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Bandsaw Recomondations (Read 1220 times)
Loren Adrian
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Bandsaw Recomondations
04/11/12 at 16:50:52
 
Hello Folks,

I just found this forum yesterday, what a great resource!  I am looking for an entry level bandsaw. I was thinking of the Jet 14” since you don’t have to add the extra block to gain the 14” height. There is the Rikon, Powermatic, and of course Laguna, but for about $800 the Jet looks like it would be a nice saw that would last a good few years of use and it is ready to go at the 14” height without any modifications.

Do you folks have any advice for a machine to start out with? Any comments good or bad about the Jet?

I did a search but did not come up with much information.

Thanks!

Loren
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JimQuarles
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Re: Bandsaw Recomondations
Reply #1 - 04/11/12 at 17:05:15
 
Welcome.  Try this Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to Login or Register
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Larry Matchett
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Re: Bandsaw Recomondations
Reply #2 - 04/11/12 at 17:20:57
 
oh my.  A 14 inch band saw does not have a 14" height.  The 14" refers to the size of the wheels.  A 14" band saw typically has a 6" height unless you add a riser block to then give it about 12" height.  There are 14" band saws that have a 12" height without riser, Ricon is one and is on sale now at Highland Woodworking for $800.  The link Jim gave you will talk about some of the band saw issues.  When shopping for a band saw throat depth and cutting height are important.  Wood turners typically need a 12" rise.  I would suggest a saw with at least a 1 1/2 hp motor.  Anything smaller really struggles when cutting bowl blanks.  Before you buy carefully read the specs and read reviews.  There are a lot of good saws out there. oh by the way Welcome.
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« Last Edit: 04/11/12 at 17:22:21 by Larry Matchett »  
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Ken Vaughan
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Re: Bandsaw Recomondations
Reply #3 - 04/11/12 at 23:33:52
 

there are a few of the traditional bandsaws that get 12 inch resaw height with a 14 inch table clearance -- Jet sells one as a "Pro" model.   

Look for resaw height as a key measurent. 

You can add a riser block to get an additional 6 inches of resaw height but the riser blocks add some issues of loss of stiffness, and a hybrid guard system.   I have a delta that I added a riser block to -- works pretty well, but added some vibration. 

My delta came with a  3/4 HP motor and that is adequate, but with no extra margin and works better with narrower blades. 

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Ron Carrabotta
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Re: Bandsaw Recomondations
Reply #4 - 04/12/12 at 06:28:23
 
Loren,

Welcome to the forum!

I just recently went through the "what bandsaw to buy" phase of my fall through the vortex, and decided on the Rikon 10-325. I'm quite pleased with my purchase.

Right out of the box, the Rikon has 13" resaw capacity WITHOUT the need for an additional 6" riser block like the Jet and Delta models need.

I have yet to find anything that the saw can't handle. Just yesterday I cut up a Cherry crotch that was 12'' thick. 1 1/2HP 120/220v gives plenty of power

Got mine from Highland Hardware on sale at $799.99 (still os in their catalog). Only caveat, the blade that comes with the saw is , "meh", I also got the  3/8" Woodturners Blade when I got the saw. I've cut approx 50 blanks so far, everyting from 4' dia rounds to 12"x8" blanks, and the blade is still very sharp.

Good luck with your choice.

Ron  beer
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Loren Adrian
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Re: Bandsaw Recomondations
Reply #5 - 04/12/12 at 08:16:49
 
Thanks for all the information.

I had to post this second post so I can post a link... stay tuned!
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Loren Adrian
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Re: Bandsaw Recomondations
Reply #6 - 04/12/12 at 08:18:34
 
This is one saw I was considering: Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to Login or Register.

You can see some reviews there. It does not need a riser block to cut a 12" depth from what I have read. I will have to look into the fact one person mentioned it does not take standard 94" blades, it requires 105". I have to study all of this and look at the Rikon also. I'll continue posting with new information until I make a decision... It may help some other folks just starting to look for a bandsaw.
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Re: Bandsaw Recomondations
Reply #7 - 04/12/12 at 10:44:24
 
Loren, the Jet you linked to is a fine saw, although it does indeed have the riser block. (It's just installed at the factory instead of in your shop.) I have the Shop Fox equivalent to that saw and like it a lot, and it cost a few hundred dollars less than the Jet. Grizzly (the parent company to Shop Fox) also makes a comparable saw for less money. Keep in mind that all of the cast iron 14" bandsaws (Jet, Grizzly, Powermatic, Harbor Freight, etc.) are likely coming out of the same Asian foundry and being sold under different labels. Although the castings are essentially the same, the difference between a $350 Harbor Freight saw and a $1200 Powermatic are things like motors, wheels, blade guides, cabinets, and tolerances.

