Just Bought a Bandsaw - Have Some Questions

This is going to duplicate what a lot of other people said, but consider it
more support.

I don't have a table saw, only a band saw, so I use mine a lot.

I would seriously consider NOT getting a riser block. I have one and I have
considered taking it off. The riser reduces throat capacity of the saw.
For me, the number of times the resaw height is over 6" is about the same
number of times that the throat capacity is an issue, so it's kind of a toss
up. Also remember that the riser makes the blade tension knob 6" higher.
If are aren't very tall, that may be an issue. Whatever you decide, it's
difficult to switch because you have to get all new blades.

Blades are consumable. Timberwolf blades are overpriced. Try carbide.com
or bcsaw.com. There was a recent article in FWW by Mike Dunbar in which he
said he always uses a 3 tpi blade. I use a 4 tpi bi-metal blade for nearly
everything. I recently cut a bunch of dovetails using the bandsaw and I was
switching blades to one with really fine teeth. After reading the article,
I decided to try my 4 tpi blade and it worked fine. That's all to say that
for the tasks you have described a 3 or 4 tpi blade would be fine. I
wouldn't even consider bi-metal or carbide until you wear out a blade.

Cool blocks -- I think they help especially when learning because they are
more forgiving on the blade. As far as I can tell, the roller guides don't
improve anything over cool blocks and are much more likely to damage the
blade.

Link belt - get it later. I have one, but I'm not sure it makes any
difference.

Tires - you definitely do not need to replace those on a new machine.

Tension spring -- you only need to replace if you wear out the existing one.
I have a Jet. I ruined by original tension spring by compressing it
completely. Don't do that unless you want to buy a new tension spring.

Zero clearance insert -- I've never had one. Doesn't really seem necessary
and would probably interfere with dust collection unless you drill holes in
it.

One upgrade I consider essential is a replacement for the blade tension
crank. Replacing it will greatly improve your bandsaw experience. They
sell them at Iturra Designs or Highland Hardware.

Most of all, just remember that the bandsaw is a very simple machine. There
seems to be a trend of getting all worried if the wheels are out of plane by
0.001" or the guides are aligned just right. Just get it close and you'll
be fine. I recommend Lonnie Bird's book because it's well written and
that's basically the approach he takes.

Mark

<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
Greetings,

I apologize in advance for the length of this post, but I figured it
was better to provide as much information up front so that anyone who
replies won't have to spend time asking for info I should have included
to begin with.

Background: I've considered purchasing a band saw for about two years.
It's the last big piece of woodworking equipment I need to round out my
shop. For the past year I've been doing some research on and off here
at the 'Wreck, on the Web, and several WW mags (the Oct 04 American
Woodworker in particular). I decided the Delta 14" closed-base saw
(28-206) with a riser block was best suited to my needs and my wallet.

My Needs: Mainly resawing 2" to 8" wide hardwood (10" max, as that is
the max width my jointer/planer will handle). Secondary uses will be
cutting the occasional arch for Mission/Craftsman Style furniture and
possibly the side faces on tenons - very simple stuff. I know that
resawing 8-10" boards with a 1hp motor is pushing its limit, but I'm a
patient man. I don't have to resaw 100 feet of wood a day (more like
20 feet every 3 or 4 months), so I don't mind a slower feed rate. I
don't mind spending a couple of days tweaking the saw or performing
upgrades, but I also didn't want to make it my full-time hobby for six
weeks either. (Video Doctor's "Fettling a Delta 14" Chinese Bandsaw"
page is a great tweaking resource -
http://www.thevideodoc.com/pbandsaw1.htm)

My Wallet: I wanted to come in at the $650 range with
upgrades/accessories.

(In case anyone was wondering, I've ruled out any Jet equipment
altogether. In short, I had a minor problem with one of my two Jet
machines, and Jet's Customer Service department treated me like a
vagrant. But that's a story for another thread. End result: I'll
never buy another piece of Jet equipment again.)

I found the 28-206 on sale about two weeks ago for $475 + $90 for the
riser block. That leaves me about $85 for upgrades. After doing my
research, these were the upgrades I was planning to install in order of
priority.

