What bandsaw to choose from.

[jxdubbs]

Hi,
I've been looking to buy my first bandsaw. I'm making pens for the most part, but as well as other woodworking projects like bowls, cutting boards Ect.
So I have around $300 to spend. I've been researching for a few weeks. The ones I like the most would be...

WEN 3962 10-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw with Stand and Worklight

WEN 3962 10-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw with Stand and Worklight

OR

RIKON 10" Bench Top Bandsaw, Model 10-305

https://www.rikontools.com/product/10-305

Honorable Mentions...

GRIZZLY-G0803 - 9" Benchtop Bandsaw


9" Benchtop Bandsaw | Grizzly Industrial

Thank you for all your wonderful help. I've looking forward and exited to what you have to say about these band saws.
James

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[tonylumps]

I have the Wen that you are showing.Had it for almost 2 years as long as you know it's limitations go for it. It is easy to adjust the guides and install blades i keep a Bi-metal blade on it for almost everything I cut all of my blanks and tubes. 2 things you do not want to cut are Stone Blanks and Seashell. If I want to cut something large than I switch to a 1/2 blade You can,t beat the price. Now if you are going to resaw large logs forget it

 

[Talltim]

I have an old 10 in benchtop craftsman. My biggest weakness in my shop is having an undersized, underpowered bandsaw.

 

[Lenny]

Those may suit your needs, however my advice would be to consider waiting until you can afford to buy a 14" saw. If you just don't have the space, I would say go for the Rikon as their support is some of the best.

 

[Penultimate]

The latest issue of Wood magazine has a bandsaw review. The Craftsman 14 inch (a Rikon, I think) got the best tool award. The Rikon got the best ten inch saw.
I have the Craftsman Rikon and it works well, I recommend it. But consider this., if you mount a ten inch saw on its own stand you take up about the same room as a 14 inch saw.
Good luck, have fun.


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[Lenny]

I actually have the Craftsman 14" as a second bandsaw. It is exactly the same saw as the old Rikon 10-321. My other saw is a 2hp 17" Grizzly GO513X2F
I use the Craftsman in my basement turning area and bought it because 1. I didn't want to spend a lot and 2. It does more than I need.
Given that so many Sears stores are closing, there may be some bargains to be found.

 

[acturbo]

Those may suit your needs, however my advice would be to consider waiting until you can afford to buy a 14" saw. If you just don't have the space, I would say go for the Rikon as their support is some of the best.

I will second this. I have a 10" craftsman in my shop and am currently looking for 14" or larger. Especially if you are planning on doing bowls cups etc a 10" or less is going to need upgrade sooner rather than later.

I search craigslist everyday and if I don't find anything I'm going after the 14" Rikon that goes for around $799 after I save enough.

 

[Bikerdad]

Wait, and purchase a used 14" bandsaw. The last good small bandsaw was made by Inca, a company that has been out of the North American market for some time. The only strong use case I can see for one of the wee bandsaws is if one absolutely can't find the space for a larger bandsaw. I can usually find half a dozen used 14" Delta clones available here any given month, with a least a couple of them under your $300 target.

Heck, I'm going to be selling my 14" Delta Delta clone sometime this year when I upgrade.

 

[farmer]

I have a 14 inch Ridgid with a kregg fence