Band saw advice

[Mario Turcot]

Hello FOG'ers, I know this topic is a hot one. There is several threads about band saw (BS) but most seems out of date for
what i am looking for.

This is going to be my very first BS. I am not looking into a top of the line product like Felder etc.. but rather a machine that
will last and that I will enjoy using at a low budget. Of course i am looking at a machine capable to deliver accuracy &
efficiency. Since i mention budget, I feel I have to put a tag price. That would be under CAD$2,500 shipping included.

Keep in mind that I never use a BS before, but I see an actual need in my shop. I plan to use a BS mainly for large scrolling and
later resawing. Below are the specs I am looking for. Feel free to add or comment anything that I may have miss interpret or forgot.

The Requirements
Stand alone (not benchtop)
Electro magnetic switch
12 to 16 inches resaw capability including fence*
Ball bearing guides
Large table (~16x20)
Tilt to 45%
Dust extraction**
Quick blade release
Miter gauge***

A must to have
124/240v configuration
*Resaw & low profile fence
**Under table dust extraction (right at the trunion)
***Left & right miter gauge

Here two local BS that basically fullfil my requirements.

Rikon
Craftex

I think Rikon is a well known manufacturer and Craftex is the Grizzly sister up north.

Thanks, Mario

 

[rljatl]

This one:
Laguna 18bx

 

[JCLP]

second for Laguna.

JC

 

[live4ever]

That Laguna 18bx is also the one I've decided on to upgrade my 14", though I've not pulled the trigger yet.  While there have been some issues reported (mostly around fence flatness) and Laguna's customer service hasn't been lightning fast in their responses, the consensus seems to be it's a really excellent bang for the buck and very capable machine.

 

[leakyroof]

I have the now older Rikon 10-325 Deluxe, the previous Green color that Rikon had.  1 1/2HP
Rikon has upgraded it over the years, even offers a larger HP motor option if you want it.
No complaints and it will do whatever I ask of it within its limitations.  Easy to change blades, Dust Collection is decent, the saw tracks well, and I have mine wired to the 220volt set-up.
Although the new Blue saw is stock at 1 3/4HP, I think Rikon offers a larger Baldor Motor option if you need it for resawing.  I’ve been fine with my smaller motor, but I don’t do much resawing .
If your primary use starting out is as stated, 1 3/4HP should be fine.  And I even like the new Blue Color scheme Rikon is now using..... [wink]

 

[Mario Turcot]

[member=10952]leakyroof[/member]

Do your Rikon have an electro magnetic switch?

I went to LeeValley yesterday and no one could answer me  [sad]. I had a look at Rikon website and there is no mention of the switch type.

Mario

 

[Bob D.]

I also have the Rikon 10-325 Deluxe and no it does not have a contactor, it is a mechanical switch. I wish it did as it is safer in a power outage. Power stays off if the power drops out but the Rikon I have doesn't have that. No foot brake either and those 14" CI wheels take a while to spin to a stop.

It's a good starter BS, mine was about $750 when I bought it 8 years ago. But if money is no object then I would go with some of the other choices like PM or Laguna to name just two.

 

[leakyroof]

I also have the Rikon 10-325 Deluxe and no it does not have a contactor, it is a mechanical switch. I wish it did as it is safer in a power outage. Power stays off if the power drops out but the Rikon I have doesn't have that. No foot brake either and those 14" CI wheels take a while to spin to a stop.

It's a good starter BS, mine was about $750 when I bought it 8 years ago. But if money is no object then I would go with some of the other choices like PM or Laguna to name just two.

.  Bob nailed it on all counts......

 

[Klemm]

#6 for LAGUNA 18BX
keep a 220V outlet nearby.  The wheel brake is something you'll really appreciate in addition to the other features and benefits of this sweet spot in the mid-size bandsaw market. Laguna's learning curve is well reflected in this machine.

Hans

 

[Birdhunter]

I’d look for a used Powermatic.

 

[3PedalMINI]

A few years ago I did days of research. I went in originally wanting a power matic or laguna. From the expense of a powermatic to the 50/50 reviews I found on the laguna I was about to pull the trigger on a PM. Of course I dismissed Grizzly until it started popping up everywhere. In the days of research i found more good then bad on it. I decided that if it sucked I could always send it back and eat the shipping cost as a learning experience. I pulled the trigger on this one:http://www.grizzly.com/products/17-Bandsaw-2HP-w-Cast-Iron-Trunnion/G0513X2

I have to say, I cannot believe how nice of a machine it is. It’s done everything I’ve asked of it and then some. I’m a avid hobbiest with some side work from time to time. I’m glad I saved the coin and went with it. I can not recommend it enough.

I have no problem spending money on tools, which is why I dismissed it at first. I think that one would fit your bill and then some. All of this being said, I wish I had got the brake version of it....

