Need bandsaw advice

[Soggy]

I knew this was bound to happen sooner or later, but this evening my old bandsaw finally gave up the ghost. So the search begins..................
I don't think I need a big expensive saw since I carve as a hobby and do mostly 6"-8" tall caricatures, most are cut from a 2"-3" stick of basswood or white pine.
I have checked the Sears web site and they offer a 9" Delta bandsaw for $129.99. This would be the easiest one for me to get my hands on, but I'm wondering if it is of good enough quality to do what I want.
Anybody got this or a similar saw? I'm open to suggestions, but on a bit of a budget (aren't we all?)
Thanks ;

Wayne

[RUssL.]

Here's my story on a inexpensive but highly useful bandsaw:

Craigslist strikes! 12" bandsaw!

I'm even happier with it today than I was the day I got it.

I have since used craigslist to acquire several other inexpensive pieces shop equipment (a hardly used fold-up, roll away Ryobi table saw a still-in-the-box Ryobi router, together,for $125, practically new!) from guys getting rid of there gear that was nearly new or old but seldom used.

If you are not in a hurry for tools keeping an eye on your local craigslist is a GREAT place to buy them.

Good luck,

RussL.

[bethc]

Wayne, I recently bought a 10" Craftsman bandsaw from Sears that seems to be pretty good for my sawing needs. Most of the reviews I've read for it were good, unlike most of the 9" saws I looked at before purchasing. It will handle wood up to about 6" thick. It lists for $199, but they often have it on sale for $159 or $169.

I didn't feel I knew enough about saws to know what I was getting from Craigslist or ebay or such.

Beth

[Robby]

Always go as big as you can afford.

[Phyllis Singer]

Hi Soggy, I have a small Craftsman that I have had for years and I just bought a big 14" with a 6" throw on it. It is great. I got it at Home Depot It is about 6ft tall so if size is a consideration and it is heavy also. Im going to put casters on it so I can roll it in and out. Cuts like a dream. Hope you find what you need. Phyllis

[Iowa Carver]

I have the 12 inch saw that Russ speaks of. It's a nice saw, they are made by the parent company of Rikon and are nearly exactly alike to a Rikon. The 10 inch is as well and if you are going to get a benchtop, it's the best one out there. You will need to get good blades for it from Suffolk. It's an odd size but they make them up and they are high quality blades. That little 10 inch will even resaw. You used to be able to get it for 99.00 until Craftsman figured out they had a hot saw on their hands. Just don't go for the Craftsman 9 inch... totally different saw and it's not worth it.

Corey

[Soggy]

Thanks everyone for your help/advice;
Bethc: That sounds exactly like what I'm looking for, but unfortunately I just checked with Sears Canada and that model is only available in the U.S., and they will not ship to canada....
Corey:....Thanks for the info, I was considering that model, but now I will look into it further.
RussL: Sorry no Craigs List up here (I live out in the bonnies) We do have a site "Kijiji" which is similar and I will watch that for a while.
Wayne

[RUssL.]

Wayne,

If I couldn't use craigslist and couldn't get the Sears model I was looking for then (which at the time I couldn't!) I would have gone with a 14" Delta.
For what it's worth,that's my $0.02 worth on that. :-)

Good Luck.

Russ

[stickman]

What happened to your old saw? maybe it can be repaired. you can print out a parts list and manual if you do a search on the net.

band saws are pretty simple. unless the frame is cracked or bent you could probley rebuild the whole thing if it needed it.

Just an idea

good luck

[Soggy]

Thanks Michael;.........that's the route that I'm taking at this time.
Actually what happened was that the rubber friction band on the lower wheel came off (fortunately it didn't break) I've re-installed it and used a good grade of adheasive..............we'll see. But the old saw is just about worn out; I remember using it when I was just a kid, and dad said that he had bought it second-hand. So it's 60+ years old. It is full of brass bushings instead of bearings, and most of them are quite worn.
I've tried before to find a parts list without sucess. It's a " 12" Simple Simon" that was manufactured in Toronto by Wilson Brass & Aluminum Foundry