· Timberwolf 1/2 x 3tpi Blade - $25. I used the same blade, shorter
length, on another band saw and was pleased with the results. Since
this will be the saw's primary function, I wanted to set it up for
success. This is also a low tension blade.

· Mobile Base - $0. I have a "universal" Delta mobile base I can use.

· Cool Blocks - $12. Phenolic blocks appear to be the best value when
replacing the factory guides. At first, the Delta factory guide blocks
looked like they might be plastic, but a quick test with a magnet
showed me they weren't. The AWW article provided some helpful
comparisons for guide replacements. I have also been eyeing some cheap
roller-bearing guides (~$16) on eBay.

· PowerTwist V-Link Belt - $22. Should decrease vibration by
mitigating whatever misalignment is left between the pulleys and the
effect of v-belt shape "memory". I decided to go with the PowerTwist
versus the cheaper Accu-Link; the Accu-Link looked like it would
disintegrate faster. Jim Wilson's Link Belt Page
(http://www.paragoncode.com/shop/link_belts/) was an invaluable source
of information on these.

· Urethane Band Saw Tires - $22. I'm not entirely sure these are
necessary as I have yet to measure the runout on the factory tires.
The factory tires look VERY similar to the urethane tires Rockler is
selling (http://www.rockler.com/findit.cfm?page=5838). Does anyone
know if Delta has recently started shipping their band saws with
URETHANE tires installed?!?!

Other upgrades I've considered but am not planning to buy:

· Iturra High Tension Spring - $17. I didn't see this as necessary,
particularly since the Timberwolf blade is of the low tension variety.
Then again, the riser block takes the blade length to 105" so I may
have to bite the bullet on this one.

· Zero-Clearance Inserts - $10 for 4. I'm not sure tearout is going
to be a big problem with resawing.

So far, my upgrade total comes to $81, so I'm still within my budget.
Now, for the questions:

1. Of the upgrades I've listed, are there any I should reconsider
(priority, brand, type, etc.)?

2. Are there any other upgrades I missed and should consider?

TIA for the replies, guys. Being relatively new to this band saw gig,
I definitely appreciate any help or guidance you can offer.

Chop

On Sat, 11 Dec 2004 15:54:39 GMT, "Edwin Pawlowski" <[email protected]>
wrote:

>I don't consider blades an upgrade, just another consumablel you need every
>now and again.

Has anyone tried the $10 BC Saw blades that FWW liked?

We're getting a group order together at work, so I may be the guinea
pig. <G>

Barry

On Sat, 11 Dec 2004 14:13:44 GMT, "Bob"
<[email protected]> calmly ranted:

>http://www.thevideodoc.com/pbandsaw1.htm)
>
>I cannot get to that link. Could you recheck its validity from your end?

Even with the ) removed, it doesn't ping through this morning.
The server is offline for some reason. Maybe they're updating software
today.

==============================================================
Like peace and quiet? Buy a phoneless cord.
http://www/diversify.com/stees.html Hilarious T-shirts online
==============================================================

I wrote you up a long novel and then my daughter slammed something on
my keyboard and it vanished. Since then, most of what I had to say was
said by others....consumables...use the saw as is for a while.....
Timber Wolf aka Viking at Lee Valley....Get Mark Duginskes book....

Additionally, I would recommend you call Iturra Design and get their
(his) catalog by Louis Iturra. He basically wrote a novel around the
bandsaw and marketed some of his wares within it. Phone number is
(888)722-7076. Louis will speak to you personally and give you lots of
good advice. I have talked with him a couple of times and he seems to
be a great guy. In it he compares Old vs New Delta, Delta vs Jet, etc.

Thing I would recommend: eventually get a magnetic starter for it,
cobble up some dust collection, ljjl

Here she comes again. i better hit send. (15mth old) hard to type now.
Eric

<[email protected]> wrote in message

> 1. Of the upgrades I've listed, are there any I should reconsider
> (priority, brand, type, etc.)?

> 2. Are there any other upgrades I missed and should consider?

Get a Quik-Crank for adjusting tension. Also good for releasing tension when
done for the day. I just take five turns off every time and put them back
when I'm going to use the saw again. It is about $30.

