Bandsaw? Which one?

[WoodChuckWoods]

I'm in the market for my first (and last) band saw. I've been looking at the powermatic mostly. I just want the best quality I can afford. I have about 1000 to spend and am open to a different saw if it's better. What do you think is the best band saw? In that price range. Let me know thanks

 

[Sparktrician]

I'm in the market for my first (and last) band saw. I've been looking at the powermatic mostly. I just want the best quality I can afford. I have about 1000 to spend and am open to a different saw if it's better. What do you think is the best band saw? In that price range. Let me know thanks

You might start by getting Fine Woodworking #216, Winter 2010/2011.  There's an article on pp. 36-41 that provides a comparison between a number of good bandsaws. 

[smile]

 

[lumbajac]

I'm in the market for my first (and last) band saw. I've been looking at the powermatic mostly. I just want the best quality I can afford. I have about 1000 to spend and am open to a different saw if it's better. What do you think is the best band saw? In that price range. Let me know thanks

You might start by getting Fine Woodworking #216, Winter 2010/2011.  There's an article on pp. 36-41 that provides a comparison between a number of good bandsaws. 

[smile]

I too am in the market for my first (and last) bandsaw.  Definitely take a look through the FW article mentioned by Sparktrician.  I looked for it online, but it looks like you can only access it through a physical copy of the magazine.

I think you will find that the Grizzly bandsaws will be very attractive - both for overall review/quality and for cost/value.

I would love a Felder like David (fellow FOG member) just acquired, but at this point in my life can't afford it.  Interesting to note that the only other saw David considered, besides the top of the line Felder, was the Grizzly - I think that speaks volumes about the Grizzly.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

If this is your last bandsaw, then you will probably want something in the 17 inch or larger sizes.  Far as I know, Grizzly is the only real player in the $1,000 range for that market.  In my opinion, the quality of Grizzly products varies widely, but their larger machines (bandsaws, jointers, planers) seem consistently good, so its a pretty safe bet.  Be sure, though, to check shipping costs.

If you have an active Craigslist in your area, watch it for bandsaws.  Still a long time until construction season in Alaska and I suspect folk may be selling non-essential tools at good prices.  Bandsaws age well, so if you can start it up and it doesn't vibrate badly, its probably a safe buy (may still need a little tlc like tires and guides, but those are relatively cheap and easy).

BTW, that last bandsaw will probably need 220V, more horsepower is better.

Let us know how your search goes and good luck!

 

[nickao]

There are a lot of nice band saws these days. Much better than anything you could get 10 years ago. It's almost hard to go wrong for a hobbyist willing to spend a 1000.00.

I would say if I did it again I would go 5HP and probably stay with the grizzly. I use the large band saw for resawing and I do not like the idea of the all in one, change the blade, etc.

I like one big band saw for resawing, it does not need grace or have to be fancy, just brute force and big, a minimum 19", preferably 21". It will always hold a min 1" blade, 1 1/4" is my go to though for resawing. No messing with drift with those big blades.

For the second unit a 17" with finesse and a bit fancy that takes a 3/4" blade, but I usually would use a 1/2" blade in it.

Then for the smaller work and tight circles, etc a small, super precise band saw, 15"-17" that always holds my 1/4" blade.

This may seem expensive, but if you do your homework you can get three Grizzly saws that meet this criteria for the price of one Felder or Laguna and is exactly what I did. No changing blades for each project, I blast through the hardest of woods and can cut virtually as nice as a scroll saw too. Walking from saw to saw in a few seconds is much better than swapping blades.

 

[norwegian wood]

spend some more and get an oliver

 

[GPowers]

Looks like Powermatic and Jet are made by the same company. Is there a big difference, in build quality, between the too brands? Some of the products look similar.

 

[ajones]

There are a lot of nice band saws these days. Much better than anything you could get 10 years ago. It's almost hard to go wrong for a hobbyist willing to spend a 1000.00.

