Bandsaw advice please.

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J

jughead

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Joined
Mar 3, 2006
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80
Location
Fairhope, Al, USA.
I do not speak fluent bandsawese, I am looking at bandsaws in the 1200.00 range. Are there any better options than the ones below? What are your opinions on the ones below? The guy at Woodcraft said the Jet was a better machine than the Rikon but I noticed the Jet only has a 1 3/4 hp motor. The guys at Popular Woodworking like Rikon it seems. Please help. All opinions are greatly appreciated.



http://www.grizzly.com/products/19-3-HP-Extreme-Series-Bandsaw/G0514X

http://www.grizzly.com/outlet/18-Single-Phase-Super-Heavy-Duty-Bandsaw/G0506X

http://woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=5249

http://woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=5220
 
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Trent,
I can't answer your questions about the shown saws... queston is, what are you planning to do with the saw.. use it for re-sawing, band saw boxes, just cut pen blanks, etc...

I use a Delta 14" with a 1 HP (I think) motor and it does all that I am doing currently... my intent is someday to do bandsaw boxes, but will probably need to get a riser to get additional height.. all in all, I'm quite happy with the Delta.
 
I do want to do bandsaw boxes, but the main reason for looking at the bigger saws is the re-saw ability. I think it is better to go ahead and spend the money up front than to buy a smaller machine then have to upgrade later.
 
Some things that add up to make a good saw a lot better is a big table (never big enough), easily adjustable bearing style guides, ease of blade change, quick release blade tensioner, easy blade tracking adjustments, good dust collection, and power. You can sacrifice a little power by using high quality blades and having a well set up saw. The biggest difference in how a saw performs is you. Learn all you can about how to properly set up and maintain the saw. You can take a fairly low end, crudy saw and get it to work ok by using a quality blade and understanding how to set up the alignment. The next step is learning what the saw will actually do versus what you think it will do. I always figured you set it up and shove the wood through. Not so. Bandsaws, like each saw, work a certain way. Learn all you can.
 
If you are going to do bandsaw boxes I think that the grizzly G0514x is the only one that will take a small enough blade to do that. 1/8 or even a 1/16 blade is nice for bandsaw boxes.
Bob
 
Trent
I bought the 18" Steel City and couldnt be happer they also have a 5 year warrnty thats nice. Great saw in the price range you are looking for. Oh yea its a 2hp and will take an 1/8" blade. I looked at the Jets and the Grizzly and when I seen the Steel City it was a no brainer.:D[^]
Jay
 
I have the Deluxe 14" Rikon, and I love it. 13" re-saw capacity, 1.5-hp motor, easy adjustments, reasonable footprint, and set me back only $650 on sale at Woodcraft.
 
A recent thread on the Family Woodworking forum brought similar opinions. Many suggested the Grizzly as being the best value and a really good bandsaw. Several there, who I would class as master woodworkers, say the small blades can be used on bigger saws just fine. But, as you have already pointed out, the small saws just cannot do the resawing you might want. I'm a Grizzly fan for several reasons. A big one is there super service when/if needed. Do compare features vs. dollar and make a choice. Let us know what you decide.
 
"The New Complete Guide to the Band Saw" by Mark Duginske will give you a lot of good information on bandsaws. I read the book before I upgraded to the Rikon. There are checklists in the book for new and used saws to aid in purchasing either. he explains the guide types, cast Iron saws and the steel frame saws.This is the one I own.

This is the one I own.

Rikon Model 10-325 features 2 speeds (1445 & 2950 ft/min), 13" resaw capacity and a powerful 1-1/2 HP 110/220V motor.
The blade tracking and tension windows add safety while aligning your blade.
Changing the 111" blades (accepts 1/8" to 3/4" width) is easy with a hinged blade guard that provides 2" of access â€" there's no twisting to install or remove blades.
The quick release blade tension is designed to operate horizontally adding to the ease of use of this bandsaw.
The 16" x 20-1/2" cast iron table is supported by a one piece trunnion system.
Hinged steel doors make access to the cast iron wheels easy and the tool holder keeps your tools accessible.
The enclosed cabinet is accessible for storage of extra blades and jigs.
Includes:
Micro adjustable blade guide bearings
Work light
Heavy duty fence with re-saw bar
4" dust port
 
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