The Jimmy Diresta Band Saw Restoration, Part 1: Disassembly

The Diresta Band Saw Project! A couple of months ago, I posted some photos of a huge J. A. Fay 48” band saw on Instagram and Facebook that a guy was trying to find a new home for about an hour from me. Lots of folks were interested in it but at the end of the day, my friend Jimmy Diresta ended up making a deal on this machine. A few weeks ago, with the help of another friend, Andy Knowlton, we retrieved this saw and got it moved to my shop. After talking things over with Jimmy, we decided that I would take this project on as a restoration video series on my VintageMachinery.org KZbin site. This past week and weekend, I started the process of disassembled the saw into its various pieces. Looking forward to this restoration - it is always a pleasure to get to work on machines that date from the 1800’s. This one is going to be fun!
Support VintageMachinery.org on Patreon:
/ vintagemachinery
Make a one time donation to VintageMachinery via PayPal:
www.paypal.me/...
Please Visit: www.vintagemach...
Sponsored by:
American Rotary Phase Converters
www.americanro...
Use checkout code "Vintage10" for a 10% discount on all AD, ADX and AI converters!

[@jimmydiresta]

Keith!!!!! I am so grateful that you took this on !! Love and respect ✊🏻🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@mickestahl6178]

@@ke17h As Keith said, he hope to get some users that look at Direstas videos to come over and follow him and look at his videos.

[@truey90s]

Jason from fireball tools will be jealous

[@1nvisible1]

UPDATE: *Pendulum is likely the Fay and Egan Patented Knife-edge Straining Device* "Superiority in a Band Rip Saw consists in its capacity for turning out the greatest amoutn of lumber per day, and with the least waste in sawdust in the operation. To have this, two things are necessary - First- A thin saw blade. Second - A high speed to the blade. To have these two things your machine must be equipped with a highly sensitive straining device, absolutely frictionless, for in ripping lumber of varying density a thin blade will crack if the vibration is not quickly compensated for by the tension device. WIth a device slow to respond, a thick balde is necessary, as is found on the ordinary machine; hence the waste in kerf and the consequent slowness fo the feed. The Fay and Egan Patented Knife-edge Straining Device is responsive to the least vibration in the wood under the highest speed of the saw blade. It is not a gibbed device, but works on the principle of a pair of scales is absolutely frictionless. Hence, by the use of a thinner blade under a higher rate of peed, it is superior to any of its contemporaries in output and its saving kerf. Can you refute this argument? We challenge anybody." *@1:37 I see that giant weighted pendulum sticking out of the left or back of the machine, is that the "Patent Weighted Teneton" and what does it do? For changing the blades, or ? "No. 5 Patent Band Sawing Machine. With 48" Combination Wheels, Patent Weighted Teneton, and Patent Roller Guides."

[@Lorddanielrushton371]

Great idea to but and have Keith restore the bandsaw. I kinda want to fly up there and play in the shops. Lol

[@Lorddanielrushton371]

Keith, I'm come over from Jimmy's channel. Great job on the restoration. I'm looking forward to watching all of it. I love watching tool restoration channels. Thanks for having a deep restore channel.

[@vigilum]

Mr. Diresta sent me. You guys are true spirited men!! thank you for sharing your talent.

[@blipys]

any new diresta viewer who now find your channel is in for hours of treats and lessons. you are a great teacher and hopefully you will get even more students after this series. thanks Keith

[@evanharriman5352]

That’s me, I’m so pumped to work through this channel :-)

[@puritan7473]

I am here after seeing the finished job set up and working in Jimmy's video, just started the series and looking forward to learning much!

[@scottkapton4658]

Just binge watched the entire restoration. I just picked up an 1890's JA Fay & Co. 36" bandsaw that is the baby brother to your 48" monster. Ironically, most of the parts and design are very similar. Thanks for the step by step guide I will be using when I restore my saw, which is destined for full time use in my new shop. Luckily, everything is fee wheeling and it looks like it was well cared for. Thanks so much for the detailed series. You gave me a great education on the pitfalls.... Thx. Scott Kapton Fine Creek Woodworking. Powhatan VA P.S: I also added photos and description to your website too!

[@billwendt9571]

Anyone who's a friend of Jimmy DiResta automatically becomes a friend of mine. Love your work.

[@jrhalabamacustoms5673]

Engels Coach Shop working on the wheels would be another cool addition to the collaboration. That thing is a beast, cant wait to see what JD does with it!

[@chuckpechan]

I was thinking the exact same thing!!!

[@charlesbarry7479]

Another vote for the master wheelwright of Montana. His work is beautiful.