Skip the tires until yours are worn.

I don't consider blades an upgrade, just another consumablel you need every
now and again. I like the Timberwolf, I've used the Woodslicer but still
prefer the Timberwolf. Just bought a Lee Valley Viking 1/4" blade but have
not tried it yet.
Ed
http://pages.cthome.net/edhome/

> Urethane Band Saw Tires - $22. I'm not entirely sure these are
necessary as I have yet to measure the runout on the factory tires.
The factory tires look VERY similar to the urethane tires Rockler is
selling (http://www.rockler.com/findit.cfm?page=5838). Does anyone
know if Delta has recently started shipping their band saws with
URETHANE tires installed?!?!


Don't waste your money until they need to be replaced. My Delta has never
had the tires replaced and it's 20 years old and gets used every day. Your
Delta with a 3 TPI blade will handle your needs.

--

Rumpty

Radial Arm Saw Forum: http://forums.delphiforums.com/woodbutcher/start

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
Greetings,

I apologize in advance for the length of this post, but I figured it
was better to provide as much information up front so that anyone who
replies won't have to spend time asking for info I should have included
to begin with.

Background: I've considered purchasing a band saw for about two years.
It's the last big piece of woodworking equipment I need to round out my
shop. For the past year I've been doing some research on and off here
at the 'Wreck, on the Web, and several WW mags (the Oct 04 American
Woodworker in particular). I decided the Delta 14" closed-base saw
(28-206) with a riser block was best suited to my needs and my wallet.

My Needs: Mainly resawing 2" to 8" wide hardwood (10" max, as that is
the max width my jointer/planer will handle). Secondary uses will be
cutting the occasional arch for Mission/Craftsman Style furniture and
possibly the side faces on tenons - very simple stuff. I know that
resawing 8-10" boards with a 1hp motor is pushing its limit, but I'm a
patient man. I don't have to resaw 100 feet of wood a day (more like
20 feet every 3 or 4 months), so I don't mind a slower feed rate. I
don't mind spending a couple of days tweaking the saw or performing
upgrades, but I also didn't want to make it my full-time hobby for six
weeks either. (Video Doctor's "Fettling a Delta 14" Chinese Bandsaw"
page is a great tweaking resource -
http://www.thevideodoc.com/pbandsaw1.htm)

My Wallet: I wanted to come in at the $650 range with
upgrades/accessories.

(In case anyone was wondering, I've ruled out any Jet equipment
altogether. In short, I had a minor problem with one of my two Jet
machines, and Jet's Customer Service department treated me like a
vagrant. But that's a story for another thread. End result: I'll
never buy another piece of Jet equipment again.)

I found the 28-206 on sale about two weeks ago for $475 + $90 for the
riser block. That leaves me about $85 for upgrades. After doing my
research, these were the upgrades I was planning to install in order of
priority.

· Timberwolf 1/2 x 3tpi Blade - $25. I used the same blade, shorter
length, on another band saw and was pleased with the results. Since
this will be the saw's primary function, I wanted to set it up for
success. This is also a low tension blade.

· Mobile Base - $0. I have a "universal" Delta mobile base I can use.

· Cool Blocks - $12. Phenolic blocks appear to be the best value when
replacing the factory guides. At first, the Delta factory guide blocks
looked like they might be plastic, but a quick test with a magnet
showed me they weren't. The AWW article provided some helpful
comparisons for guide replacements. I have also been eyeing some cheap
roller-bearing guides (~$16) on eBay.

· PowerTwist V-Link Belt - $22. Should decrease vibration by
mitigating whatever misalignment is left between the pulleys and the
effect of v-belt shape "memory". I decided to go with the PowerTwist
versus the cheaper Accu-Link; the Accu-Link looked like it would
disintegrate faster. Jim Wilson's Link Belt Page
(http://www.paragoncode.com/shop/link_belts/) was an invaluable source
of information on these.

· Urethane Band Saw Tires - $22. I'm not entirely sure these are
necessary as I have yet to measure the runout on the factory tires.
The factory tires look VERY similar to the urethane tires Rockler is
selling (http://www.rockler.com/findit.cfm?page=5838). Does anyone
know if Delta has recently started shipping their band saws with
URETHANE tires installed?!?!

