Best Band saw

[mickey357]

 What is the best band saw in the $500.00 or below range. Have look at Sears and Lowes at their 14 inch. Looking to buy in the next few months. Thanks for any help.

[Al W]

I have one of the Craftsman bandsaws, and I took some serious time to set it up and do all of the alignments, adjustments, rigging, voodoo spells and whatever. 

Mine works fine and I am able to resaw quite well with it (I replaced the factory blade).

Mine is not used daily, but it is employed frequently.  So far, I am pleased with the Craftsman 14" bandsaw.


Al

[tvman44]

I have a Craftsman that is about 25 years old.  Can't say it is the best, except it is mine, it is paid for, it does what I need.  I guess that does make it the best, at least in my book which is the only one that counts for me.  

[dunk]

I love my grizzly 14 "  with the riser kit for re-sawing.  Little over 500.00 though I think.

actually it is on sale right now.  http://www.grizzly.com/products/14-Deluxe-Bandsaw/G0555LX

[Jim Finn]

I have the Grizzly G0555  also and use it to resaw mostly.  I bought the riser and resaw fence so I could resaw up to 12" boards.  I use a 5/8"carbide blade form Grizzly also. Re-sawing generates a lot of dust so I connected it to my dust collection system.

[BilltheDiver]

Keep your eye open on Craigslist for a used Jet 14".  That's what I did.  Later I added a riser so I can resaw up to almost 12 inches, and then put in guides and some other accessories from Carter.  Like with a scrollsaw, buy the best blades you can find, they are worth the difference.  I also recommend searching youtube for the Alex Snodgrass video on setting up a bandsaw.  He travels all over for Carter during the Woodworking shows, and is a wizard with a bandsaw.  His method of setup is unbeatable in my book.

[dirtrider73068]

I have been looking at bandsaw's so I can resaw but the ones in my budget are either 3 inch resaw or maybe 6 inch resaw. What is this riser you are talking about? Maybe I can make one for a band saw and be able to resaw and get into more hard woods.

[BilltheDiver]

Many manufacturers of 14" bandsaws make a 6 inch riser to fit the saw.  You simply dismount the upper half of the frame, insert the riser, remount the upper portion, and tighten the bolts.  It extends the resawing ability of the saw by 6 inches.  Bear in mind that you need an appropriately sized motor to handle cuts this deep.  I have resawed boards up to about 10 inches wide on my Jet 14".  Of course all your old blades are useless at that point.  A 14 inch saw usually takes a 94 inch blade but with the riser takes a 105 inch blade.  BTW: that's why 105 inch blades are so common.

[mickey357]

Thanks for the input. Bill did not know about the blade length about 105 inch being the most common. Blade length will be a large factor in my choice now. Got a lot to think about before I buy. Thanks again to all.

[BilltheDiver]

No problem, but I didn't mean the 105 is the most common.  That's probably the 94.  The 105 is common though and I suspect the reason is due to the length needed for a 14" saw with a 6 inch riser.

[mickey357]

Thanks Bill.

[EIEIO]

Grizzly just put their 14" on sale for $445.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/14-Deluxe-Bandsaw/G0555LX

[scotti158]

I love my grizzly 14 "  with the riser kit for re-sawing.  Little over 500.00 though I think.

actually it is on sale right now.  http://www.grizzly.com/products/14-Deluxe-Bandsaw/G0555LX

I have this saw also with the riser kit. Great saw!!!

[mickey357]

 Thanks !!  I'm taking a strong look at the Grizzly 14 inch with the riser kit.

[jerry1939]

I have a Skil brand.  Can't wear it out.  Menards quit stocking the blade length I need.  For blades, go to;

http://www.mkmorse.com/

Click on, "Band Saw Blades"


jerry1939