[Donna_T]

Help!
I think I'm finally going to get a new bandsaw to replace our 40+ year old Craftsman. I've told my fellas that's what I want for Christmas and I overheard (grin) them talking about heading to Springfield next week to go to Grizzly (grin, grin.) I want a 12-14", I think.

I tried to do a search to find all the old postings on the topic but want to make sure I remember right. Grizzly GO555 or Laguna seemed to be the top choices. Timberwolf or Olson blades were the favorite for versitility and strength. Is there somewhere you can order those direct?

Am I on track? I want to make sure I give them enough information that I can get what I want--as well as what they want in a bandsaw. I use it the most and know that I need 2 different sizes of blades--one for detail and one for cutting out bigger stuff.

Donna T

[squbrigg]

You are right on track, but getting a Laguna for Christmas might be pushing it!!! Check them out, they were advertizing some sales lately, and I can attest to their LT14, 14" saw, a dream machine!!! Check them out online ( www.lagunatools.com )or phone them, great folks to deal with.

Bob

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

www.suffolkmachinery.com for the wolf brand blades....stick with a 14" and if you do any resawing, or cutting or larger blocks, you might consider the 6 " riser. imho...the people at suffolk machinery are very helpful....they have a great tutorial and their salespeople can help you with the kinds of blades you need....I use a 1/4 4 tpi the majority of the time and am very happy with it. I have a couple of 1/4 in 10 tpi and it cuts smooth as butter with no sanding, but you are continually cleaning the gullets as they fill up with sawdust......for resawing I have a 1/2 in and next time will get it in 4 tpi as well....all in my opinion....others can probably add a lot more info here. Dave

[wade clark]

Donna,
Congrats on what you "overheard"!
I'm hoping to get that Grizzly soon...just got my Grizz table saw and need to wait a few months for the bandsaw.
The Laguna is gorgeous but very expensive...I know Bob has one and feels it was worth every penny!
You gonna have some fun! Be careful!
Wade
p.s. I love my Grizzly tablesaw!

[susieq]

Hi Donna,
How exciting for you!! Regarding which blade for the bandsaw....do you have room to keep both the old and the new bandsaw? If so, then put a large re saw blade on the old bandsaw and a smaller blade on the new bandsaw to cut out blanks with.

I have a mini max 45 in my shop that I use to cut out blanks with. My husband's hobby is buying and selling large used power tools and he has a huge Jet 20 or 22 inch monster in his shop... We keep a wide blade on that thing for re-saw work. Once you get your saw set the way you want it, you won't want to have to change blades on it every time you go to do something different.
Can't wait to hear what Santa brought for you.
susieq

[Kenny_S]

For the price you can't beat a Grizzly Ultimate 14". I love mine and I use Timberwolf Blades. But then, to each his own and there are others out there that like different brands.

[susieq]

Grizzly is a very good machine. I have friends who own them and swear by them. I have what I have because of what my husband does for a hobby. My bandsaw was bought used. It is a great machine also.
susieq

[Donna_T]

Thanks all for the input.

Excuse me, but YIKES!! Bob, that puppy is pricey! I'm sure it's a great saw and if I were doing lots of sawing, I might be able to justify it. For now, one that's half that price will probably do a good job for me.

Susieq, the old bandsaw is soooo old. The drive belt broke and we can't find a replacement--even tried jerry-rigging something, but nothing worked. I think it would be awesome to have two saws so you wouldn't have to change blades all the time. In the meantime, I've torn pages out of the catalogue and circled my preferences....hint, hint...and left them lying around.

. Donna T

[susieq]

Maybe you should keep an eye out on your local classifieds for a good used bandsaw. Believe it or not, you can buy some wonderful equipment in great shape for a fraction of the new price. We do it all the time. My mini max is a $1500 machine new. We only paid a fraction of that used.

My husband found (and sold to a carving friend of mine) a 16 inch Grizzly. My friend paid $350 for it. There is a website called Craigs list. It is nation wide. You just click the city nearest you and bring up ads for your area. It is very popular because it is free to sell on. My husband finds deals on used machinery all the time on that list.
check it out...and your local paper. Be persistant and you will find a great deal.
susieq

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Donna...woodcraft and others sell a replacement segmented belt for equipment and you buy whatever size you want and remove segments to make it the right size, maybe that would work for you.