Modifying a Hammond G40
Moderator: crzypete
Modifying a Hammond G40
Has anyone here modified a G40 glider to accept the larger diameter woodworking blades? I've used Bob Vaughan's method to mod a G100 but the G40 has the older cast base and a different internal structure at the rear of the blade.
I don't have a G4 cast base saw kicking around at the moment- The G40 is the same as a G4 except that it has an extended fingerscale. And my only modification for a larger blade was a G100- see this thread http://machinejunkie.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=333
I would approach it in a similar fashion. Stealing Nektai's picture- i would make up a finger that attaches to the arbor to mock up the size blade that you want to use.
It is very important that you check the blade throughout its travel as the nature of the raising and lowering swings the blade in an arc, so you may be clear at one point and not another. Develop a good plan before you execute.
At the end of the day you may find that you are limited to a certain size blade without making major alterations to the saw. I would hesitate before I did structural damage just to gain a slightly bigger blade.
As I have mentioned before, I completely disagree with the fine woodworking article which suggested modifying the saw to accept a 10" blade. 10" is simply too much blade for the saw, and requires major butchering.
Pics and more details would better help us understand the problems you are facing and what you are trying to do.
Pete
I would approach it in a similar fashion. Stealing Nektai's picture- i would make up a finger that attaches to the arbor to mock up the size blade that you want to use.
It is very important that you check the blade throughout its travel as the nature of the raising and lowering swings the blade in an arc, so you may be clear at one point and not another. Develop a good plan before you execute.
At the end of the day you may find that you are limited to a certain size blade without making major alterations to the saw. I would hesitate before I did structural damage just to gain a slightly bigger blade.
As I have mentioned before, I completely disagree with the fine woodworking article which suggested modifying the saw to accept a 10" blade. 10" is simply too much blade for the saw, and requires major butchering.
Pics and more details would better help us understand the problems you are facing and what you are trying to do.
Pete
thanks Pete. I've already modified a G100- cutting the table and grinding part of the innards away ( per Bob Vaughan's article) . But the G40 has a totally different internal structure. If I cutaway the area at the rear of the blade for more clearance (as on a G100 mod) the blade would protrude through the back of the base. I think the only option is to keep using the original size blades. [/img]
Are the clearances that tight? You are saying you can only use a 7 1/4" blade? How about an 8".
I remember I was considering modifying a G44b prior to modifying my G100. It was a sheet metal base, but I recall thinking the clearances looked promising.
You may find that the cast iron is thick enough to remove some of it, yet maintain its strength- ie not cut all the way through.
At the end of the day, the 7 1/4" blade is quite usable and pretty well suited to the saw.
Pete
I remember I was considering modifying a G44b prior to modifying my G100. It was a sheet metal base, but I recall thinking the clearances looked promising.
You may find that the cast iron is thick enough to remove some of it, yet maintain its strength- ie not cut all the way through.
At the end of the day, the 7 1/4" blade is quite usable and pretty well suited to the saw.
Pete