Rikon Band Saws

[Kenny_S]

Mike, I like it. Seems the 1 hp motor is stronger than the Craftman I used. Maybe the Craftman was a 3/4 hp. The color is about the only thing I dislike about it and the fact I didn't get a riserblock/6 " extention block when I orderd. That will get you about 6 " more of cutting heigth. But then at 6 inches high and about 13 1/2 inch cutting throat or wilth, it does what I want. I have the 1/8, 1/4 and the 1/2 inch blades. I do find the changing of blade a little difficlut but easier as you do it more offten. I think I got mine when they were having a sale in Springfield Mo for $385 or in that ballpark. Shippping isn' bad for the 198 lbs that saw weighs. Again, I am thinking in the $60 area for lower 48 states. I was on the return trip from my in=laws and picked it and a bench top dust filter up. Like the dustfilter also. Looking at there lathe now. Again, They have their cheap tools/equipment and there are their higher quality tool/equipment. I believe the Ultimate is a quality piece of equipment. It will do everything I will want to put to it.
Maybe the only other thing is the blades. Better qualiy blades for about the same money can be order from other sources. But, That is just my opinion. What am I using. Grizzly blades as I but two others to go with the one that came with the Band saw.
Ok, I gots to go, Heading down to Tulsa and I told Blake I would look at the Rikon the next time I was at Woddcrafters. Maybe the little bride will buy me something there. AT least regroup the money I will be spending at several scrapbooking stores.

[Blake Lunsford]

Thanks Mark! That actually helps out a lot! I am currently working on a Pete LeClair pattern from the book Carving Caricature from head to toe. This demonstrates how to carve one without using a band saw which I thought would be good experience, but I think I can get the same results now with the saw. I appreciate you posting this for us to see.


Blake

[Mark N. Akers]

Pete is a really neat guy,down here he is known as the energizer carver(he goes
from sun-up to sunset).But if you ever get a chance to take a class with pete,
it will make you understand how ot carve a face.I have never been in a class
where the instuctor spends so much time on the face.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

It shows Mark in the faces you carve, they are terrific!

[Kenny_S]

Blake, Took a look see at the Rikon bandsaw. They didn't have a 10 inch but did a 14". You take the name off of both the Grizzly and the Rikon and there isn't much difference. Both 14 inchers have a 1hp motor and looks almost the same. I did like the 16 x 20 inch work surface on the Rikon compared to the Grizzly's 14 x 14 inch. Paint color almost the same. If you go to a Craftman's store(Sears), they look the same as theirs also just different colors.

In our e-mails,I don't remember if you said what size of blade you have but i would think the 1/8 " would do the job for you.

Prices are different with the Grizzly Ultimate being about $100 Difference. Well for what I paid anyways, May be the same now.
I believe you got yourself a fine 10 incher for sure.

Mike, if you get a chance check out the Rikon 14 inch Band Saw at Woodcraft if you have one near you. It looks to be a good quality saw. Just another option. JMHO!




BTW, the little bride spent more at her scrapbooking stores than I did at Woodcraft. However, I am Keeping a Tab. Maybe I can sweettalk her in to a Littleshavers"s knife for Christmas or birthday or yeper, even a "I love you day".

[Blake Lunsford]

Thanks for checking into this Kenny! I felt like it was a pretty good saw for the money just based on how sturdy the saw is. I've been very pleased with it and I would recommend others to purchase one from Woodcraft while they are on sale during January. Check them out!!!

Oh yes, I understand about the scrapbooking store! My wife went to two after I purchased the saw. Fortunately (this time) my purchase was a little larger than hers. She's putting one together for our daughter, so it is for a very good cause!


Blake