Joined
·
193 Posts
Poking to buy a new band saw, any suggestions? What kind? Want to keep under 300 are any of the table tops any good???
Help band saw
1 - 20 of 23 Posts
Joined
·
1,302 Posts
For a few bucks more, look to a 14" grizzly. After that, perhaps a table top for circles only.
Joined
·
193 Posts
I had a craftsmen 12" but got rid of it, blade kept on slipping off even when tight???
Joined
·
193 Posts
Looking on Craigslist for one and noticed a huge amount of them are 12" is this good or a no go, I do use it a lot??? Help
Joined
·
193 Posts
Awesome videos thank you!!
Joined
·
193 Posts
Ok craftsmen 12" or a Rockwell 14" which is better and can get parts if needed, easier to operate ????
Joined
·
193 Posts
Is Rockwell a good brand?
Joined
·
193 Posts
Ridgid 14" bs1400 any good???
Joined
·
193 Posts
Or Rockwell model 14 which is better???
Joined
·
31,293 Posts
check out Amazon's reviews
http://www.amazon.com/Ridgid-BS1400...2XQ/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?showViewpoints=1
A bandsaw is relatively simple, but requires a thorough and accurate setup. Tracking the blade, adjusting the guides and proper blade tension are the main issues.
Bearings usually last a long time and are easily replaceable with some mechanical knowledge.
Blade guides are hard to find if they are missing or broken, but not impossible. E Bay is a good source for older parts and new.
Belts and motors are basic machine parts and easily repairable or replaceable.
The brackets that hold the table in positioin, trunions are one of the weak links and should be checked for cracks. Do not move a bandsaw with the table in place, it may tip and crack off the trunnions.
The two types of bandsaws are a welded frame like the newert Craftsman, Grizzly, Rikon, and Lagunas OR cast iron frames like older Deltas, Grizzly, Jets. It doesn't really matter which type you have or buy, they are both good. A cast iron fram can be extended with a "riser block" for additional hight under the blade for resawing thick stock.
Blade guides are of two types, those that spin, like roller bearings or discs OR solid material like plastic, hardened steel, even hardwood.
They just keep the blade in place and are not meant to press against the sides of the blade with any force.
Grizzly has many videos on their specific machines and how to set them up:
Rockwell is no longer made, but has a good reputation.
Amazon Reviews here:
http://www.amazon.com/Ridgid-BS1400...2XQ/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?showViewpoints=1
A bandsaw is relatively simple, but requires a thorough and accurate setup. Tracking the blade, adjusting the guides and proper blade tension are the main issues.
Bearings usually last a long time and are easily replaceable with some mechanical knowledge.
Blade guides are hard to find if they are missing or broken, but not impossible. E Bay is a good source for older parts and new.
Belts and motors are basic machine parts and easily repairable or replaceable.
The brackets that hold the table in positioin, trunions are one of the weak links and should be checked for cracks. Do not move a bandsaw with the table in place, it may tip and crack off the trunnions.
The two types of bandsaws are a welded frame like the newert Craftsman, Grizzly, Rikon, and Lagunas OR cast iron frames like older Deltas, Grizzly, Jets. It doesn't really matter which type you have or buy, they are both good. A cast iron fram can be extended with a "riser block" for additional hight under the blade for resawing thick stock.
Blade guides are of two types, those that spin, like roller bearings or discs OR solid material like plastic, hardened steel, even hardwood.
They just keep the blade in place and are not meant to press against the sides of the blade with any force.
Grizzly has many videos on their specific machines and how to set them up:
Joined
·
193 Posts
Which would you buy?? Or I am thinking of a craftsmen 12" what you think??
Joined
·
193 Posts
I don't think the make ridgid anymore or Rockwell the problem is am I going to have a hard time getting parts, or should I buy a craftsmen 12" help!!
Joined
·
193 Posts
I thinking about a craftsmen 12" 1/2 hp belt srive motor?? Band saw- sander are they any good??
Joined
·
193 Posts
I am just finding that there are more parts available for craftsmen anyone???
Joined
·
31,293 Posts
just my opinion
I have both the 14" and 10" Craftsman saws. I like the 14", the 10" is just a "hobby" saw. I would get a 14" in almost any brand, Grizzly, Delata, Rockwell, Jet, even Harbor Freight saws can be workable.
A 1 HP motor would be great, but a 3/4HP will do.
A 14" will handle a 1/2" wide blade with no problems.
It all depends on what to are going to do now. and what you will be doing long term.
The craftsman 12" come in 2 variations, The good one is a welded steel frame, the others are cast aluminum and the blade tilts rather than the table. I'd stay away from those.
I have both the 14" and 10" Craftsman saws. I like the 14", the 10" is just a "hobby" saw. I would get a 14" in almost any brand, Grizzly, Delata, Rockwell, Jet, even Harbor Freight saws can be workable.
A 1 HP motor would be great, but a 3/4HP will do.
A 14" will handle a 1/2" wide blade with no problems.
It all depends on what to are going to do now. and what you will be doing long term.
The craftsman 12" come in 2 variations, The good one is a welded steel frame, the others are cast aluminum and the blade tilts rather than the table. I'd stay away from those.
1 - 20 of 23 Posts
Join the discussion
