put the points for drilling, your small but rigid milling, and on the top of that your engineering and mechanic skills. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
Just like the modifications in this video, the video itself is fantastic! You never cease to amaze me with your content. I can't wait to get my house and get my workshop set up so I can work on my own modifications to improve the meager assortment of tools I have. Two of which are yet to come... no wait... three to come including the saw. I'll find one somewhere. 🤔🤔🤔
This video (and all your others) are for me! I don’t have a shop and am not a metalworker, but you are so charismatic and your projects are so entertaining I always watch!
Been a machinist all my life, so I watch these and other machining videos as a sort of busman's holiday. I never thought these little saws were very good, but I really like all of these upgrades.
One of the main reasons I watch and love your channel is to learn! Seeing how you tackle problems and the way you share your thought process is a great help.
My WW2 era machine shop instructor would brag on , the machine shop is the only shop that can duplicate itself and make it's own machinery, you are proof he was 100% correct
I watch your videos for the same reason I watch Curtis’s (Cutting Edge Engineering), you solve problems and that’s what I enjoy. I enjoy people laterally thinking - and that’s my job, just with data
What an amazing set of upgrades. It was thrilling to see each upgrade used to help build the next. At the start of the video you wondered who the audience might be. I think the audience is people who own tools (yes, that broad!). This was a great demonstration in how a tool can become much more pleasant to use, and more useful, with a few well considered changes. Tools don't need to stay the way they came from the factory. The woodwork community is replete with videos about crafting jigs for all sorts of things. It's much less common to see guides to improving the tools themselves and that's a lost opportunity.
Just received your Dart in the mail last week. Thanks for supplying us with years of informative and entertaining making videos Neil! PS the Dart is great!
paskmakes.com/free-plans/
I've wanted make these modifications to the saw for a couple of years. The only thing stopping me, I wasn't sure if it would make a good video and if something isn't a video these days, it doesn't get done. Anyway I decided I really wanted to get it done I'm glad I did, it's now gone from a capable saw to an awesome saw that will be a pleasure to use! :)
Greetings from Melbourne Australia where about are you located.
Good things happen when you think about solutions for a couple of years! :)
I can't speak for anyone else, but I watch your stuff because I like to see a craftsman at work, not because I plan to do anything like this. You sometimes seem apologetic for having better tools (like the milling machine), or you try to justify the time you spent on something that was probably unnecessary. You shouldn't. You are a skilled craftsman and I think most of us are here because we want to see what you do, regardless of whether it'll ever apply to us. If anyone gives you flack for making a video that you wanted to make, ignore them.
I absolutely love shop improvement videos, keep em coming 😍
I feel you on the "if something isn't a video it doesn't get done" It's a blessing and a curse. Great work as always.
I own none of these metal working tools, I’m an amateur wood worker but I must say… Neil, your videos on any topic are a delight to watch. You’re so informative & honestly the reason I like your channel, you’re very innovative. Thanks for the content, mate!
Thanks very much Joshua! :)
Exactly. Woodworking only for me, even built his swivel workbench seat (wood version), but I am just as eager to watch @paskmakes metal working videos as his woodworking... knowing full well I have no intention of ever realistically getting into metal working
Same here. Your comment sums up how I feel about the channel and Neil’s work too.
Agreed! I'm pretty much the same, and don't envision I'll ever get into metalworking, but i still feel like I learn a lot watching these videos - creative problem solving, improving tools in useful ways, functionality oriented design, and overall just learning to think critically and constructively around improving annoyances and shortcomings of tools and equipment. I doubt I'll ever apply anything from these videos directly, but the thinking? Useful all the time.
I was just about to write the exact same😀
"Because that's what I like to do" is probably the best answer to "Why?"
To answer your question in the video -> I watch your videos for the enjoyment of them Neil. You really are missed in the community here when you are away for a while, but I, like most of us here, keep checking your channel regularly in hopes of catching one of your videos. We love your videos and you are very much respected. Whatever you make is enjoyable.
This what I came here to say. Keep on keeping on-I’m here because I like watching you make anything!
Same!!
