shastastan
Member
I just got a new Ryobi 9" small band saw at Home Depot for $129. I have a Minamax 16", 220v, band saw with a carbide tipped resaw blade on it. I like to just leave that blade on and I don't like cutting small stuff, like pen blanks, on it except to square them up. I decided to get a small saw to give me more versatility for pen blanks, toys, and intarsia. It's probably not the most safe thing to be both a musician and woodworker, but I can't help myself.:biggrin:
Initially I was going to get a Skil 9" BS for the same price. However, they changed their model from last year and are using cheaper parts. Having read some reviews about last year having a metal base and table, I was able to find a display unit at Lowe's. However, when I started to put the blade on, I noticed that the lower blade guide was missing so I returned it.
One review suggest the Ryobi instead so I decided to check one out at Home Depot. I was careful to pick an unopened and undamaged box. When I opened it up the blade was off I discovered that the top wheel was loose and missing the keeper ring. I found the ring in the packing plastic. I did take me some time to get the blade on and adjusted correctly. The directions are pretty sketchy for someone who knows nothing about band saws. I downloaded the manual and parts list (w/pictures). The manual that comes with it is pretty small to read. When I went to start it, I noticed that the key part of the switch was missing. I found it on the floor. It had not been snapped in and seated so it had fallen out.
I'm pretty impressed with this little saw. The parts are better quality than the new 9" Skil BS. It runs very smooth and cuts with no vibration. I don't even have it clamped down to the workbench. It has a window on the side to let you see the blade tracking, but to me that's not a big deal. What I do like is what I call the de-tensioner bar that removes the blade tension when the saw is not in use. I wish I had one on my Minimax. The dust port is 2.5". I had to order a 2.5" to 1.5' reducer fitting to hook up to my shop vac. I really recommend dust collection for the inside of a band saw.
Some of the negative review comments relate to the smaller size and power. Some said that you can't even cut a 4x4 with it. What? Anyone who expects this saw to perform as well as a 14" will not be happy with it. I have been cutting my pen blanks by hand with my little dozuki saw. For $129, this little ryobi is working well for me. I'm just writing this to possibly help someone who's thinking about a little band saw to use for small stuff and also because this Ryobi model is decent quality for the price. Also, be prepared to spend some tweaking time in setting it up.
Initially I was going to get a Skil 9" BS for the same price. However, they changed their model from last year and are using cheaper parts. Having read some reviews about last year having a metal base and table, I was able to find a display unit at Lowe's. However, when I started to put the blade on, I noticed that the lower blade guide was missing so I returned it.
One review suggest the Ryobi instead so I decided to check one out at Home Depot. I was careful to pick an unopened and undamaged box. When I opened it up the blade was off I discovered that the top wheel was loose and missing the keeper ring. I found the ring in the packing plastic. I did take me some time to get the blade on and adjusted correctly. The directions are pretty sketchy for someone who knows nothing about band saws. I downloaded the manual and parts list (w/pictures). The manual that comes with it is pretty small to read. When I went to start it, I noticed that the key part of the switch was missing. I found it on the floor. It had not been snapped in and seated so it had fallen out.
I'm pretty impressed with this little saw. The parts are better quality than the new 9" Skil BS. It runs very smooth and cuts with no vibration. I don't even have it clamped down to the workbench. It has a window on the side to let you see the blade tracking, but to me that's not a big deal. What I do like is what I call the de-tensioner bar that removes the blade tension when the saw is not in use. I wish I had one on my Minimax. The dust port is 2.5". I had to order a 2.5" to 1.5' reducer fitting to hook up to my shop vac. I really recommend dust collection for the inside of a band saw.
Some of the negative review comments relate to the smaller size and power. Some said that you can't even cut a 4x4 with it. What? Anyone who expects this saw to perform as well as a 14" will not be happy with it. I have been cutting my pen blanks by hand with my little dozuki saw. For $129, this little ryobi is working well for me. I'm just writing this to possibly help someone who's thinking about a little band saw to use for small stuff and also because this Ryobi model is decent quality for the price. Also, be prepared to spend some tweaking time in setting it up.