band saw options

bjbear76 · 10-10-2018, 12:06 PM

My 40 year old Delta/Rockwell band saw motor just bit the dust. I could probably get a replacement motor for around $100ish.

Looking at the possibility of upgrading to a new one. From what I've read so far, Rikon gets great reviews as does the 14" Grizzly.

Lowe's has a 13.625" Delta for around the same price. So I'm looking at spending in the $700+ range. More than I'd really like to spend for cutting pen blanks to length. But I don't want one of those little table top models.

I found a used 12"Craftsman 1hp on marketplace for $250 and a new 10" WEN with stand for $125. Are either of these worth a look?

I don't really need a lot of fancy features, but I do want it to be dependable.

Suggestions?

Gundoc · 10-10-2018, 12:09 PM

I have a WEN planer, drill press, sander and 9" table top band saw and have not had any problems with them

dogcatcher · 10-10-2018, 12:42 PM

Unless you were having other problems with the Delta bandsaw your best option is to get a new motor.

magpens · 10-10-2018, 01:37 PM

If all you use the band saw for is "cutting pen blanks to length" you don't really need a band saw at all, IMHO.

If you are cutting blanks from large blocks then yes.

I have a small 4.5" (approx) "table saw" that I find extremely useful for cutting blanks to length and for segmenting. . It has good accuracy, cuts cleanly at 90*, and can be set to cut at other angles. . I would not be without it. . I rarely use a band saw now.

The best little table saw of this type would be a Byrnes but there are others that cost a lot less.

A few cheaper examples on eBay:

https://www.ebay.com/bhp/hobby-table-saw

Just offering you a few alternatives.

bmachin · 10-10-2018, 02:50 PM

If you're talking about a 40 year old 14 inch Delta versus anything that you or anybody else has mentioned, I'm with dogcatcher. That's a really good saw. I would go with a 1 1/2 HP motor.

If you need any further upgrades take a look at the Iturra Designs catalog. They don't have a web presence so you have to call them at 904-642-2802. They used to charge 5 bucks, but it's money well spent. They sell and educate on all things concerning bandsaw.

Bill

Woodchipper · 10-10-2018, 03:12 PM

Caution- I have the Rikon benchtop bandsaw. Good tool. Be aware that the miter slot is 5/8 and not the standard 3/4! If I had known this, I would have bought another brand. BTW, the optional miter for the Rikon isn't good quality. Made one out of scrap wood.

Curly · 10-10-2018, 03:58 PM

Scrounge up another motor. You should be able to find something locally or on eBay/Amazon for $100 to $300. If you want to go through the work of adapting a treadmill motor you will have variable speed which would let you cut metal with the right blade in it.

jttheclockman · 10-10-2018, 04:33 PM

You have one of the most reliable well built saws. You have the blades to fit it. You have the capabilities to resaw and do so much more Spend the money on upgrading the motor to a heavy duty motor and you are golden. I agree with others get a new motor. Stay far away from any of those desk top saws. Not in a bandsaw. I love when people say well all I am going to do is cut pen blanks. If that is all you are doing then get a handsaw and miter box and be done with it.

wolf creek knives · 10-14-2018, 07:06 PM

Stick with the Delta. Good brand and what I've found is that the older tools seem to be better built. That's just my opinion but almost all my power tools are at least 50+ years old and they still handle everything I can throw at them. No plastic or cheap metals and you can still get parts for them even if aftermarket, they work.

Fish30114 · 10-15-2018, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by magpens

If all you use the band saw for is "cutting pen blanks to length" you don't really need a band saw at all, IMHO.

If you are cutting blanks from large blocks then yes.

I have a small 4.5" (approx) "table saw" that I find extremely useful for cutting blanks to length and for segmenting. . It has good accuracy, cuts cleanly at 90*, and can be set to cut at other angles. . I would not be without it. . I rarely use a band saw now.

The best little table saw of this type would be a Byrnes but there are others that cost a lot less.

A few cheaper examples on eBay:

https://www.ebay.com/bhp/hobby-table-saw

Just offering you a few alternatives.

Magpens, will a Byrne table saw cut through a 7/8 or 1 inch blank??

10-10-2018, 12:06 PM	#1 (permalink)
bjbear76 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: West Chester, OH 45069 Photos: 0	band saw options My 40 year old Delta/Rockwell band saw motor just bit the dust. I could probably get a replacement motor for around $100ish. Looking at the possibility of upgrading to a new one. From what I've read so far, Rikon gets great reviews as does the 14" Grizzly. Lowe's has a 13.625" Delta for around the same price. So I'm looking at spending in the $700+ range. More than I'd really like to spend for cutting pen blanks to length. But I don't want one of those little table top models. I found a used 12"Craftsman 1hp on marketplace for $250 and a new 10" WEN with stand for $125. Are either of these worth a look? I don't really need a lot of fancy features, but I do want it to be dependable. Suggestions? __________________ "The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor." *Vince Lombardi*

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10-14-2018, 07:06 PM	#9 (permalink)
wolf creek knives Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Wolf Creek Montana Posts: 249 Photos: 0	Stick with the Delta. Good brand and what I've found is that the older tools seem to be better built. That's just my opinion but almost all my power tools are at least 50+ years old and they still handle everything I can throw at them. No plastic or cheap metals and you can still get parts for them even if aftermarket, they work.

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