If I was in the market for a new bandsaw in this size class, I'd be taking a good long look at the Rikon offerings. I think right now they have some of the best bang for the buck in the 12" resaw market.

And don't let blade lengths be an issue. All of the good blade suppliers sell blades made to whatever length you need. I strongly suggest not buying "off the shelf" blades at your local store. They will most likely either be junk or very overpriced. Instead, order your blades from one of several online bandsaw blade suppliers (and not a woodworking site). You'll get blades that are as good or better, and they will cost 1/3 to 1/2 the price of what you can get at a place like Woodcraft or Rockler. Wink The woodworking sites sell good blades, but you'll be paying double to triple the price compared to a bandsaw blade specialty shop.
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Loren Adrian
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Re: Bandsaw Recomondations
Reply #8 - 04/12/12 at 14:51:21
 
Well I have been looking around at the Rikon and the Laguna. I am leaning toward the Rikon now. I originally wanted to stay away from Chinese parts, their castings are fine, but motors, switches etc, are usually crap. I have a Chinese motorcycle, I know what the quality in China is like! But I have to figure out what I want as an entry level bandsaw for woodturning. I really don’t need to re-saw wood to a ¼ of an inch. Just cut large pieces of wood. So the Rikon may be the way to go as an entry level bandsaw for woodturning. If I need something larger in a few years I can upgrade then, however you really need some space for anything larger.

The nice thing about the Rikon is the large table, 13” cut height, and the inside depth is deeper than the Jet. I did not realize the Jet just added the riser block at the factory. I had a look at the Rikon at a store. Their guides etc are cheap. But again what do I really need for cutting large blanks?

Still searching and thanks for the tips!
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Paul Blumenstetter
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Re: Bandsaw Recomondations
Reply #9 - 04/12/12 at 15:26:01
 
Grizzly 0555X with riser block. Great saw!! thumbsup
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Ken Vaughan
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Re: Bandsaw Recomondations
Reply #10 - 04/12/12 at 17:52:21
 
"although it does indeed have the riser block. (It's just installed at the factory instead of in your shop.)"

Have to say --  NOT SO  --  I have had hands on with that Pro version and my brother-in-law just got a steal on one second hand.   That is a single contigous one piece block and the blade guard moves as it is designed and built for the 12 inch resaw. 

There ain't nor riser block there --
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« Last Edit: 04/12/12 at 17:52:42 by Ken Vaughan »  
 
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Rev. Doug Miller
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Re: Bandsaw Recomondations
Reply #11 - 04/13/12 at 09:22:35
 
Looking at the link that Loren gave us, there is no riser block there.  You think Jet finally listened to the turners out there and started making what we've been asking for?  Could it be that one of the strongest manufacturers has heard the word and done what is needed for the customer?  Looks like it to me.  Another victory for Jet and WMF(?).
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Ken Vaughan
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Re: Bandsaw Recomondations
Reply #12 - 04/13/12 at 10:15:48
 

Doug -- that bandsaw has been available for a few years.   I had a chance to hand-on at the WoodCraft in Seattle and that has been 2-3 years ago.   It is solid.

I recommended it to my Brother-In-Law and he found one second hand that a contractor was selling (one job and 1/2 price)  -- he has it tuned and running.  Craigs list in Iowa can pay dividends

Almost good enough to replace my 14 inch Delta from 12 years ago with riser block - but the cheap gene still is winning.

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Re: Bandsaw Recomondations
Reply #13 - 04/13/12 at 10:21:25
 
Good to know.  I haven't seen or even heard of this particular saw being on the market.  Thought they all needed riser blocks to get that tall in this size lathe.
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Vaughn McMillan
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Re: Bandsaw Recomondations
Reply #14 - 04/13/12 at 10:51:05
 
Ken Vaughan wrote on 04/12/12 at 17:52:21:
"although it does indeed have the riser block. (It's just installed at the factory instead of in your shop.)"

Have to say --  NOT SO  --  I have had hands on with that Pro version and my brother-in-law just got a steal on one second hand.   That is a single contigous one piece block and the blade guard moves as it is designed and built for the 12 inch resaw. 

There ain't nor riser block there --


Ah, I stand corrected. Thanks.  thumbsup
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