Good, small bandsaw?

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thewishman

thewishman

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Joined
Mar 9, 2006
Messages
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Location
Reynoldsburg, Ohio, USA.
Looking for a bandsaw - been cutting blanks with a plastic miter box for seven years. Now that pens are my full-time job, I want (NEED) and upgrade. It is either that or learn to saw left-handed to even out the muscle development.

Uses:

Cutting blanks
Making 4 slim blanks from 1 jumbo blank

Budget:

My $14 miter box lasted 7 years
Just upgraded with a $4.99 miter box

New saw - under $150

Any suggestions?
 
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jyreene said:
http://m.sears.com/index-g.html#/productdetails/00921400000P?partnumber=00921400000P

That's the one I bought. Works great. I did upgrade the actual blade and bought a magnetic fence so that added a bit but out of the box once it's tuned up it is pretty awesome. Especially for the cost.
Click to expand...

I'd second this one. I have a BS903 and it was a decent first saw (still use it for some things). I upgraded to the 14" craftsman and love it, and I think for the price that one above would be a very good choice.
 
On your budget I'd go Ebay or Craigslist and then get some really good blades.
However, condsider cost of replacement blades for the one you have your eye on before you buy. My bs has a stupid size and the blades are rare and therefore more expensive. In the long run, a cheap tablesaw may suit you better.
 
CL is a good place to search for used band saw. Don't get anything less that 14" band saw. That should be a good starting size. Make sure that band saw is in a good condition- tires,wheels, bearings, guides, adjustment knobs, effective motor.
Skiprat, some suppliers offer welded-length bands/ custom made blades but not that expensive.
 
I have and recommend a 14" saw. However for just the purposes you state, the craftsman 10" will do fine. I've owned a couple and will, Lord willing, never own a 9" bandsaw again.
 
I second going to Craig's List. I have a heavy duty 14" with 5" + quill and paid $80 for it. 9" saws will keep breaking blades and underpowered, to boot.
 
I will also tell you the same thing Dan said. I use a 14" and it is a very good size indeed. I just purchased a new Rikon and it also it the 14" Dan is right it is a very versatile size.
 
Yep, I would try CL. Quick search for columbus shows a few $50 tabletop bandsaws. Not the best but w/ the right blade and adjustments they should work.
 
+1 on CL. I bought an old Craftsman 3 wheeler for $25 because I needed saw I could carry around to cut out pine wood derby cars. I would never trade it for my Powermatic, but it would cut pen blanks to length and rip a spindle blank down into pen blanks. Would not use it for segmenting or cutting bowl blanks.
 
ref: Good small bandsaw

I have the old DELTA 1984 model of Three Wheel 16" Bandsaw. Bought it in 1984 and other than replacing tires, and guide bearings, it has done everything I needed. I have seen them on Ebay from $65 to $450.

Ray
 
I had a Rikon 10" for a while. The 10-300 I believe. With a good blade it was a decent little saw. The problem with those little saws is that the frame isn't beefy enough to get correct tension on anything more than about a 1/4" blade. I could not even get those tensioned the way I wanted.

New, they are above your price range, but I sold mine in mint condition with 3 new blades on Craigslist for $175. If you can fine a similar deal, that's a good option. Of course as others have said, if you have the space and can find a deal on an older unit, a 14" is preferred.
 
alphageek said:
jyreene said:
http://m.sears.com/index-g.html#/productdetails/00921400000P?partnumber=00921400000P

That's the one I bought. Works great. I did upgrade the actual blade and bought a magnetic fence so that added a bit but out of the box once it's tuned up it is pretty awesome. Especially for the cost.
Click to expand...

I'd second this one. I have a BS903 and it was a decent first saw (still use it for some things). I upgraded to the 14" craftsman and love it, and I think for the price that one above would be a very good choice.
Click to expand...

Add me to the list that bought one as well... great reviews here and outside of pen making too... great price and value at $169 right now...
 
Three wheel band saw easily breaks blade - has smaller wheels and uses thinner blades.
But it seems like your 3 wheel saw is working for you.
 
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