I reckon he could literally make a video of sweeping up and most us would watch it 😂
Ditto!😀 I watch the old videos to get my fix if the new one is too long in coming
Same!
You wondered out loud why people would watch this when they don’t have your saw.
We’re watching how to solve problems, and how to overcome challenges. Not how to modify a saw.
Great content, as always. Please keep it coming.
I agree I don’t have a saw like this. But I enjoyed watching what you can do to improve the tools you do have.
Thanks David! I'm never quite sure whether the subject matter is appealing or not but glad you're more interested in the process. :)
Brilliantly said... as i sit here try to articulate why I'm watching videos on tools' don't own or even intend to own. It's the very neat solution to a problem.
Always educational if not directly immediately applicable. Keep on keeping on. 👍
Also it is amazing to see how a person can make THINGS with their own hand, in a way I do not know, and can not imagine. Its like watching a secret knowledge tutorial :D
for some reason i find watching modifications and improvements even more interesting than scratch builds. theres just something about it
I totally agree. Much more relatable. I'm rarely good at coming up with a tool design from scratch. But I can see 5-10 ways to improve nearly every tool I own.
Wow, best video yet. Most UA-camrs have no clue that the average hobbyist does not get equipment for free, can’t afford high end equipment, does not get the tax write off for every nickel spent, and gets huge enjoyment in making a reasonably affordable tool into a high end product. There are so many candidates for “pimping” modest tools into really nice equipment and this is a great look at how to do that. Thanks!
I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thank you. :)
What I particularly loved about this video was that you used the improvements for the next improvement.
I thought it was pretty cool too and shows how much this saw is used in my metalwork projects. :)
Totally agree. I love that he used the saw to improve the saw. How fitting.
After every mod I kept thinking the video was going to end but they just kept coming. Great work! I love seeing people modify tools and gear more than simply buying a "better" one off the shelf. Buying something ready-made seems counterintuitive to the hobbyist mindset.
I'm on a pension so forever having to try and make do with what I have. While I don't have this specific tool, the changes you make are applicable to many other tools. I also appreciate you mentioning your mistakes, gives something to look out for as well as a little less guilt when I mess up myself.
You had me at putting decent casters on it. Then horn-swoggled me with a ratchetting tap handle! But why upgrade? Well, when you have a machine you like its better to improve it than chance a new machine that will no doubt have its own problems. And why would I watch your video. . . ?
Well; I've neither your skill or your workshop and sadly don't think I'll ever amass either - so living vicariously through you is a wonderful alternative and I often pick up tricks and tips anyway. So thanks for all you bring, its truly a joy, Neil.
"I looked away at the depth gauge and now it has some pretty colors!"
I have to say, I don't do metal work but I love your videos. Your voice is soothing to me, you know what you're talking about and you slip a little humor in. Keep doing what you're doing!
11:53 nothing like seeing imperial getting sanded away 😂
I'll never build anything like this, I'm more of an aspiring woodworker, but I find your process fascinating. I love how you mix hand tools and power tools, your application towards accuracy and resourcefulness in sourcing materials. Basically I'd watch you make anything just to see how you make it, the poetic side of craftsmanship I guess
Haha! Thanks very much Roxane and thanks for showing an interest in what I do. :)
hello Neil, I am a French amateur metal worker. I bought 3 years ago the same saw as you. Mine is an Austrian brand and painted in red... I am so happy to finally find useful and cool modifications. Well done and thank you. I would love to have your milling machine and your metal lathe. I plan to make one myself. Thanks again Neil.
I particularly like the use of the tool being upgraded for all of the modifications. Each subsequent upgrade shows how the previous upgrade improved the original tool.
This is subject matter I have no interest in, but I just love your work, narration, and video quality so much that it’s super intriguing and great to watch.
Thanks very much and glad you still enjoyed it! :)
I don't have this saw, nor do I intend to buy one. I watch because your method of problem solving, logic and workflow are inspiring and quite educational. Well done!
I've had (pretty close to) that exact saw for about 25 years and suffered most of the same issues!
It's REALLY time to move it up the to-do list and cure them... Thanks for the ideas!
