Advice on New Bandsaw

[lhowell]

I've been using a 1980's model Craftsman 14" Bandsaw I bought at an Estate Sale for $60 for about three years now. When I bought it, it had a terrible wobble so I switched out the old rubber tires for some fancy urethanes. That helped some but it appears that whomever had the bandsaw before I did never let off the tension and over the years warped the lower cast wheel.

I really want to get into resawing my own timber and have a bandsaw that doesnt wobble as bad. I feel that I've narrowed down my selection to the Rikon 10-326 or the Grizzly G0555X (with riser attachment).

Anyone have any advice, pros/cons, recommendations on something else they would like to share? Thanks!


P.S. - I really want to stay in the 110V range as I don't have 220V in the location nor do I want to run a 220 service over to the bandsaw

 

[Herb G]

Before I bought that Grizzly & a riser, I'd look at this model instead.
It probably isn't much more than what you posted.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/17-2-HP-Bandsaw

 

[allmaclean]

I am in the market for same. Had mine narrowed down to the 555LX. Shipping seems high though. Does Grizzly ever over discounts on that or on price?

 

[RBcarving]

Herb is right. If you have the cash that Grizzly G0513ANV 17" is a nice piece. Ive had mine (old model #/same saw) for several years and it runs really smooth and has plenty of power.

 

[Herb G]

I am in the market for same. Had mine narrowed down to the 555LX. Shipping seems high though. Does Grizzly ever over discounts on that or on price?

Sometimes they have a "flash sale" and have free s&h.

Herb is right. If you have the cash that Grizzly G0513ANV 17" is a nice piece. Ive had mine (old model #/same saw) for several years and it runs really smooth and has plenty of power.

Yeah, I hear you on that. It's kind of my "dream saw". One has to dream now & then.


Grizzly has that saw on sale around the holidays every year for $850 shipped. In case you can wait. :wink:

 

[kitestir]

I have the 555 black anniversary edition. Same saw as the 555lx just black. It was what I could afford at the time. I bought it 2 years ago on Black Friday for $419 shipped to my local freight center. It was half the price of the 17". It is a great band saw for me. I do not need the extra clearance from the riser kit. This is good because I would say it is under powered for that! I can run a half inch blade with no issues, but when I go to a 3/4 blade it struggles a bit and bogs down when re sawing anything toward the max clearance. It is a very slow process to rip even a 6" 8/4 quarter board in maple etc.

So if you have the ability to afford the 17" I would say go with that or save up until you can afford it as you already have the old band saw. It has a 2hp motor vs th 1hp motor in the 14" which is a huge improvement all by itself.

The 555x does have a 1.5 hp motor, but when you add the cost of the riser the 17" saw is basically the same price for a better saw.

 

[Edgar]

I have the Rikon 10-325 (predecessor to the 10-326) and I'm very happy with it.

I have no experience with the Grizzly, so I can't give you any comparison comments.