Benchtop sized bandsaw help, solved with bigger bandsaw!

[KGB pilot125]

I am looking for a small 10 inch bandsaw for cutting round stock to length then putting a slot in the end for a wedge tennon.  I have probably 500 of these to do in the next 2 or 3 months.  Maybe more if feedback is good.  Obviously I will be using it for other shop work but with space and budget like it is something bigger is not in the books and something smaller might be a waste of money in the long run.

I have it narrowed down to the Wen 3962 and the Rikon 10-305

Both seem pretty good, the rikon is at my local woodcraft the wen comes from amazon.

seems the big difference is the fence and miter slot and the wen comes with the stand which on the Rikon is another 70 bucks.  Base isnt that big of deal I am used to moving tools from the shelf to the bench in my little garage.

Links for each if you want to see them.https://www.woodcraft.com/products/rikon-10-bench-top-bandsaw-model-10-305
https://www.amazon.com/WEN-3962-Two-Speed-Stand-Worklight/dp/B016VD8GAA?th=1

I have been watching the used market on craigslist and here in denver there is nothing really moving in the $200 to $400 range

Thanks for the help

 

[jugwaxer]

I have the Craftsman 10" one that i'm pretty sure is 100% identical to the Rikon. I got it because it was way cheaper than the Rikon one. I haven't had any big problems with it, but the blade tension can be a little tricky. I've used to to cut curves and also have ripped 8/4 hardwoods with it with a .5" resaw blade and it cut through just fine. The ball bearing guides aren't too hard to adjust. The Wen looks pretty similar, but the table is different for sure. The throat opening is a rounded off square instead of a circle. The Wen looks like it has a better fence and more cutting depth, so i'd probably go with that one.

Hope that helps!

 

[rvieceli]

[member=25147]KGB pilot125[/member]

Rather see you get a larger band saw.

This popped up in your area this morning. It's in Longmont. $400 Last Delta 14" made in the USA.
https://boulder.craigslist.org/tls/d/delta-band-sawmobile-base/6575108754.html

Ron

 

[Cheese]

I'd go along with Ron and check out the used Delta. I have the sister model, a 28-303. The only difference between the 2 saws is that mine has a 2-speed transmission/8 speeds that allows the saw to cut metal. That being said, the saw is more than capable and you're getting a lot of saw for your money. When new, the 28-203 was selling in the $650-$800 range.

The Delta mobile stand was a $80-$100 option and it will allow you to move the 28-203 around your shop. The saw also takes standard sized 93 1/2" length blades that are available everywhere. It also appears to have Carter blade guides installed which is another $180 option.

Finally, the 28-203 has either a 3/4 HP or a 1 HP motor. While the Rikon is only 1/3 HP and the Wen is 1/4 HP or less.  [eek]

 

[KGB pilot125]

Just my luck, I pick up the Rikon at woodcraft on Friday night and the craigslist comes through with a great deal on Sunday.  The rikon is still in the box, too much craziness with dog training and a new shop build to get to it over the weekend.  I might email the CL guy and see if he still has it.  Not sure I would be able to get it till Saturday as its about an hour and 20plus bucks in tolls away from me.

Thanks for the help though

 

[KGB pilot125]

took the Rikon out of the box and started assembly... the table leveler casting was missing a chunk down in the hole, the fence rides up about a 1/4 inch on the front side and flush on the rear, and the fence guide(where you slide the fence left to right) doesnt line up with the front of the table so it kicks the guide at an angle.  This is no better quality than a HF saw and it is twice the price.  I have been emailing the CL guy and I am going to arrange to go pick it up as soon as he is available.

 

[rvieceli]

"I have been emailing the CL guy and I am going to arrange to go pick it up as soon as he is available."

Glad to hear it. I think you'll be much better served by that saw.

Ron

 

[KGB pilot125]

I am now the proud owner of a Delta bandsaw. 

Also got one of these from another woodworker I met up with today for free!http://www.carterproducts.com/band-saw-products/band-saw-tension/quick-releaser

He had posted on the local facebook group about getting rid of some soft maple planks and I figured a couple of those would be good for practice on my CNC.  I got there and it was a few hundred feet of maple, a carter qucikrelease, and a like new black and decker work mate! 

So all in all a super awesome day.