I've only had mine a few years and I meant to upgrade it early on. Glad I finally got around to it. :)
im loving the recurring theme of "I could have doen this with a hacksaw and a file, but i have a mill and it is fun"
i know you like to keep things approachable but you have spent the time and effort on your workshop, use it with no shame!!
maybe one day do a comparison video where you make a semi-complicated part and do one on the mill and one with hand tools.
you could show easily that the results are comparable but highlight the difference in time.
Hobby : "activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure" or "a small horse or pony"
So if it's not fun anymore ... get a pony???
It's not about a saw per se, but about seeing how you problem solve. Each individual challenge might relate to something not connected to saws but which could be just the answer needed for something else. Always greatly appreciate your filming and narration style which is succinct but informative, edited perfectly. Thanks Neil, keep on being you!
Thanks very much - Glad you enjoyed it! :)
Someone may not have a saw like that to modify but your video shows that improvements can be made to make a tool better or more functional. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I love seeing a tool being used to make its own upgrades.
I thought that was pretty cool too! :)
yes it is very satisfying
I love your videos and your attitude reminds me of my late Father, we should modify and mend things, not just buy new every time. I think that this is a lot more satisfying for your soul. Thank You
I’m a woodworker, but I do bits of metalwork and I love that your videos show all the little metal pieces you make because it gives me ideas for small metal projects I can do with my limited stuff.
Glad you find them useful Charles! There's so much you can do in metalwork with just basic tools. :)
I own Grizzly's version of this saw, and I feel as you do, that its fundamentals are fine. Your improvements are spot on, and I plan to do several of them immediately.....casters, the small table for vertical use, and the outfeed table. Thank you!
I just love how the band saw is used throughout the project and it gets gradually more capable
Pure Engineering, Good Job.
That quick-attach table, and especially how it clamps into the vise, are worth the price of admission alone!
Yes it was. I’ll have to get around to do same. So many project so little time and I’m retired lol. Love my home shop it’s where my mind can run free. 😂
Fantastic idea. I have struggled with a simple solution for the vertical table. Don't like taking the screws off and on to change and add the vertical table. Thanks for the simple idea. I have the same saw and have made many modifications, but the vertical table was genius.
That clamp in table was genius.
I own a similar horizontal saw, so I feel like this video was made for me! I probably won't do all of these upgrades, but I'm definitely going to add the small outfeed table and fence. And the "return to 90" adjustable stop block is a must. Thanks for the video and the motivation!
It was made for you! Glad you found it useful. :)
The reason I watch videos such as this is because it shows me tricks and techniques to do things that have nothing to do with the things in the videos. So many times I've done something a certain way because I remember seeing it on some UA-cam video. The odds of someone having your particular model of machine and your particular set of tools is nearly zero but the methods transfer to all sorts of things.
Tapping the button on the welder starts the gas so there is gas coming out of the nozzle when starting the weld, it is handy for more gas coverage for better looking welds and when ending keeping the torch above the weld for 5 to 10 sec so there is more gas until the weld cools down is also better for looks and quality.
Thanks - I do that sometimes but I usually forget. If I welded more often it would probably become second nature. :)
@@PaskMakes
Your welds look fine already, so probably not worth sweating over.
On the better MIG (and TIG) machines, there should be a setting labelled "post flow" which sets how long the gas coverage continues after the trigger is released and the arc has stopped. Might be hidden in a menu, or on a dedicated MIG machine, just be a fixed number of seconds and appear nowhere in the manual or control menus.
Now you make me want to get a milling machine.
Super cool improvement on the inexpensive saw.
Thank you for sharing your ideas.
There's nothing quite so satisfying is using a tool to better itself 👍
I used to love working with my hands and doing the things you do here. As no longer am able to it is good to watch these endeavors and how the human mind works great job.
As a journeyman steel fabricator for over forty years, a job well done sir, makes a decent little saw into an acurate (enough) workhorse, and very mobile at that. May well have to get one for myself !
Friday we had Cutting Edge Engineering with Pimp My Lathe, now we have Pask Makes with Pimp My Bandsaw! :D
Not sure if there is a word for it; but using a machine to self improve the same machine is always ultra satisfying.