Other upgrades I've considered but am not planning to buy:

· Iturra High Tension Spring - $17. I didn't see this as necessary,
particularly since the Timberwolf blade is of the low tension variety.
Then again, the riser block takes the blade length to 105" so I may
have to bite the bullet on this one.

· Zero-Clearance Inserts - $10 for 4. I'm not sure tearout is going
to be a big problem with resawing.

So far, my upgrade total comes to $81, so I'm still within my budget.
Now, for the questions:

1. Of the upgrades I've listed, are there any I should reconsider
(priority, brand, type, etc.)?

2. Are there any other upgrades I missed and should consider?

TIA for the replies, guys. Being relatively new to this band saw gig,
I definitely appreciate any help or guidance you can offer.

Chop

On 11 Dec 2004 01:11:44 -0800, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
vaguely proposed a theory
......and in reply I say!:

remove ns from my header address to reply via email


Mark Duginske's The Bandsaw Handbook

>2. Are there any other upgrades I missed and should consider?
>
>TIA for the replies, guys. Being relatively new to this band saw gig,
>I definitely appreciate any help or guidance you can offer.
>
>Chop

---
Only worry about the things you can control.

Then you have stuff all to worry about!

Blades aren't "upgrades", as others mentioned.

The cool blocks work better than the stock guides.

Consider trying a WoodSlicer blade instead of the TW.

Have fun with your new toy!

David

[email protected] wrote:

> Greetings,
>
> I apologize in advance for the length of this post, but I figured it
> was better to provide as much information up front so that anyone who
> replies won't have to spend time asking for info I should have included
> to begin with.
>
> Background: I've considered purchasing a band saw for about two years.
> It's the last big piece of woodworking equipment I need to round out my
> shop. For the past year I've been doing some research on and off here
> at the 'Wreck, on the Web, and several WW mags (the Oct 04 American
> Woodworker in particular). I decided the Delta 14" closed-base saw
> (28-206) with a riser block was best suited to my needs and my wallet.
>
> My Needs: Mainly resawing 2" to 8" wide hardwood (10" max, as that is
> the max width my jointer/planer will handle). Secondary uses will be
> cutting the occasional arch for Mission/Craftsman Style furniture and
> possibly the side faces on tenons - very simple stuff. I know that
> resawing 8-10" boards with a 1hp motor is pushing its limit, but I'm a
> patient man. I don't have to resaw 100 feet of wood a day (more like
> 20 feet every 3 or 4 months), so I don't mind a slower feed rate. I
> don't mind spending a couple of days tweaking the saw or performing
> upgrades, but I also didn't want to make it my full-time hobby for six
> weeks either. (Video Doctor's "Fettling a Delta 14" Chinese Bandsaw"
> page is a great tweaking resource -
> http://www.thevideodoc.com/pbandsaw1.htm)
>
> My Wallet: I wanted to come in at the $650 range with
> upgrades/accessories.
>
> (In case anyone was wondering, I've ruled out any Jet equipment
> altogether. In short, I had a minor problem with one of my two Jet
> machines, and Jet's Customer Service department treated me like a
> vagrant. But that's a story for another thread. End result: I'll
> never buy another piece of Jet equipment again.)
>
> I found the 28-206 on sale about two weeks ago for $475 + $90 for the
> riser block. That leaves me about $85 for upgrades. After doing my
> research, these were the upgrades I was planning to install in order of
> priority.
>
> · Timberwolf 1/2 x 3tpi Blade - $25. I used the same blade, shorter
> length, on another band saw and was pleased with the results. Since
> this will be the saw's primary function, I wanted to set it up for
> success. This is also a low tension blade.
>
> · Mobile Base - $0. I have a "universal" Delta mobile base I can use.
>
> · Cool Blocks - $12. Phenolic blocks appear to be the best value when
> replacing the factory guides. At first, the Delta factory guide blocks
> looked like they might be plastic, but a quick test with a magnet
> showed me they weren't. The AWW article provided some helpful
> comparisons for guide replacements. I have also been eyeing some cheap
> roller-bearing guides (~$16) on eBay.
>
> · PowerTwist V-Link Belt - $22. Should decrease vibration by
> mitigating whatever misalignment is left between the pulleys and the
> effect of v-belt shape "memory". I decided to go with the PowerTwist
> versus the cheaper Accu-Link; the Accu-Link looked like it would
> disintegrate faster. Jim Wilson's Link Belt Page
> (http://www.paragoncode.com/shop/link_belts/) was an invaluable source
> of information on these.
>
> · Urethane Band Saw Tires - $22. I'm not entirely sure these are
> necessary as I have yet to measure the runout on the factory tires.
> The factory tires look VERY similar to the urethane tires Rockler is
> selling (http://www.rockler.com/findit.cfm?page=5838). Does anyone
> know if Delta has recently started shipping their band saws with
> URETHANE tires installed?!?!
>
> Other upgrades I've considered but am not planning to buy:
>
> · Iturra High Tension Spring - $17. I didn't see this as necessary,
> particularly since the Timberwolf blade is of the low tension variety.
> Then again, the riser block takes the blade length to 105" so I may
> have to bite the bullet on this one.
>
> · Zero-Clearance Inserts - $10 for 4. I'm not sure tearout is going
> to be a big problem with resawing.
>
> So far, my upgrade total comes to $81, so I'm still within my budget.
> Now, for the questions:
>
> 1. Of the upgrades I've listed, are there any I should reconsider
> (priority, brand, type, etc.)?
>
> 2. Are there any other upgrades I missed and should consider?
>
> TIA for the replies, guys. Being relatively new to this band saw gig,
> I definitely appreciate any help or guidance you can offer.
>
> Chop
>

