Picking a Bandsaw

[DMH1112]

I am looking into getting a bandsaw. I just don't know what size or type to get. I was looking at the sear craftsman bandsaws. What size would be good? I was recommended to get a 14in because it is standard size. Are standard size sizes bandsaws better or does it not matter?

[Kenny_S]

There are different opinions on what to get. Sears Craftman, Rikon,Jet, etc. Which is beeter, I don't know but I am happy with the Grizzly i have had for several years.
Hers is the link to the one I have.

G0555 The Ultimate 14" Bandsaw

My suggestion is the 14" bandsaw and when you decide, I would recommend you getting the Timber Wolf brand Blade. Saves a lot of headaches.

[carver33]

I've had the Craftsman 14" bandsaw for 20+ years and really like it, thought the new ones probably aren't the same. The only problem I have is that it won't accept a riser block. A 14" saw will cut about 5" max. thickness. With a riser block, you can extend that up to about an 11" thickness.

[Iowa Carver]

The new Sears 12 and 14 inch bandsaws are actually made by the parent company of Rikon. I have a 12 inch, very nice saw and have been using it for 2 years now with no problems. It resaws well and cuts carving blanks with a 3/16 inch suffolk blade really well.

Corey

[DMH1112]

Would the 10 inch craftsman be okay? Will it be harder for me to find blades? Also will blades for a 10in cost more because the 10in saw is plenty big and much cheaper?

[pallin]

Bear in mind that the blade flexes from bent to straight every time it goes around the wheels. The smaller the wheels, the more bend it takes. Some years ago I had a three wheel bandsaw with 8" wheels. The blades became brittle after a while and broke.

I now have a Craftsman 12" that has served me well for over 50 years.

[John Ponder]

I have the 10 inch Craftsman and it works well for a small benchtop saw. Timberwolf blades are available for about $15 and are the BEST no matter which bandsaw you get. Like other new Craftsman saws, it was made by the company that makes Rikon and in the case of the 10 inch I think is a better deal. With any bandsaw, the "tune up" is the key! With mine I regularly cut 4 inch hardwood for lathe projects with ease. Will it do what a 14 inch will do? No way! Can you buy a 14 inch new for $150? Not that I have seen. As with any tool, get the most you can afford, you probably will not outgrow it like you will with the small ones. However, I know a lot of people that have large bandsaws for heavy work and the 10 Craftsman for carving blanks.


John

[abrakadabra]

Originally Posted by DMH1112

Would the 10 inch craftsman be okay? Will it be harder for me to find blades? Also will blades for a 10in cost more because the 10in saw is plenty big and much cheaper?

It's a little bit more difficult to find blades for smaller band saws. But Sears and online stores have them. Olson blades on eBay for $11.50:
FB Band Saw Blade 70-1/2 inch for Sears Craftsman 21400 - eBay (item 380158769965 end time Oct-14-09 15:46:35 PDT)

You should consider the weight of a saw. This 10" Craftsman saw is pretty compact and movable by one person. Its weight is 77lb.
Craftsman 10 in. Band Saw

While a bigger saw would be nice, it'd be extremely heavy. This one is 210lb. Are you strong enough?
G0555 The Ultimate 14" Bandsaw

[John_C]

I have a mobile base under my 14 inch band saw just a metal carriage with wheels but then overall your probably getting way out of budget


G7314 Heavy-Duty Mobile Base

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I have a Ridgid and its been a great saw...no problems