Bandsaw?

Buxndiverdux · February 20, 2012, 10:21:00 AM

Do any of you guys have a recommendation? I've used a few bench top models that were pathetic. So I'm leaning towards something a little heavier than the bench top models. What works for you guys that use them?

macbow · February 20, 2012, 10:27:00 AM

I like my Grizzly 550 14 inch. Grizzly products are made overseas but they have good quality and good service.
Ron

Buxndiverdux · February 20, 2012, 10:51:00 AM

The only thing that isn't "made overseas" these days is the BS coming out of Washington... And on second thought, that may be true in Washington too.

jtbluefeather871 · February 20, 2012, 11:16:00 AM

My dad just got a 10" Craftsman bench top at sears for around 200. It has a cast iron table and some good heft to it. Cut out five bow blanks that weekend and loved it. No drift in the blade at all.

Pat B · February 20, 2012, 12:24:00 PM

I have a Grizzly 14", 1hp and have cut lots ofbow wood with it. If you plan to use it for bows be sure you get at least 1hp.

Bradford · February 20, 2012, 02:13:00 PM

I got a 12" Craftsman at a yardsale and it has cut everything I have asked of it.. all the way up to 7" tall.. I was making large veneers.

mwosborn · February 20, 2012, 03:11:00 PM

I have a 14" Jet that I picked up on craigslist - works great. I agree with Pat - whatever brand you get, get at least 1 hp.

scrub-buster · February 20, 2012, 08:10:00 PM

I use a Craftsman 12" from craigslist. Along with the advice for the minimum 1 hp, I would go with at least a 12" model.

limbshaker · February 21, 2012, 12:30:00 AM

I'm new to all this, but my only advice is to make sure it takes a common blade size! I know it sounds dumb, but it's nice to be able to run and grab a blade at the hardware 3 minutes before they close. I learned this the hard way by borrowing my buddys 9" Ryobi (yeah its really an oddball) and having to order a welded blade and wait a week to get it because Ryobi doesn't make the saw, and of course, the blades anymore. "[dntthnk]"

gringol · February 21, 2012, 07:46:00 AM

I've got a 14" Porter-Cable. I'm no bandsaw expert, but it seems to be more than adequate, especially for the price (~$400). It has a 1.5 hp motor and cuts just fine for me. The experts may disagree, but at my skill level I don't think a $3k saw would make any difference...

tenbrook · February 21, 2012, 08:59:00 AM

14" Grizzly. Don't even bother with anything else.

Living_waters · February 21, 2012, 09:46:00 AM

I have a craftsman which does most everything decent.... if you are careful. Been looking at the grizzly, they come with a good roller guide system which is a hundred dollar aftermarket item on most saws, and they have decent reviews. If you look there better quality stuff comes from Taiwan, there catalog makes that distinction.

Best thing I have found to make most bandsaws livable, is learning how to sharpen the blade correctly. A good sharp blade makes up for a lot. Plus it will save you some bucks.