[@556guy]

Dittos on sending those wheels to engles coach!!

[@maggs131]

He doesn't like doing wheels anymore but he might make an exception

[@thisolesignguy2733]

Same!

[@VintageJunker]

Wow That is one cool Bandsaw. American Heritage is her name. Love it!

[@jeanhawken4482]

Beautiful piece of machinery

[@johnhazelton8678]

Love it all hope to see back together Good luck with it.John Hazelton.UK

[@timeflysintheshop]

Good video. Appreciate all you do! All blessings from Ohio. 👍😀

[@sapiduscorvus]

I think this kind of collaboration is the best and most honest way to grow a channel there is!

[@geneard639]

Just, just look at the size of that casting! Its HUGE! That monster is AWESOME!

[@Mekratrig]

Should have guessed Keith & Jimmy DiResta were buds, me. Nice to see collaboratjons like this. Now Jimmy should feature this saw in one of his vijeos.

[@davidwhiren817]

light green would look crazy cool !!!

[@waynecreech]

WOW! What a bandsaw!! Thanks to you and Jimmy for saving this treasure from being scrapped....

[@accuracymark]

Just love the foundry work on these vintage machines, a testament to the pattern makers of the day

[@petercasey175]

They don’t make em like the used to. Imagine the size of the mold, they probably had it down to a science and I doubt well make em that way again.

[@markhedquist9597]

Agreed! I'm becoming more and more intrigued by the art of pattern making. Here I go, researching...!

[@gunslinger3577]

Keith, I know what color Jimmy will tell to paint the bandsaw...WHITE!!! Every other tool he owns is painted white. Oh, don't forget to stencil "Diresta" somewhere on the machine. LOL. Another great "rehab" project. Have enjoyed every episode of the past projects.

[@ronniebrown8775]

My Dad used tell me to (tote) things for him Keith! Ashland Kentucky boy! It always makes my smile when I here the term!

[@MrRogsmart]

That is a big beautiful machine. Looking forward to future videos on this project.

[@johnshoureas1629]

I found a photo of the J. A. Fay & Egan decal and emailed it to Keith.

[@Hoaxer51]

Nice job!

[@thedraac1818]

That's funny, its from his own website... Vintage Machinery...

[@johnshoureas1629]

@@thedraac1818 I found the decal on a bandsaw on eBay and did a screen capture.

[@ellieprice363]

And, “there ya go” for an exciting start on another important American machine from the past. Can’t wait to see this big monster cleaned up, reassembled, and working again.

[@carbide1968]

Cool project. That thing is gonna cut steel like butter.

[@leeroyholloway4277]

I love band saws, setting them up and using them. I have way too many. This one makes my heart go pitter patter.

[@haroldphipps3457]

Humm, way too many band saws you say? Doesn't make sense. Like saying your shop building is big enough. 🙂

[@leeroyholloway4277]

@@haroldphipps3457 What I meant is "too many is not enough" I wasn't thinking clearly after seeing Keith's video.

[@65cj55]

It was Green, the Black is likely Coal Tar Primer, it was used a lot on Cast Iron, including Locomotives and Cannons etc etc..

[@RB-yq7qv]

It's great to see old machine's coming back to life.

[@boryscholewinski4370]

Hello. Jimmy sent me here. Checking in.

[@J8MORS]

Super cool! I’m watchin!

[@piperjohn_3]

That shape of that monstrous casting is really pleasing to the eye.

[@adamdiaz8442]

It’s great to see people like you Keith willing to give there time to restore this beautiful piece of history thank u sir

[@crichtonbruce4329]

It's remarkable how easy it was to free up all the parts on a machine this old. That will be a beautiful monster when restored!

[@kenny5174]

Man what a BEAST! Looks like fun, especially with a shop like yours, large and well lighted!

[@pneumatic00]

After the saga of your big shaper, you're a brave man taking on another 19th century restoration! That's a lot simpler than the shaper but that's no afternoon project.

[@ElmerJFudd-oi9kj]

Whoa! this is the MOAB (Mother Of All Bandsaws).

[@ronpownall4549]

Can’t wait to watch this. I have a 36” Fay & Egan waiting for me to get started on. This should be good inspiration.

[@garthbutton699]

I think Niles is going to be busy with an assortment of wire wheels and brushes,thanks Keith for your efforts.🤗😎🤗😎

[@waynefitch990]

Beautiful machine

[@WillWinder]

You should stencil "RUCKER" somewhere, get it on there for Jimmy to find.

