14" or 17" Bandsaw?

[bsshog40]

So I have a 20 yr old 10" bench top bandsaw. The motors finally getting weak, I just replaced the capacitor a while back and the 1/3hp motor just doesn't seem strong enough to cut some bone. It actually slowed my blade down enough that it broke my blade. So I'm thinking it's time to upgrade. As the 10" only has about a 4" height cut, I was looking at a 14" bandsaw. Looking at the Grizzly's btw. The Jets are a little too high for me. Now the grizzly has a 14" extreme that has a 1 1/2hp motor. Of course the cutting height is still only a little above 6". I can buy an extension kit to take it to a 17" and that kit costs about $100. I can get a grizzly 17" for $70 more which is cheaper than the extension kit. But I'm wondering if the 17" is just overkill. I do like the idea of a 12" cut on the 17" saw as wanting to get more into turning larger bowls one day, it will cut bigger logs. But I'm not at that point right now. So I come to the minds of the professionals here for your opinions. Would you get one that will take care of my future needs now, or just wait to see if I progress and get the smaller one and just upgrade later?

Just food for thought, I looked at a couple reviews for the harbor freight and northern bandsaws and the reviews are not the best. So I've decided to just spend a little more to get better quality. Looking forward to your opinions. Thanks, Bobby

[wolf creek knives]

Hey Bobby, I've got a 14" inch that I've had for 30+ years. It's basically the same as the Grizzly. I've had no problems with it and as long as you use a sharp band you should have no problems with a 14" throat. It's worked great for me and it's still running after all these years. As for Harbor Freight, I steer clear of them on things like this. Just my opinion though.

[JimB]

The extension kit takes it to 12” cutting height, not 17” height.

I have the G0555 with the riser block giving me 12” cutting height. It has a 1 HP motor. I have cut bowl blanks up to the maximum capacity of the saw, 12” in height. I can tell you the 1 HP motor, even with a new good blade can struggle a bit with thicker pieces of harder woods. If you plan on cutting thick pieces go with the bigger motor if it's in your budget.

I also think the larger saw will have a larger table. You will like that when cutting larger bowl blanks.

[bsshog40]

Originally Posted by JimB

The extension kit takes it to 12” cutting height, not 17” height.

I have the G0555 with the riser block giving me 12” cutting height. It has a 1 HP motor. I have cut bowl blanks up to the maximum capacity of the saw, 12” in height. I can tell you the 1 HP motor, even with a new good blade can struggle a bit with thicker pieces of harder woods. If you plan on cutting thick pieces go with the bigger motor if it's in your budget.

I also think the larger saw will have a larger table. You will like that when cutting larger bowl blanks.

My mistake JIm, I meant the kit to take it to a 12" cutting hieght, just had the 17" number on my brain.
I was looking at 2 Grizzly's. They have the G0555X which is 14" and a 1 1/2hp motor, Table is 20 1/2" x 14". It's $855. But the 17" has a 2hp motor for $70 more. The table is 17" x 17". Its the G0513anv.

17" - https://www.grizzly.com/products/Gri...ition/G0513ANV


14" - https://www.grizzly.com/products/Gri...Bandsaw/G0555X

[KLJ]

I have the grizzly 14 in extreme with the riser block and one half hp motor. I would gladly upgrade to the 17 in saw for 70 dollar. I have not had a problem with power but the extra size would be nice.

[robutacion]

To me, the decision would be simple, please get the 17" one shown on the link, they are better machines, the frames are very solid and the tables are big. I have a 16" (same type as the 17") but the cutting capacity was 10" from the factory, I modify it to the highest adjustment I could and I endup with just over 11" which is still not enough, I wish I had bought the 18" or the 20" ones, nothing worse than having a bandsaw that limits you on what you need to cut so, my advice is, buy the biggest size you can afford.

Cheers
George

[MDWine]

IMHO, there's nothing worse than wanting to do "bigger" work and being limited by equipment. This is especially true when I bought something small figuring I would never do the bigger work... get the big dog and be happy!

Enjoy!

[Wildman]

If stuck on Grizzly band saws stay with them swear by my G055 without riser kit. Althought most popular option for 14” band saw is a riser kit never considered getting one. Use my electric chain saw for trimming to fit my lathe when need too. Like others have said those 17” Grizzly BS really great if already have 220V line.

If were looking for new 14” saw would consider a Lugna 14/12 or 14XB model don’t have 220 in my shop. Like the ceramic guides better than ball bearings.

https://lagunatools.com/classic-mach...andsaws/14-12/

https://www.lagunabandsaws.com/store...and14bx110-198

Guess customer service at Laguna has improved a little from reviews have read.

[bsshog40]

Originally Posted by Wildman

If stuck on Grizzly band saws stay with them swear by my G055 without riser kit. Althought most popular option for 14” band saw is a riser kit never considered getting one. Use my electric chain saw for trimming to fit my lathe when need too. Like others have said those 17” Grizzly BS really great if already have 220V line.

If were looking for new 14” saw would consider a Lugna 14/12 or 14XB model don’t have 220 in my shop. Like the ceramic guides better than ball bearings.

https://lagunatools.com/classic-mach...andsaws/14-12/

https://www.lagunabandsaws.com/store...and14bx110-198

Guess customer service at Laguna has improved a little from reviews have read.

Actually Bill, I plan on re-wiring it for 110v. It comes prewired for 220 but is designed to run at 110 also.

[sbwertz]

The 14 inch with a riser kit will enable you to cut wood up to about 11 inches thick. The advantage of the 17" wheels is you can cut things that are three inches wider with the 17 than you can with the 14. I have a 73 year old 14" Delta with a riser kit and use it every day. It was my grandfather's and I learned on it when I was a little girl. For me, the extra 3 inches in width would not be worth the increase in price, because I don't need to cut wide items. Look at what you want to use it for and decide if the extra width is a factor for the kind of cutting you need to do.