Bandsaw recommendations

[JCLP]

Good morning,
I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations on a 14" bandsaw. Looking to get one for the shop.
Thanks,
JC

 

[Kev]

Laguna SUV LT14 would be my choice for a 14 without question !!!

 

[HarveyWildes]

I think you can't go wrong with any of the Laguna 14" saws.  I have a Laguna 14/12 and love it.  It does a great job of resawing, which I think is the most demanding task for any bandsaw.  There is a new version of the saw - 14bx - that has a few more features, and is priced between the 14/12 and the SUV LT 14.  The features are 220V (or 120, if you'd like) out of the box, foot brake, redesigned switch, among others.  I found the 14/12 easy to set up and adjust.  The 14/12 came wired for 120 but can be converted - I chose not to after reading several reviews.

If you are resawing, I'd also highly recommend the Laguana Resaw King blade.

Laguna runs frequent 10% off sales, at least in the US.

 

[Tyler Ernsberger]

I just bought the Laguna 14bx 220 2.5 hp.  It is an amazing saw.  Plenty of power and the brake is an awesome feature. 

 

[Hud]

I have a Rikon 14DLX and it works well

 

[online421]

I have a SCM/Minimax S400P. its a beautiful saw.

 

[grbmds]

I have the Rikon 14" Deluxe and I like the results. You can resaw up to 11" without a riser block (although I haven't found I need more than about 6" since I have owned it). I believe it has a 1 1/2 HP motor; regardless has enough power to resaw. And, generally the price is much less than most other bandsaws of the same type. The guides are possibly harder to set than some others, but that isn't something you are doing everyday anyway. \

I would guess it depends, to some degree, your use of the bandsaw. If you use it everyday in production work, I'd say maybe you would want something heavier duty than the Rikon. However, if you are into woodworking on the side and it isn't your daily job, I'd guess this saw would last a very long time and, as long as you follow accepted methods of setting up the guides, tension, etc. I doubt you would find anything it can't do for you well. At least that has been my experience so far.

 

[NHSP759]

+1 more for the Rikon. I have the Rikon 10-325. It's a great machine. Resawing is a piece of cake and since i got a low TPI 3/8 blade I've been making some really tight curves for a toy bird commission I got.

 

[Mort]

If I remember correctly Craftsman makes a clone of that Rikon (one of those same factory different paint deals) that should be easily found at Sears.

 

[NHSP759]

I think the one craftsman makes is based on the Delta model. But let me clarify this....I think!

 

[Mort]

Well, we're both wrong, but I'm less wrong

The Craftsman is a Rikon clone, but a different model (10-321).

 

[leakyroof]

The Laguna is well rated. And I believe Rikon now offers motor HP choices instead of just the stock 1 1/2 HP motor that mine came with .
Also, pick a brand/machine that you can get both blades and service parts easily since that might a concern later after your purchase.

 

[andrew.wickes]

I have a Grizzly G0555LX with the 6" riser block and I love it. It's only a 1hp but it's plenty of power to resaw hardwoods. I've thrown walnut, bloodwood and purple heart at it and it took it like a champ. The one thing I wish it had was a brake. It takes a while to spool down. Good bearings though!

 

[MrGinCT]

I have the Laguna 14 SUV and love it because it has a large motor and can easily resaw 12" of hard wood (with a sharp blade) and not bog down.  I've owned other brands and they weren't as good as the Laguna 14 SUV.
The only upgrade that I did was the Carter blade guides, as I don't like the Laguna blade guides.

 

[Lbob131]

Or  a  Felder FB 510. I have the smaller and  cheaper  cousin (Hammer N4400)  and its very  high quality  engineering.

 

[Kev]

Or  a  Felder FB 510. I have the smaller and  cheaper  cousin (Hammer N4400)  and its very  high quality  engineering.

The Hammer N3800 is nearer the mark of a 14. The FB510 (a thing of beauty) is a monster compared to a 14 Laguna or similar.

 

[Thistleman]

FB510 is the biggest Felder bandsaw available without going to a 3 phase supply or inverter.  14 inch resaw capacity and weighs 550lbs so stable as a rock. The ceramic guides are really easy to set up and drift is unheard of

 

[Lbob131]

I thought  the 14" is the cutting height?
My N4400  is 12"  or 310mm.

 

[bdiemer]

I too am happy with the Rikon especially since I discovered the wood slicer blade.

 

[rvieceli]

[member=15545]Lbob131[/member] generally when folks are talking numbers on a band saw, the size refers to the rip capacity or the depth from the inside edge of the blade to the front of the "throat" in the back.  For re-saw capacity most will say "under the guides" or re-saw height in the specs.