Band Saw Which One?

Mottles · #1 08-07-2006, 10:45 PM

Hi All, I want to buy a band saw to use for creating small to medium size roughouts (figures, animals) and carving uses. What brand and size do you like and why?
This will help me make my decision and I really appreciate any thoughts and suggestions you give me.
Kathy

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #2 08-07-2006, 11:45 PM

I have the Ridgid ...bought it at home depot, I think if I had known at the time however I would have bought the Grizzly G0555.........cheaper, and I think a good saw....and at the time it had the automatic tension adjustment bar....don't think they do now! My Ridgid is fine, but not necessarily cheap price!

Get a 14" whatever you do, and ..........don't get a ryobi!

Ron D · #3 08-08-2006, 12:43 AM

i was looking at them i think i'm gonna pick one up too

Thomp · #4 08-08-2006, 01:10 AM

simple comment is do you plan on carving rather large blocks in the future or resawing logs?

lot of the brands come with a attachable riser which will allow you to increase the throught of the bandsaw in the future,
2 things to look at, will the riser be available when you want it years from now, and will the motor pull the additional strain of cutting the extra thickness,

i would rather buy a saw with too much power now and have the additional horse power than to piddle around with something underpowered when i need to get into thicker stock.

just a thought to add to the confusion...
good luck
thomas

Hugh · #5 08-08-2006, 01:32 AM

Ron I was in the sears store in St John the other day, and they have a beauty on sale. Good size,guides looked good, the wheels and general construction looked solid, definitely not a piece of junk, a friend and I gave it the once over, and decided we should sell ours and buy it. Grin. Just kidding, but it looked like a great saw to us.

squbrigg · #6 08-08-2006, 07:38 AM

I approached my bandsaw purchase as an investment and never regreted it. Some folks have skidoo's, RV's, 4 wheeler's, sports cars, boats,.......etc. I have a good bandsaw.

I have a Laugua 14" bandsaw. It has 1 1/2hp motor, 220volt, ceramic guides, cast iron frame, massive heavy wheels, well engineered and is the best investment I've ever made. You can use blades from th 1" re-saw King blade right down to the smallest you'd ever want. It tracks perfectly, resaws like a dream and cuts any wood imaginable as slick as goose grease. It is a bit pricey, at $945 US plus delivery, but it is also the best bandsaw I've ever used, without exception.

Bob

Tucson Bill · #7 08-08-2006, 01:13 PM

I agree with the comment about RYOBI. I originally bought the 9" Ryobi. It now resides in the local landfill.

Next I bought a Delta 9" at Lowes. I really like this one! I have no plans on sawing in large stuff, and my available space is severely limited, so it suits my needs just fine. I did buy some Timberwolf blades for it. They are first rate, don't leave home without them!!

Actually, the comment about the landfill is technically not correct. I put it out with the garbage for pickup the night before the garbage guys were due. I noticed it was missing the next morning. Some thief got what he deserved! Ya gotta love it!

Mottles · #8 08-08-2006, 01:41 PM

Thanks everyone, your comments are very useful and I appreciate them every much.
Dave, Terry (hubby) suggested I look at Grizzly too. So I looked at the G1052 9 inch ($294.25 includes shipping), then I saw your message about the G0555 14 inch ($484.25 includes Shipping). Thomp this model has an optional Riser block kit (H3051) haven't checked the price on the Riser block kit but it is available. I want to check Sears also.....I have decided a table model would be the best as my workshop is also my garage. I have a nice large stationary wooden work table that the band saw could remain on top.
Please keep your suggestions and thoughts coming. This is a big, big help...
Bob, you must have a real fine piece of equipment and it sounds like it does one heck of a job (little pricey for my budget). Bill we don't have a Lowes up here yet--but they are in the process of getting ready to build one (Dave across from Home Depot).
Thanks All,
Kathy

Bill · #9 08-08-2006, 01:53 PM

Kathy
I have Jet which I really like, I can't remember the cost but, it was close to the Delta, proably the same manufacture. I wish that I had gotten the riser block because it seems that
I always need just a little bit more space when cutting.
Good luck
Bill

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #10 08-08-2006, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomp

simple comment is do you plan on carving rather large blocks in the future or resawing logs?

lot of the brands come with a attachable riser which will allow you to increase the throught of the bandsaw in the future,
2 things to look at, will the riser be available when you want it years from now, and will the motor pull the additional strain of cutting the extra thickness,

i would rather buy a saw with too much power now and have the additional horse power than to piddle around with something underpowered when i need to get into thicker stock.

just a thought to add to the confusion...
good luck
thomas

I don't know of any that come with the 6" riser? But most of the 14" saws will accept one..and most of the companies I believe make one for their saw.....I didn't buy one and really have only needed the 6 in riser once or twice and to cheap to discard my sawblades and buy new longer ones

so my recommendation would be if you think you ever need the 6 in riser, get it up front and get the appropriate blades, if not, the 93 in or whatever they are will be useless with the additional 12 inches required with the riser.