It's two words........" MAD BRAH"
I just watch, and enjoy a truly skilled and humble craftsman at work.
Nice work mister.
if a thing has good bones it's always worth modifying. this proves the point magnificently. thank you. i enjoy your thought processes in tool building.
Buy a better saw? Where’s the fun in that?
Precisely.
What I like about this video is you end up using a lot of your other shop machines to make this one cheap, but suits the needs of your shop better. It showcases current skill, gaining more experience and how projects in the future will be improved by the improvements to the machine getting the improvements.
I have that exact machine and now am inspired to make it better as well. Thank you for this great video!
In the 80's I held on to the exact saw for three years. It was a totally annoying and frustrating piece of garbage. I gave it away on craigslist for FREE. Hats off to you Sir. The videos are great and you are a genius.
I live in an apartment and I don't make anything. I just like watching you make things. I am a photographer and this video reminds me of the saying "the best camera is the one you have with you". It's fun to dream about new fancy gear but ultimately it's often best to work with what you have.
Wonderful. Nicely done as per your usual standard. Thanks for sharing this project.
Apart from what I see in your ever entertaining videos I really know nothing about metal working. But seeing you extend this machine's functionality while making the best use of the existing parts is highly entertaining and enlightening. Things like the perfectly shaped new clamp or the idea of attaching the vertical table by clamping it onto the horizontal fences just show a great understanding of what you're doing.
Thanks very much - glad you enjoyed it! :)
Neil, I’d watch you take out the rubbish bin! I’ve been watching your channel for years, and I love your videos and the projects that you tackle - large and small. You are a very talented maker, and I am always impressed and inspired by your videos!
🤣🤣
I will most likely never ever have any use for any of this, but I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this video, Neil. You are not a "Jack of all trades" - you are a MASTER of all trades. Awesome project!
Thanks very much - glad you enjoyed it, although I'm definitely no master, just having fun. :)
I’ve had a similar relationship with my 4”x6” horizontal saw, making the following mods to date:
- Extension for small parts
- Vertical table
- Hydraulic lowering piston
- Flood coolant / coolant-trip tray
- Riser base (I’m 6’5”)
- Higher leverage handle (spiked wheel with rotating handle)
REALLY looking forward to incorporating several of your additional mods mate !
Sounds awesome James! :)
As much as I'd like to, I'll never own metal lathe, but I do enjoy watching you use one. I'll never own a band saw like this either, but again, it was a joy to watch you use and upgrade it. Something I do regularly use from your videos is ideas for how to make something better, and the many techniques you show us that we can apply to our own projects. Any time you think something may not make a good video, please go for it regardless. We always enjoy them and learn a lot from you. Thanks so much!
Ditto with a capital "D"
There's just something so beautiful about seeing a tool be used to build stuff to make that tool better!
I love modification videos like this. Not because I need them, but I enjoy watching you do your magic, Neil. As far as modifying vs buying new, well, not everyone can afford to drop a perfectly good machine that needs a few tweaks and buy one with all the bells and whistles that in the long run doesn't really do a better job. This was fun and fascinating to watch. Thanks. Oh, continue to use that lathe. You have it, use it. It's fun to watch as well.😁
Thanks Vickie - Glad you found it interesting. :)
I love what you did to improve your saw! I have a large Jet wet saw, metal cutting bandsaw and other dry saws. However, a few years back I bought a Milwaukee Portaband saw and mounted it on a table from Swag Offroad. I added a foot pedal to it. I have found that I end up using this simple saw far more than my others. You can easily make a table and roller stand for it. You did a fantastic job! What a great saw!
This is why i still love and watch every one of your vids. Its so refreshing to see you stick to your style of "Hey, this is what im doing and how i did it, watch it if you like, hope it's helpful"
So many channels like this feel they have to keep ramping up their channel until its basically a reality TV show that happens to have some Making in it. Your realism and down to earth approach really just makes me feel like I'm watching my dad in the shop as problems are solved and new things are created.
Thanks for another great video!
I've had my saw for 20 or 30 years and the mods you are making, as you say, turn a good tool into a brilliant one.