[@michaelbirmingham4111]

RUCKER in white of course

[@ron827]

"Rucker Restorations"

[@bobweiram6321]

Or send Diresta in for a real headspin with a decal "Darius Rucker." LOL!

[@jeremyspecce]

Especially because it sounded like he said “Rutger” on the podcast 🤣

[@MrArtVandelay]

Jimmy does love to put his name anywhere it will fit.

[@jonasstockton1546]

This is a dream job right here.

[@phillipjones3342]

Congratulation to you and Jimmy looking forward to the restore good luck and get her done.

[@mcho550]

Love Keith, Love Jimmy. Can't wait to see this restored and what Jimmy does with it.

[@sagaciousalso5026]

Thank you for your efforts and making the video for our viewing. Much appreciated.......

[@mikethelandscaper41]

Love the Philmont belt!

[@GibClark]

Great tool for restoration 👍👍👍👍

[@markhedquist9597]

I must say, it warms my heart watching a guy do what he loves to, and making a living doing that. Having the pleasure of restoring beautiful, old machines such as this one is such an honor. I do a little cleaning up of old tools found at estate sales and such. I love it. I consider each one to be a work of art. So happy to see this big boy band saw being restored. Amazing! I hope you get gobs of subs from this series. Cheers!

[@assessor1276]

What a beautiful old machine Keith. That huge casting is a work of art! I can’t wait to see it restored and making chips again.

[@DylansDIYWorkshop]

thats a beautiful machine!

[@catfishgray3696]

KEITH, GREAT TO BE ABLE TO HELP OUT A FRIEND, GREAT PET THE CATS AND DOGS, GREAT VIDEO, GREAT JOB, KNOW LET'S GO TO WORK, TELL EVERYBODY HELLO...

[@TishaHayes]

Oooh, candy apple red with black wheels!

[@lawr46]

Congrats on making it to 200K!

[@kentuckytrapper780]

What a friend, that's alot of work, I restored four pieces took two years. That badge should say referb by Rucker, lol. Great video Keith, keep'um coming.

[@jimpritz4169]

When I worked in Baltimore they were building the ship The Pride of Baltimore 2 and they had one of these monsters on site to cut up the timbers for the ship. Quite impressive to see these in action.

[@dennisleadbetter7721]

Have you see the Sampson Boat Company with Leo rebuilding the Tally Ho, he has one of these monsters and they had the lower wheel buried into the ground. The cast iron frame also rotated to cut angles, so the table was fixed and the saw frame tilted. There have been some amazing machines built over the years.

[@jimpritz4169]

@@dennisleadbetter7721 Thanks Dennis I have seen Leo and Tally Ho. Quite an impressive undertaking. It sure helps to have the right tools for the job.

[@matthewq4b]

@@dennisleadbetter7721 Leo has a Ship Saw, a considerably more complicated piece of kit than a plain old Band Saw

[@bigredc222]

Good video. If something is rusty, I soak it down with penetrating oil a few days before I start to disassemble it, it makes life a little easier. Thank you.

[@FoxMacLeod2501]

Ooooh, I am excited about this one! ... Like I am most of the time I see new projects from our fantastic Mr. Rucker.

[@SalvageWorkshop]

LOVE IT!! I have 38" Fay and Eagan Bandsaw from 1880, but that 48" has mine beat!! Such a beautiful machine!

[@wincendf]

Love the Philmont Belt

[@davissexton6057]

Subscribing after watching this video. Love the attention to detail.

[@andycropley5486]

That is one big saw! Good luck Keith!

[@josiahlevasseur4479]

Love how you bring these historical machines back to life. Keep up the good work

[@T3hJones]

One could think that you've disassembled old machines before! Beast of a band saw. Cant wait for the next video.

[@RookieLock]

Jimmy is the master of the bandsaw, lol, so its going to a great home..

[@terrybush4270]

Wow! That is a big one! Cool choice. Thanks for sharing.

[@tomcarlson3244]

I am always amazed to see how the built machines back then. Fun project

[@markpalmer5311]

Excellent addition to the library of great content! I’m sure pressure washing is messy, but it’s oddly satisfying to watch.

[@chairmakerPete]

The green is definitely the right colour. Have one very similar to this in our shop in England - it looks so similar I'm going to have a better look at it next week to verify. Ours dates from the 1930s, though I thought it was made in High Wycombe, England. Maybe it was a US import, or perhaps it's just that these big old saws all look the same? Had ours completely rebuilt about 25 years ago - everything changed - runs perfectly every day. Guess it'll need the same re-build in another 25 years or so, though by then that won't be my problem! Great video - thank you!

