Band Saws, Band Saws Everywhere! But which one to Buy..

[IBMer]

This is the End, My Friend ;-)    My entry level Skill 1/3hp band saw died.   I bought it when I first started working wood a few months ago.  My driving factor was price, and I soon paid the price...    I love working with Exotic and very hard woods.  The Skill BS couldn't handle wood such as Purple Heart.   You can see in this video that even 3/4" wood was a challenge for it.

I went to the local woodworking shop and saw Rikon, Jet and Powermatic saws.    Then I saw the price tags and have to wonder if I'll be able to replace my Skill Bandsaw.   The Salesman said that if I was going to spend $800 for a Rikon, that I really should consider spending $400 more to get a Powermatic or Jet.    It pains me to consider paying over a grand for a saw.  

The salesman pointed out the difference in materials used between the Powermatic and Rikon.   There is a pretty significant difference.   I'd use the analogy of comparing a Military Humvee to a civilian H3.   He noted the difference between the guides used in each machine.

Since I'm also turning bowls on my Lathe, I use a bandsaw to rough out the shape.   My Skill saw really struggled with cutting the corners off 3" thick hardwood.   I know that any larger saw will be an improvement, but how big of a saw do I really need.   Will buying a Rikon for $800 leave me wanting the $1200 Powermatic?

I've been looking at Craig's list for used Band Saws, but they are pretty the same as what I had.   1/2HP at the most, and pricy for being used.  I'm thinking that anything less than 1hp motor will not meet my needs.

Video Clip of my Skill struggling.   The blade was practically new here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1-mTz-Q6nU&list=UU9gVR9P2O8iab810bgh3-hw&index=1

[julief]

You have the same dilema I have.  I want one for resawing and have not been able to make the decission.  Let us know which way you go.  I have heard great things about all of them - the question is which one is going to be the right one for me.  I have looked at them several times and just can't make up my mind.

[Rapid Roger]

Hey guys,
It is just like anything else in life...."You get what you pay for". I realize that cubic dollars is the big issue but, as you've found out, if you go with the cheaper item, you will usually be replacing it in short order and that adds up also.
Did you consider that most of the saws on Craig's List are of the cheaper models and there are very few of the better saws listed? There is a reason for that you know!

Rog

[campasano]

Take a look at the Grizzly 14 inch Band Saws, They are a good saw and a powerful workhorse. I have owned one for 4 years and use it often with no problem. They sell around the $ 500.00 to $600.00 price range.

Mike

[rrjwright]

Just a thought....   But it looks  like your saw is underpowered to be grinding to a halt like
that.   Have you looked at upgradding the motor to a larger horsepower.  Don't know the condition of the rest of your saw but it might be a cheaper alternative.

Jim. . .

[don in brooklin on]

I have a General 1hp with the riser kit and it set me back less than $800. Watch for sales.  My next purchase is going to be a better fence so I can resaw larger widths.

The reason I bought it was to rough out bowl from logs and it did a great job.  With the riser it can handle close to a 12 inch log.

I find the most important thing is to have to correct blade in.

Don
 

[scotti158]

I've got the 14" Ultimate Grizzly with the riser kit and love it! Lots of power and no problems with it. Had it for 2yrs.

[Crabbyboater]

I also have the 14" Grizzly Ultimate, but without the riser kit.  Bought it a year ago off of Craigslist and paid $350. It's in great shape, and includes the roll around base.  Love having the base, and wish I had the riser kit but it meets almost all my needs.  Plenty powerful for my needs, including resawing.

[LHayes]

I had a  14" Harbor Freight bandsaw for many years and then it finally started wearing out.  I thought about putting new parts on it, but instead I bought the top of line 14" Delta and added a riser kit.  Now I can cut up to 12" thick without any problems...just make sure you buy a good blade or two for cutting those boards down.  I make allot of bandsaw boxes and many times the glued up boards are 4" thick and it cuts without any problems.  I also use my dust collection with the saw.  OH, that Harbor Freight saw, I am upgrading it with new parts when I can find them to use with a smaller blade.  I think with the riser kit, I paid about $700

[IBMer]

Thanks for the input.  I was looking at Miter saws today.   Seems that I can get a powerful miter saw for a fraction of a bandsaw.   I realize they aren't the same tool, but it seems that I could use it to trim edges off bowl blanks without too much trouble.   Anyone have input on using a high-end Miter saw v/s a band saw?

Joh

[dirtrider73068]

If you get a miter get one thats a sliding compound saw, it will slide out some to cut more, dewalt has a good one, its what we have have work and I like it, smooth will cut hard woods good pending what type of blade you use.

[scotti158]

I saw the video, sounds like the belt is slipping.

[IBMer]

Any feedback on this unit?   1hp..   

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00932607000P#reviewsWrap

[IBMer]

I took the plunge..     I bought a brand new Rikon  14'' Band Saw (10-320), except that mine is painted Craftsman Gray.   They are nearly identical machines.  Both have a 1 HP motor, both are 14", the knobs and levers are all in the same place, and the Craftsman even uses the same latching system at the Rikon.    The main difference was that Rikon wants $649 and Sears had theirs on sale for $339.

Hopefully it holds up until I'm ready to buy a 2hp Jet band saw ;-)