 

[JFelchlin]

My vote’s for the Powermatic PWBS 14" Bandsaw w/Riser Block.
I’ve had/used it for several years.
It’s a solidly built tool - That’s met/exceeded my needs.

Buying a bandsaw today - I might opt for one of the 17”-18” models.
But... The 14” models with the riser block - Absolutely get the job done.

Whatever you decide on - Throw away the “stock/comes-with” bandsaw blade -
And replace it with a better grade of blade(s).
I’ve been extremely pleased with Timber Wolf Bandsaw Blades.
As well, Carter’s “add-on” bandsaw products - Particularly for resawing - Are terrific.

And FYI...
I don’t work for/get compensated by either Powermatic, Timber Wolf, or Carter.

 

[Klemm]

Mario, please post your ultimate purchase decision and how it turned out for you
Hans

 

[TomGadwa1]

I have owned a Laguna 14SUV fitted with a Driftmaster fence for five and a half years. I must say that I am very happy with my unit. It has plenty of power and is quite accurate for resawing tasks. Most recently I have reinstalled my Driftmaster  fence with the Precision Pro fence mount which allows for extreme accuracy and ease of adjustment of perpendicularity of the fence across the travel along the table. In addition to the ease with which the adjustment can be performed the fence mount is made from solid aluminum bar stock that is three quarters of an inch thick and is anodized blue to enhance the appearance of the saw when fitted with the Driftmaster fence system. Anyone who owns the Driftmaster fence knows what a GREAT design it is. It just deserved a proper mounting setup which has now been accommodated. My saw rivals a tablesaw for accuracy has a smaller footprint and is inherently safer to use. I hope this helps!

 

[Cincinnati]

I realize this reply Is not a direct answer to your question, but it’s just a few other options you may not have considered. I have a cheap bandsaw ( $350US  35 years ago). Within its limitations, and keeping it tuned, I’ve been able to accomplish some of the smaller tasks - resawing is limited to 6” but I was able to resaw 1/32” slices +/- .003”. (this wasn’t very practical, just testing my limitations using a DIY jig).

I’m now in the market for a professional saw because I want to resaw up to 15” veneers. Several of the craftsmen I’ve spoken with use their bandsaw for tasks for which they used to perform on a table saw. In hindsight, because of the work I do, I wish I’d purchased the bandsaw before the table saw and stuck with the MFT.

I’m recommending a used professional saw - specifically the SCM MiniMax s400p. I believe it is the heaviest saw on the market for it’s size. They are hard to find used here, which is a testimony to how good this saw really is. Another option if you have a woodworking show coming nearby, is to try to pick up a demo from the show.

The only Laguna I’d Consider is the LT16HD - which is also hard to find used in my area.  I don’t care for the robustness and quality of their other less expensive lines.

I don’t know their similar model number, but the Powermatic line would be in the running as well.

Not sure how beneficial these comments are to your situation.  Just my $0.02US opinion.

 

[Mario Turcot]

[member=9212]Cincinnati[/member] Thank you for your comment.

I mention that this is going to be my first BS. I forgot to say that it will be one among two.

[member=59331]TSO Products[/member]

I am not totally decided yet. I spent the week trying to find a used BS. My challenge is mostly shipping. To stay in line with my budget the BS have to be in reach (~ 60 miles) from my place. I'm having really hard time paying 25% shipping out of a purchase. That being said, there is a Laguna re-seller that have a 14" (cannot recall the model #) at CAD$1,495. The table, fence and frame seems to be really frail compare to the Rikon 10-326. The Rikon is CAD$1,279 with a lot of nice features. Especially for a beginner like me. The only reason I haven't take a decision yet is because the Rikon is lacking two things. Saw break and magnetic switch. I can put myself a Magnetic Switch for under CAD$80 and live with the no break situation.

Mario

 

[Klemm]

[member=66597]Mario Turcot[/member]  - your point about shipping cost is well made. It also tells you that you're not readily going to replace whatever you buy because the shipping cost to a buyer will again be limiting your buyer market.

Perhaps its better to buy what you really want and will be happy with for the long term.

Hans

 

[Mario Turcot]

Purchase made. I dragged the blue machine in the shop. Could have use a few hands but no avail at the time so i did it on my own  [scared]

Mario

 

[leakyroof]

Purchase made. I dragged the blue machine in the shop. Could have use a few hands but no avail at the time so i did it on my own  [scared]

Mario

. We salute you.... [thumbs up] [thumbs up]

 

[Mario Turcot]

The band saw is up and running  [big grin]

Only one major flaw, one of the four screw thread that holds the table was slightly stripped. I have to get some locktite or tap it a size bigger.

I was pretty pleased of how smooth the saw runs and cut through 18mm BB like butter. Now I know what that terms mean  [wink]

Mario