Band saw suggestions

[CosmoQ]

I'd appreciate your suggestions on a resonbly priced band saw to use for roughing out only. I've been coping by hand which I don't mind but what a waist of time.
I've looked at what Lowe's, Home Depot and Sears offer for under $130.00 but the reviews are very poor. I'm still considering one of them given what it's to be used for. Nearly all my carving is basswood and some pine. Does anyone use one of these band saws?
Thank you,
Dave

[jimmy joe]

I would look for a better one in the used market rather than the cheaper smaller new ones .

[pallin]

I have had a Craftsman 12" bandsaw for over 50 years and it works fine for what I do. Perhaps more important than the brand is the depth & height limits, the blade quality, and maybe the motor power. As usual, the answer would start with "It depends.. . ." You say you're planning to cut basswood and pine. How thick? How tight of curves?

[rickm]

i just recently got the sears 10" a bit more but its great. a lot heavier than the 8 inch and i think its worth it. have not had a lick of problems with it. had deltas years ago and they were problems.

[richipper]

I have to agree with Phil... it does depend on how you plan on using it. I have a cheap Ryobi 9" and cannot cut a straight line (think up and down) on material thicker than 1". Works ok for 1/4" stuff. Next you need to think about height capacity. The 9" says it can cut 3" thick... my 14" with a riser can cut 12" thick... really well too. And finally the blade does make a difference. Can't find too many of the better blades remade for the small saws. If I was looking I would go for used 12" or 14". With a timberwolf blade.
Richard

[Dull Knife]

Originally Posted by CosmoQ

I'd appreciate your suggestions on a resonbly priced band saw to use for roughing out only. I've been coping by hand which I don't mind but what a waist of time.
I've looked at what Lowe's, Home Depot and Sears offer for under $130.00 but the reviews are very poor. I'm still considering one of them given what it's to be used for. Nearly all my carving is basswood and some pine. Does anyone use one of these band saws?
Thank you,
Dave

CHEAP IS CHEAP......for heavens sake, get a good one, like Delta, you'll be glad you did in the long run!!!

[Buffalo Bif]

Love my delta 14", might have to think twice about saving it from a fire.....

[Magicman]

I have the Harbor Freight 14" Model The first thing I did was put a Timberwolf blade on it and Ceramic guides and have no trouble at all.
Larry

[RUssL.]

I'm a big one for tools on local craiglist.
With a bit of patience I bought a Sears 12", 1HP, 5&1/2" cut height band saw (1970's model) in practically new condition for $100 a couple of years ago and have happily used it ever since.
The biggest scratch on it I put on it the day I picked it up from the previous owner! :-(

At a different time I bought (together) a Ryobi 10" portable table saw and Ryobi 1HP router for $90, again, in practically new condition.
The guy had thought he would like to get into woodworking as a newlywed. He soon realized he had no space...and after their first-born had no time..and also decided he had no ability to work with wood!
His loss, my gain.
Now I know that Ryobi gets a bad rap durability-wise but for a hobbyist, and with a little diligent fiddling and careful measuring (never trust factory installed measurement settings), they are more than adequate.

Good Luck!

[Bob K.]

I've been using a Sears Craftsman band saw for 40 years...still cutting wood!