Nobody would ever have known that you measured the handle too long, but you told us anyway. Admirable honesty in your presentation
This is absolutely fantastic. I own that same saw (well, mine is red) and you have inspired me to make some modifications.
I bought mine at Harbor Freight. It has been a very good saw. Cuts very accurate. I named it Clark - it is Super Saw.
Thanks for posting this video. Very good work!
I have owned the same saw for 40 years. Everything you have noted and done are spot on.The only thing you missed is a cushion to pad your bum when using it as a vertical saw.
THANKS for this great video. I have this same saw for about 40 years and I will be doing most of these mods ASAP. Great ideas!
stop doubting what makes a good video... you make good videos. period.
I get it. love watching your process.
If you buy something else, you have to relearn how it works and it's quirks, by modifying something you already have you can keep the good things you like about it and improve the things that you want it to do better.
very enjoyable to watch you upgrade something you use to be more effective and more usable.
Thanks very much - that's a good point. :)
Great additions to the saw. I have one of these as well. Things I did to mine was I made a "0" clearance insert to fill that slot under the blade. Sometime when trimming a piece of stock it would fall in the gap and jam the blade. I built a base with casters as well but made mine out of channel iron because that was what I had lying around. That allowed me to make a folding stock support for the "left hand" side so I wouldn't need to use a stand to hold up long pieces.
Wow! ALL the mods on this video dramatically improve this little Harbor Freight horizontal band saw. Great video!
Dad bought a saw similar to yours in the mid eightys, I have inherited the saw, Its time for upgrades, I will be trying some of yours, thanks for showing everyone how you did yours! 🏁
Have regularly used this saw for about a decade.....your identification of it's shortcomings are spot on.
I had already addressed some of them, but you have taken it to the next level!....great video!
These saws are really a solid tool for the price, but your mods triple it's value.
I think this video is a great example of the value of buying mid grade used tools and the processes you can work through to improve them and turn them into higher quality tools.
This is the ultimate self improvement show. The saw basically rebuilt itself. There’s something cool and weird about that. Beautiful!
Got the tools!!
Got the time!!!
************
I always wear my 'PASK T-Shirt' when I watch your posts.
It's like it is a 'private' lesson!!!
Thank you! :)
As a metal worker for over 30 years all I can say what a great workshop you have I use to make fixtures to go onto our vices so we could hold small parts on our cnc milling machines and it was great to heard the sound of that grinder I thought I would never hear that again
I would use milling machines ,bandsaws and lathes and I would die for a workshop like that
Thank you for the great video
90 min to grind that face is pretty full on. I've noticed over the years just how patient you are with jobs that take a bunch of time - anything kumiko are an even better example - and for some reason I really appreciate that about all of your projects.
Also, the leftover "Lu" on the ruler would drive me nuts 😂
Awesome, Neil! I bought one of these off of Craigslist last year for $125 and this inspires me with some excellent ideas to make it functional. 😃
The "using a tool to improve itself" type of process is always fascinating to watch, and while I'm likely never going to have any direct use from seeing this, your way of approaching and solving problems big and small is incredibly useful to me as an amateur maker - helping me make the journey from "my tools can't do the thing I want (at all or without massive amounts of fiddling)" to "hm, maybe if I do this, I can make my tools do what I need them to do". And that's _huge_ for someone whose ideas and projects tend to far outstrip my budget 😅
@13:09 so satifying to watch that little rolled up peice build up beside the bit as it travels across
Thanls for this Neil. I have had the same saw for a couple of years now and noticed you have the same, like you I have put up with the shortcomings but for the money it is a super handy tool.
I will certainly be coppying some of these ideas, thanks heaps for sharing.
Something else I find myself wanting for is an adjustable height prop for cutting long items, currently I use offcuts of steel on a beer keg 😂
Mate this was awesome, I bought one of these saws and the next day UA-cam recommended your vid. Thanks YT. I am looking forward to doing most of the mods..starting with getting rid of those wheels. Cheers
Hi Neil. YT originally suggested one of your videos to me when you were making nice stuff out of firewood and I subbed at that time. I enjoy watching you build/modify and improve your machines. You really do fantastic work. I particularly like it when you include your problem solving and design steps. Thanks for sharing from the USA.