I would say if I did it again I would go 5HP and probably stay with the grizzly. I use the large band saw for resawing and I do not like the idea of the all in one, change the blade, etc.

I like one big band saw for resawing, it does not need grace or have to be fancy, just brute force and big, a minimum 19", preferably 21". It will always hold a min 1" blade, 1 1/4" is my go to though for resawing. No messing with drift with those big blades.

For the second unit a 17" with finesse and a bit fancy that takes a 3/4" blade, but I usually would use a 1/2" blade in it.

Then for the smaller work and tight circles, etc a small, super precise band saw, 15"-17" that always holds my 1/4" blade.

This may seem expensive, but if you do your homework you can get three Grizzly saws that meet this criteria for the price of one Felder or Laguna and is exactly what I did. No changing blades for each project, I blast through the hardest of woods and can cut virtually as nice as a scroll saw too. Walking from saw to saw in a few seconds is much better than swapping blades.

Nick I know band saws dont have a huge foot print  you are fortunate to have the room for,and to be able to use  three band saws. jealous..

 

[jmbfestool]

3 band saw jezus!  I like the idea though saves setting up time!  Somethin I can think about but maybe just two though a cheap one for rough cutting then a decent one Hammer or maybe Felder or maybe not lol  SO MANY DISCUSSIONS!    All I do is look for machinery now!  I have stopped looking at festool! To dangerous need to save money!

JMB

 

[nickao]

My table saw takes up more room than all three band saws by twice the amount if you include the out feed tables.  

If I had limited money and space and had to set up a shop I might even forgo a table saw and make the Band saw the center of the the shop. Especially if you have Festools, making the Band Saw the main workhorse makes a lot of sense. Alas, there are just a few operations I just can not let my table saw go for in which I have never found a replacement.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Yup, that's my dream:
A bandsaw for every blade
A router for every bit.
OK, maybe I am a little lazy, but its just a dream anyhow. [laughing]

 

[ScotF]

I would suggest getting the biggest bandsaw you can afford and fit in your space.  Overall footprint is not that big, but the bigger the saw, the taller it is and also bigger motors require bigger circuits and possible three phase power.  I have an 18 inch and if I were starting over I would buy a 24 inch machine.  There are some awesome used deals out there if you are patient in your search and wait for the right machine.   

Having 2 or even three would be awesome so that you could leave one set up for resawing and ripping operations and another for scrolling and a smaller blade.  I agree that with the Festool system, that  bandsaw could be the main stationary saw in the shop.  The Parallel guides and MFT/3 handle sheet goods, square crosscuts and some ripping and a properly tuned bandsaw makes very accurate cuts ND  hoat of joinery cuts too.  I just acquired a new to me (used) MFT/3 and still getting used to the operation.  I have some upcoming projects that I am going to intentially build without a tablesaw.  Although I love my cabinet saw, I would really like to reclaim all of that floor space.

Good luck with your search.

Scot

 

[WoodChuckWoods]

So I think I have it narrowed down. Grizzly will deliver a 17" polar bear series to my door for $1039 or I can get the 14" powermatic at my local store for $1000. I've never been able to put my hands on the grizzly so I have no idea what it is like. I have put my hands on the powermatic and it seems very well built. But I also have never used a bandsaw before so really what would I know. I also saw a riser block for the pm that would raise it another 6". Does anyone have one of these machines? Do you like it? Why why not?

 

[nickao]

The 6" riser really only gives the saw the same capacity as the Grizzly. I find with the risers they are really add ons that the saw was not designed for. I would never buy a saw NEW based on putting on a riser. You add the riser if you have a saw and need the capacity in a pinch and can not afford a new  saw.

Buying NEW I would get get a saw designed for the capacity you need from the start. Most saws with a 6" riser really only are very stable to about 3" or 4" of that 6". The saw is designed and the riser is simply an add on, its not designed for the extra 6" from the start and than the 6" taken off. That can be an issue if you really want to use every inch of capacity.

