Band saw question

dinorocks · February 01, 2011, 12:34:00 PM

I'm looking for some quick advice on a buying a band saw to use for cutting bow blanks out of staves... I recenlty identified two different used saws for ~$100 each.

Delta Model 28-190 12"

Sears Craftsman 12" with bevel option (not sure of model number)

I am completely unfamilar with band saws (or any other type of power tool)...Will a 12-inch band saw handle working a stave into a bow blank? Should I run to/away from either of the saws listed above - or should I keep looking?

Thanks!

Dino

beetlebailey1977 · February 01, 2011, 01:00:00 PM

A 12" should have a large enough opening. I would check on the horsepower and the condition of the saws before buying. For the money I say go for it if they are in good shape.

Dick in Seattle · February 01, 2011, 01:07:00 PM

I think for board bows a 12" would be OK, but staves could be a tougher proposition. The opening might be large enough, but I think the unevenness and heaviness of a stave would be harder on the machine. If possible I'd hold out for a 14". If you can't, make sure the machine is in good shape... strong motor and good bearings... and be careful using it.

don s · February 01, 2011, 01:40:00 PM

i asked this same question a month or two ago. do a search and see what answers were given to me. i ended up getting a 12" craftsman off craigslist. it came with a 1/4 inch blade. the 1/4 inch was too small for what i do with the saw. so after more questions to the gang here i decided on using a 1/2 blade. perfect for my needs. btw i only do board bows. no staves at this time and no fiberglass at this time. if at a later date i decide to do the staves and glass, i'll upgrade.
don

snag · February 01, 2011, 01:45:00 PM

If you can go to the 14" you'd be better off. I looked around for a couple of months and found a Jet 14" for $125.

dinorocks · February 01, 2011, 02:11:00 PM

Thanks for the feedback! Exactly what I was looking for...I'm mostly interested in sawing through staves so I'm going to hold off for a 14" band saw. I just searched the Bowyers Bench forum and found some good info (I previously only searched the Pow Pow forum).

Take care,
Dino

snag · February 01, 2011, 02:23:00 PM

Good decision...

scrub-buster · February 01, 2011, 02:58:00 PM

I use a 12" older craftsman to cut bows from staves, mostly osage. It works great for me. I use the 1/2" blade with 4tpi.

If it is in good shape, buy it and use it until you find a good deal on a 14" model. Then sell the 12" on Craigslist. For that price, you should be able to resell it and break even. Who knows, you might find the 12" works fine for what you need.

red hill · February 01, 2011, 03:12:00 PM

I couldn't wait on a better saw and bought a 9" benchtop model. Don't waste your money. I wish I hadn't.
Stan

scrub-buster · February 02, 2011, 05:20:00 AM

There is a big difference between a 9" benchtop and a 12" saw.

Mike Yancey · February 02, 2011, 07:11:00 AM

I used a 14'' Craftsman for years and went through 1000's and 1000's of feet of cuts on staves a year making three 6' cuts on each stave then taking off a little more on each one before I shipped the stave. I used skip blades and it worked great for 10 + years. The motor finally went out and I moved up to a 17'' 2 horse Grizzly.
The time I save with this bigger saw will pay for its self in less than a year. This saw will fly through a piece of osage or hickory.

SEMO_HUNTER · February 02, 2011, 07:42:00 AM

Hey Dino, I would definitely hold out for the bigger saw for that Osage. That's why I didn't saw them in half before I mailed them to ya.
My little Craftsman that I have just isn't big enough for cutting on staves.
Not until I have them worked down fairly well with a draw knife first.

It cuts boards just fine, but staves are a whole different ball game.

Good luck with the bow build.

Chris