On 11 Dec 2004 01:11:44 -0800, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
wrote:

>Greetings,
snip snip snip.....
==========================
Honestly I NEVER even think about Purchasing addons or accesories
until after I have used the tool for a few months...and then only
after tweaking the tool to solve any problems that I encounter...

Get the saw home.. Play with it.... then start thinking of what things
you NEED or may WANT (2 different things) ...to purchase for the
machine...

Just my opinion...

Bob Griffiths

On 11 Dec 2004 01:11:44 -0800, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
wrote:

>· Timberwolf 1/2 x 3tpi Blade - $25.

Blades are not upgrades, they are consumables. Don't even consider
them in the cost of the saw acquisition. Consider them in the cost of
operating the saw--much like electricity. You wouldn't consider
electricity as part of the saw's cost that you're totting up, would
you? Besides, you're going to own more than one blade before you're
done.

Moreover, I wouldn't lump any of those other things in the acquisition
cost, either. They, any or all, can be done at any time after you get
the saw, and thus can be financed out of your slush fund on an ad hoc
basis. You do have a slush fund, don't you?

Your $650 should be allocated solely to getting a machine in the door
and cutting wood. Remember, this is a hobby. You can't/shouldn't
acquire tools on an accounting basis--that is, justifying each
purchase on its "total cost," etc.


- -
LRod

Master Woodbutcher and seasoned termite

Shamelessly whoring my website since 1999

http://www.woodbutcher.net

<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
Greetings,

weeks either. (Video Doctor's "Fettling a Delta 14" Chinese Bandsaw"
page is a great tweaking resource -
http://www.thevideodoc.com/pbandsaw1.htm)

I cannot get to that link. Could you recheck its validity from your end?

Bob

Blades are consumables as mentioned. I am not a bandsaw nerd but the
ones I have used worked just ok enough with plain old v belts. My 20
year old tires on my Delta metal/wood bandsaw seem to work ok. For
resaw you may be getting out your Record 4 plane to smooth the wood up
anyway. Zero clearance insert, for resaw? The stock spring I have
seems to work ok. Coolblocks or bearings I can see value in. If iwas
blowing $85 I would blow it on blade bearings. Really I would by some
wood.

A lot of stuff is made because people find a minor problem and create
a solution. You may have never discovered you had "problem" if you
had not read some magizine or sales catalogue.