I will never have one of these saws, but it was so much fun to watch you solve problems, and follow them one by one down the chain of solutions. I especially loved the Chinese puzzle box that makes the movable fence! Kudos, and thanks for being yourself. That's what people love about you.
Thanks very much Richard - Glad you enjoyed it. :)
There's something really elegant about using the tool you're improving to make parts for improving the tool
using the vise to hold the the table when in vertical was a game changer. thank you for sharing! Amazing job on the build.
This video is for exactly me. I have this exact model of saw and have been trying to find a great list of modifications for it. And lo and behold my favorite Australian maker named Pask makes that video! Great day!
Wow. What an awesome series of upgrades. You're playing on another level, Pask. I have one of these saws, and it wasn't cheap in spite of its limitations. I have done a lot of cutting with it, and every one of your modifications rang true. My mill and lathe aren't equal to yours, but like you said, anyone can do it with any tools if they set their mind to it. Thanks for this valuable contribution.
Glad you understand the struggles with the saw and how worthwhile it was to fix them. Great saw though. :)
I got one of these from a Craigslist seller who got it from his brother- both guys were not interested in it, and so I bought it for $20.00 U.S. I did make a new wheeled base for it and a small table for the vertical function, the thing is bulletproof, very robust construction. Nice video too by the way.
Nice find - Glad you enjoyed the video. :)
I've been a woodworker for my entire life, and even making my own tools, fixtures, and jigs with aluminum and steel. Love the content.
The nicest improvement IMHO is the small table for vertical cutting, super handy
There are many things about to learn in this video, the tiny clamps, the center punch to put the points for drilling, your small but rigid milling, and on the top of that your engineering and mechanic skills. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
Just like the modifications in this video, the video itself is fantastic! You never cease to amaze me with your content. I can't wait to get my house and get my workshop set up so I can work on my own modifications to improve the meager assortment of tools I have. Two of which are yet to come... no wait... three to come including the saw. I'll find one somewhere. 🤔🤔🤔
Love the large table design. Simple, quick, functional. well done.
This video (and all your others) are for me! I don’t have a shop and am not a metalworker, but you are so charismatic and your projects are so entertaining I always watch!
Thanks very much Ariana! :)
Been a machinist all my life, so I watch these and other machining videos as a sort of busman's holiday. I never thought these little saws were very good, but I really like all of these upgrades.
One of the main reasons I watch and love your channel is to learn!
Seeing how you tackle problems and the way you share your thought process is a great help.
Great job! You do such wonderful work !! TAKE CARE !! From the USA !!!!!
I like watching things get improved with projects, so this video is for ME! Thanks really enjoy your channel.
My WW2 era machine shop instructor would brag on , the machine shop is the only shop that can duplicate itself and make it's own machinery, you are proof he was 100% correct
Using the saw, to upgrade the saw, is the coolest thing. Making your own handles and screws is so fun.🤗🤗
Wow! You definitely win the compitition for most tools! Nice to see how you tackle problems and solve them.
I watch your videos for the same reason I watch Curtis’s (Cutting Edge Engineering), you solve problems and that’s what I enjoy. I enjoy people laterally thinking - and that’s my job, just with data
I suppose doing this yourself is more satisfying that watching it bring done. Thanks for the entertainment! UA-cam is so much better than TV!
What an amazing set of upgrades. It was thrilling to see each upgrade used to help build the next.
At the start of the video you wondered who the audience might be. I think the audience is people who own tools (yes, that broad!). This was a great demonstration in how a tool can become much more pleasant to use, and more useful, with a few well considered changes. Tools don't need to stay the way they came from the factory. The woodwork community is replete with videos about crafting jigs for all sorts of things. It's much less common to see guides to improving the tools themselves and that's a lost opportunity.
Just received your Dart in the mail last week. Thanks for supplying us with years of informative and entertaining making videos Neil! PS the Dart is great!
Thanks very much and thanks for the support, I appreciate it. :)