[@alexzan3564]

I clicked this video for the 48" band saw, that thing is massive!!! Jimmys cool, that band saw is cooler.

[@lkurowic]

Know when to hold em...........know when to fold em. That's good advice Marty.

[@Ryncho_QQ]

Thank you for sharing band saw restoration my friend

[@dalmatiangirl61]

I can see that machine in Hammerite mid green, sweet!

[@dan-o9746]

Don't forget the big Diresta painted across the front!

[@iangraham122]

I have been following allot of your videos, especially scraping. please keep up the good work and your presentation of the machine historys.

[@markdaugherty6378]

How lucky Jimmy is to have you overseeing this project, looking forward to upcoming episodes and great final results

[@jonshank9572]

Good lord, that is quite the saw!

[@petefields5090]

Huge fan of what you do. This old saw is going to be amazing again!!

[@billmorris2613]

Good morning to all from SE Louisiana 6 Dec 21.

[@jeffpitzer8521]

Man, Keith! That is a huge saw!

[@duster.]

Great video, nicely paced and good commentary. Subbed. Bob in Wiltshire, England.

[@gjforeman]

New subscriber here, long-time Diresta fan. Can't wait to see how this goes. My puny Laguna Fourteen-12 saw looks like a kids toy in comparison.

[@don4364]

Machines are like little animals, they just love to follow you back home.

[@doylerabjohn3435]

Interesting Band Saw

[@kiwdwks]

Nice done...look forward to following the restoration!

[@dalemiller9444]

Keith, love the way you introduce projects. I’m a big fan of your work.

[@johnshoureas1629]

Dave from KZbin channel Engels Coach Shop has a 1908 Fay & Egan table saw, but the manufacturer's name is cast into the machine. J.A. Fay & Co. merged with Egan Co. in 1893.

[@timincam]

he may also help with the wheels

[@garthbutton699]

I thought the same also,he might be able to shed some light on that upper guide adjustment that Keith questioned.

[@markmckinley5989]

Amazing how well that was built so that even after all these years it can be disassembled for repair.

[@notme3505]

Very cool!

[@yardsausage]

im liking what i am seeing, so i subscribed..also i was glad to see you use a lead hammer so not to dent the metal..

[@stephenbridges2791]

I'm looking forward to this one.

[@elsdp-4560]

Thank you for sharing. Enjoyed.

[@samuraidriver4x4]

It sometimes amaze me that the hardware on vintage machines comes out pretty easy but in machinery from lets say the 90's is rotten rock solid and breaks off. Also what an amazing casting when you look at it, huge but still intricate details.

[@jwaterous224]

That's such a good find and I think you'll do the best job on the resto. I could see that saw making cuts on so called rough castings before machining. It's going to be a happy saw when you're done and when Jimmy has it in operation.

[@harrymiller3986]

wow what a great find, being a GA boy can only imagine the big pine and cypress this old saw has cut a history lesson in the raw

[@Cliff_Anderson]

Always enjoy a good spider murdering to go with my restoration videos. :)

[@DudleyToolwright]

I love the history Keith. This looks to be a really nice project. Thanks for sharing the rebuild.

[@andrewkoetz3933]

Kieth; I think that shade of green is the same green as the "railroad steam locomotive cab green" you see on the interior of steam locomotive cabs.

[@clydecessna737]

Selfishness is not the same as self interest; one is good for both parties, one is not. I would bet that Mr Rucker has never done a selfish thing in his life.

[@stevencorley2352]

I too think contacting Dave Engels of Engles Coach Shop would be interesting. He is a Wheelwright and should be able to help with the wooden rims.

[@TheAyrCaveShop]

Man what a beast. !! Trying to imagine what the pattern making and molding process must’ve been for that casting. Those old timers had some amazing skills !!

[@expatconn7242]

That’s just so cool 😎

[@RojasCarpentry]

I'm excited to see this bandsaw at the shop! This is the big one!

[@jpsimon206]

I have a 37-in crescent about the same age. The most impressive thing to me is that the wheels are hand forged, with an odd number of spokes and yet they are perfectly in balance. There is no signs of drilling or adding lead to balance. Presumably the blacksmith himself assured they were balanced

[@jpsimon206]

Not sure what Jimmy's plan is for the bandsaw, but I have a very neat design that I implemented to make mine work on wood as well as metal. Would be happy to send you pics and specs if that is his long-term plan

[@jpsimon206]

I don't mean neat as in blowing my own horn, I mean that it all fits in the original footprint

[@petercasey175]

Wow

[@linmal2242]

@@jpsimon206 Yes, blow your own horn. Nobody else will blow it! Good for you, and good for jimmy!