New bandsaw

[blanchard65]

I am thinking of gettting a band saw soon. A bench model as I don't have a lot of space. What is the best tpi and etc for doing rough out?

[GinnytooU]

I have a cheap Ryobi ( $120.00) either at Lowe's or Home Dot. It works OK. You can't cut straight lines very good and no larger than 9X 31/2 in wood size. But for a bench top it's fine. Make sure you have good lighting on it. Sears may have a better version of a bench top not sure. Hope this helps. GinnytooU

[BrandantR]

I'm challenged for space in my tiny shop too. I started with a little Delta 9" which I used for several years. I think I got it on sale for around $100 about five or six years ago. It was pretty much a piece of junk, but I sure cut out alot of wood on it. Just before Christmas I found a Craftsman 10" benchtop model on a closeout sale. It offered an extra inch of cutting depth and a couple more inches on the throat clearance. The extra capacity has made an incredible difference. I would love to get a bigger saw still, but I simply don't have the room. My advise is to buy the largest saw that you have space for and spend your money wisely on a quality tool that will deliver.

[Mitchell]

Bandsaw blade recommendation thread: Bandsaw Blade Recommendation Please

I edited your original post by highlighting (underlined) that you wanted recommendations on blades.

[Claude]

I have an old Craftsman 9 inch saw that wouldn't cut straight or left turns... When I put a Timberwolf blade on it, it became a whole new saw. Now cuts straight, can turn sharply to either side. My recommendation for the blade is a 3/16 inch 4 TPI positive claw blade.
Silicon Steel & Carbide Blade Selection Chart | Suffolk Machinery - Timber Wolf Bandsaw Blades

I have cut 3 inch thick basswood with this, as well as 3.5 inch thick black walnut, 3 inch red oak and several others. The thicker woods need a slower feed, but are no problem for the 3/16 inch blade.

By all means, though, check out the link Mitchell gave you. Other people have other opinions.
Claude

[blanchard65]

Originally Posted by GinnytooU

I have a cheap Ryobi ( $120.00) either at Lowe's or Home Dot. It works OK. You can't cut straight lines very good and no larger than 9X 31/2 in wood size. But for a bench top it's fine. Make sure you have good lighting on it. Sears may have a better version of a bench top not sure. Hope this helps. GinnytooU

That is what I bought. Houbor frieght had one too for same price. I just don't about central machine tools. I believe the ryobi with serve my porpose for awhile.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I have a ridgid....good saw, I also like the Grizzly.....as for blades...nothing less than Wolf brand from Suffolk Machinery......I use 4 teeth per inch for rough out. Suffolk has techs on hand and can advise you whats best for you...no charge.

[Old Scout]

I use 3/16, 4 teeth blades for years!!. The rule is you need 3 teeth in the wood, so for 1/4 " wood you need a 12 t blade etc. Since most Carvers are rough cutting thick wood , 4 th. works great!!