Rikon Band Saws

Blake Lunsford · #1 01-02-2006, 10:10 PM

Just wondering if anyone has ever used a Rikon Band Saw or know anything about them? They are sold at the Woodcraft stores and the owner of the local store highly recommended them. They have two wheels and steel parts. Seems to be very sturdy. Just wondering if anyone has any experience!

Blake

Kenny_S · #2 01-02-2006, 10:25 PM

Blake, you might look at Grizzly for their Band saws. I have several of Grizzly's tools and have nothing but praise for them. Reasonably priced and they will ship for a price also. Shipping is reasonable also. I think Several carvers on this board uses Grizzly power tools besides myself.. Just a thought before you buy.

www.grizzly.com

Blake Lunsford · #3 01-03-2006, 08:57 AM

Thanks Kenny for the suggestion and link! Unfortunately, I have already picked one of the Rikon's up. I did a little research and since I am still fairly new, I'm going to start off slow and then work my way up. I've heard good things about both the Grizzly and the Jet. I will definitely keep that in mind for the next one that I purchase!! I was just hoping to find someone who has used one and what they think about it. I guess I will have to be the first to give it a try. It seems to be a pretty strong machine.

Blake

Kenny_S · #4 01-03-2006, 11:35 AM

That is quite alright Blake. I have not seen the rikon band saw at Woodcraft but then, I usually am not looking for tools there. However, I don't get to a Woodcraft store very often as the closest on is 80 miles away but when we go to Tulsa Ok, we stop in. Nice to have a little bride who likes that kind of store. But then, She drags me through every Scrapbooking store in Tusla also. I have a 9" Delta bench type bandsaw and it is ok for small work and a Grizzly 14" ultimate band saw. Wish now that I had purchase the 6" extension block kit. Guess that can go on Santa's list next year behind one of Rick's knives.

Let us know how you like it.

rick-in-seattle · #5 01-03-2006, 07:36 PM

Blake,
Since Rikon saws are fairly new, you will have to tell us what you think of it.

Blake Lunsford · #6 01-03-2006, 09:50 PM

I used the Rikon tonight and was fairly impressed with the ease of cutting a roughout. I did two simple Santa christmas ornaments, and then tried to do a roughout in the round, and it seem to work just as I was hoping it would. All the parts seem to be very sturdy. The saw itself is about 75 lbs.

Since this is my first attempt at using a band saw, I don't have anything to compare it to, but I think I would definitely recommend it to a beginner. Of course I only purchased the 10". I would ask that some of you who have some experience with saws and have the opportunity to go by the Woodcraft store to take a look and share your thoughts. On this particular saw, the price was right for what I was looking for and the owner of the store recommended it. They do have the larger models also, but I am unsure how they would compare to a Jet, Grizzly, or Delta.

Blake

Greyhair · #7 01-04-2006, 04:16 PM

I also have a Rikon that I have been using for a year for smaller carvings. It is a 9" Model and I do my big stuff on a 14" Delta. The Rikon has a strong motor and is the best built 9" bandsaw I have seen. It has much more accurate adjustments than any other 9" I have used in the past (both a Delta and Craftsman). I liked it so much I also bought a Rikon 12" lathe.

Blake Lunsford · #8 01-06-2006, 09:08 AM

I agree Greyhair! Very strong motor and seems to be built to last!! I would definitely recommend it to someone looking for a smaller saw that is just starting out! Even the blade that came on it from the factory seems to be working pretty well. I'm still planning on switching it out, but I think it was a good use of such a small amount of money!

Blake

mikeg · #9 01-06-2006, 10:20 AM

Kenny S,

How do you like the Grizzly ulitmate 14" bandsaw? I'm thinking of getting one.

mikeg

Mark N. Akers · #10 01-06-2006, 11:11 AM

Blake:
Enclosed are some pictures of a Civil War character blank I drew up this morning,you will see in the
pictures that I rough-out the the blank to a minimum using a band saw.I started
with a side view only,It is a little easier if you have a front view also,but you
limit your self to much when you do.Hope this answers your questions on cutting
out a blank.