Just an opinion in my experience, nothing more.

 

[davee]

I have the 14 inch Jet and have liked it overall.  However, a recent project required more capacity and I added the riser block.  It works ok, but I really wished I had held off and purchased the larger saw.  If you think you will need a larger saw, I'd recommend waiting and getting one sized accordingly.  When I get a larger shop, I'll most likely get the larger saw.  Good luck on your decision.

 

[flair woodworks]

So I think I have it narrowed down. Grizzly will deliver a 17" polar bear series to my door for $1039 or I can get the 14" powermatic at my local store for $1000.

Between those two, I'd go for the Grizzly.  I've got one of their table saws.  It's a great tool.

 

[JimRay]

Late to the discussion, but here are my thoughts (and I just got a new bandsaw). I looked at an 18" Rikon, which would have been impressive in every way, except for the Laguna 14SUV sitting right next to it. The Rikon has a nice big table, takes a 1-1/4" blade, cast iron wheels, 4" dust ports, and nice roller bearing guides (although the lower guide seemed hard to access). Vibration was minimal, but still present. Sort of a low frequency oscillation really. It also has a 2-1/2 HP import motor. It has a really nice fence, which seemed adjustable for drift. Woodcraft had it on sale for $1189 this past weekend, nationally. A 3hp Baldor motor is available as an accessory item. Don't know the price.

The Laguna takes up to  a 1" blade, but with optional guides, will take a 1/16" blade too (don't know where to get one that small, but at least it's possible). It has a foot brake, cast iron wheels, 4" dust ports, and the Laguna ceramic guides that constrain the blade in two spots on the upper guide. It comes with a 3HP Leeson motor, and has a 15 x 15 table. The aluminum rip fence is adjustable for drift. As to vibration, there was absolutely none discernible. A carbide tooth resaw blade is available, which I tested, and was absolutely amazing. Woodcraft has an introductory offer which includes the mobility kit for $1495. Note that no blade is included with this saw. I guess they want you to spring for the resaw blade at $216.

I realize that both these saws are a bit above the mentioned price point. My decision to go with the Laguna was based on four things: it was slightly lighter than the Rikon (so I would have less trouble getting it off the truck), the vibration was non existent, it has a 3hp American made motor and it has the capability to use smaller blades.

Now I have a really tricked out Delta 14 to sell!

HTH,

Jim Ray

 

[chrisrosenb]

I looked at buying a Grizzly bandsaw for several years but I could not do it because I had never seen one & thought the low price meant lower quality.
After spending months looking for a good used bandsaw in my budget range with no luck. I gave up & ordered a Grizzly.
I took delivery yesterday morning of a Grizzly G0514X3 bandsaw & got it setup. The quality is as good as any other machine I have ever owned. Those include General, Powermatic, Delta & Mini Max.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

A moak.

 

[flair woodworks]

The Laguna takes up to  a 1" blade, but with optional guides, will take a 1/16" blade too (don't know where to get one that small, but at least it's possible). It has a foot brake, cast iron wheels, 4" dust ports, and the Laguna ceramic guides that constrain the blade in two spots on the upper guide. It comes with a 3HP Leeson motor, and has a 15 x 15 table. The aluminum rip fence is adjustable for drift. As to vibration, there was absolutely none discernible. A carbide tooth resaw blade is available, which I tested, and was absolutely amazing. Woodcraft has an introductory offer which includes the mobility kit for $1495. Note that no blade is included with this saw. I guess they want you to spring for the resaw blade at $216.

I realize that both these saws are a bit above the mentioned price point. My decision to go with the Laguna was based on four things: it was slightly lighter than the Rikon (so I would have less trouble getting it off the truck), the vibration was non existent, it has a 3hp American made motor and it has the capability to use smaller blades.

Jim,

I'm looking at buying the same saw - the LT14SUV.  Have you had a chance to use it much?  What is your opinion of it after having used it?  Can the saw adequately tension a 1" blade?