I'm looking to get a band saw to re-saw 1x and 2x boards.
Can't justify large expense, but don't want anything so cheap it doesn't last...
So I'm looking for something in the middle that will work well for a weekend wood hobbiest...
Also, I've read that most important part is the blade so if you have recommendations on those, I'd appreciate it.
4/4 and 8/4 boards (2" thick)? Do you have a bench saw. Just invest in a good blade and go slow if under powered. If you're talking about ripping a 2x8 (8" high) for example than that's another story.
I did own a 19" 3 HP briefly but my plans to have a fully equipped mill room went awry. I sold it to my buddy down the road and he's very happy with it. It was great quality and had a electronic motor brake, a great safety feature. I already own a MinMax 18" bandsaw which I use exclusively for resawing with a 3/4" wide blade with 3 TPI. I recommend a welded frame saw like the MinMax and the larger Grizzlys. Tha have sufficient frame strength to properly tension a 3/4" blade. A smaller cast iron frame 14" will not, 1/2" wide blades are the maximum.
Laguna 14SUV running 1" Resaw King blade, also ceramic guides - as you said, a bit over your budget. But man can these do some serious resawing!!
I've posted this before and I'll probably keep posting it when this topic comes up, but here's my favorite shop helper and me doing some resawing of a 14" wide Sinker Mahogany board for acoustic guitar back and sides.
If I limit the board width to 6", can I get by with something smaller?
As much as I'd love to have the Laguna 14Twelve, I was hoping to get something a couple hundred $ less...
Or am I just wasting time/money getting something smaller?
Typically, when I resaw I run the freshly cut stock over the jointer to get one smooth surface on the next piece, that being too thin to plane or drum sand it.... typically. My small jointer is only 6" so if the stock is thicker/higher/wider I would have to drum sand it in my 12" baby grizzly..... no big deal however.
Those pieces look great David! Is the Laguna a recent purchase? Those blades are pricey, around $150 or so?
Thanks! We've had the Laguna about 3 1/2 years now, it's been a great saw! I wish they were $150! This is the 1" and the first one I bought, when we got the saw, was $230. I think they're down closer to $200 now + shipping.
And if you haven't seen my video where I destroyed one in seconds you should check that out. I hate to hijack this thread any more than I already have, though, so just go to my channel and look for the video from 5/21/17 PSA - Improper use of a bandsaw.
Typically, when I resaw I run the freshly cut stock over the jointer to get one smooth surface on the next piece, that being too thin to plane or drum sand it.... typically. My small jointer is only 6" so if the stock is thicker/higher/wider I would have to drum sand it in my 12" baby grizzly..... no big deal however.
you will get many opinions here - mine is a used high quality 14" saw, and set it up with a 6' riser block. or if you are lucky you can find a bs with the riser already installed.
I like Lenox blades. we use a 1" wide 3t/2" carbide. resaw's like butter.
and for a shot of reality - I have a 14" Grizzly with a 1/2" WoodSlicer blade and it'll resaw through 6 inches of rock maple with ease.
if you're going to run hundreds of board feet into veneer, a better solution may be needed. for the occasional resaw, it does an excellent job. here's what looks to be a four inch pc
I love my grizzly 17" with a 1" blade. In many cases I use it instead of my table saw. Resawing is fun. Just resawed 5 12" thick 4' wide walnut logs to lumber 1" thick. The bigger saw is fun. the 14" saw is a lot of work and a lot of curved boards. Still can be done with the 14" bandsaw but the 17" makes it look like childs play.
I posted on a thread on resaw sleds on this site. It has a lot of good examples of sleds for resawing longer logs.
I have a 1953 Delta 890 bandsaw. I bought it used in excellent condition, ready-to-run. It came with a riser block installed, and many extras thrown in by the seller. I paid $250 for it. It is missing some of the modern conveniences of newer bandsaws, like a tension release lever, but it tracks perfectly and cuts very well. Who can complain about that?
The problem with buying used tools is that they are never around when you need them. You must be prepared to jump on the bargains when they appear. In my opinion, the best source for tools is the local woodworking clubs; they are far better than Craigslist or their equivalents.
The worst thing that could happen when you over-spend on a tool is that you overspent! And you will be haunted by that right up until the first time you use it. Then you will love it.
The worst thing that could happen when you under-spend on a tool is that it under-performs and from then on you will never be happy with it.
Wait till you have a bugger budget for it and somehow you will find a bargain along the way.
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