"[email protected]" <[email protected]> wrote:

>Greetings,
>
>I apologize in advance for the length of this post, but I figured it
>was better to provide as much information up front so that anyone who
>replies won't have to spend time asking for info I should have included
>to begin with.
>
>Background: I've considered purchasing a band saw for about two years.
>It's the last big piece of woodworking equipment I need to round out my
>shop. For the past year I've been doing some research on and off here
>at the 'Wreck, on the Web, and several WW mags (the Oct 04 American
>Woodworker in particular). I decided the Delta 14" closed-base saw
>(28-206) with a riser block was best suited to my needs and my wallet.
>
>My Needs: Mainly resawing 2" to 8" wide hardwood (10" max, as that is
>the max width my jointer/planer will handle). Secondary uses will be
>cutting the occasional arch for Mission/Craftsman Style furniture and
>possibly the side faces on tenons - very simple stuff. I know that
>resawing 8-10" boards with a 1hp motor is pushing its limit, but I'm a
>patient man. I don't have to resaw 100 feet of wood a day (more like
>20 feet every 3 or 4 months), so I don't mind a slower feed rate. I
>don't mind spending a couple of days tweaking the saw or performing
>upgrades, but I also didn't want to make it my full-time hobby for six
>weeks either. (Video Doctor's "Fettling a Delta 14" Chinese Bandsaw"
>page is a great tweaking resource -
>http://www.thevideodoc.com/pbandsaw1.htm)
>
>My Wallet: I wanted to come in at the $650 range with
>upgrades/accessories.
>
>(In case anyone was wondering, I've ruled out any Jet equipment
>altogether. In short, I had a minor problem with one of my two Jet
>machines, and Jet's Customer Service department treated me like a
>vagrant. But that's a story for another thread. End result: I'll
>never buy another piece of Jet equipment again.)
>
>I found the 28-206 on sale about two weeks ago for $475 + $90 for the
>riser block. That leaves me about $85 for upgrades. After doing my
>research, these were the upgrades I was planning to install in order of
>priority.
>
>· Timberwolf 1/2 x 3tpi Blade - $25. I used the same blade, shorter
>length, on another band saw and was pleased with the results. Since
>this will be the saw's primary function, I wanted to set it up for
>success. This is also a low tension blade.
>
>· Mobile Base - $0. I have a "universal" Delta mobile base I can use.
>
>· Cool Blocks - $12. Phenolic blocks appear to be the best value when
>replacing the factory guides. At first, the Delta factory guide blocks
>looked like they might be plastic, but a quick test with a magnet
>showed me they weren't. The AWW article provided some helpful
>comparisons for guide replacements. I have also been eyeing some cheap
>roller-bearing guides (~$16) on eBay.
>
>· PowerTwist V-Link Belt - $22. Should decrease vibration by
>mitigating whatever misalignment is left between the pulleys and the
>effect of v-belt shape "memory". I decided to go with the PowerTwist
>versus the cheaper Accu-Link; the Accu-Link looked like it would
>disintegrate faster. Jim Wilson's Link Belt Page
>(http://www.paragoncode.com/shop/link_belts/) was an invaluable source
>of information on these.
>
>· Urethane Band Saw Tires - $22. I'm not entirely sure these are
>necessary as I have yet to measure the runout on the factory tires.
>The factory tires look VERY similar to the urethane tires Rockler is
>selling (http://www.rockler.com/findit.cfm?page=5838). Does anyone
>know if Delta has recently started shipping their band saws with
>URETHANE tires installed?!?!
>
>Other upgrades I've considered but am not planning to buy:
>
>· Iturra High Tension Spring - $17. I didn't see this as necessary,
>particularly since the Timberwolf blade is of the low tension variety.
>Then again, the riser block takes the blade length to 105" so I may
>have to bite the bullet on this one.
>
>· Zero-Clearance Inserts - $10 for 4. I'm not sure tearout is going
>to be a big problem with resawing.
>
>So far, my upgrade total comes to $81, so I'm still within my budget.
>Now, for the questions:
>
>1. Of the upgrades I've listed, are there any I should reconsider
>(priority, brand, type, etc.)?
>
>2. Are there any other upgrades I missed and should consider?
>
>TIA for the replies, guys. Being relatively new to this band saw gig,
>I definitely appreciate any help or guidance you can offer.
>
>Chop