Considering a New Bandsaw...

On May 28, 7:15 am, "Edwin Pawlowski" <[email protected]> wrote:
> "Steve" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > So I'm considering some options:
>
> > 1) The new Rikon 14" bandsaw with a 1.5HP motor and 13" resaw capacity
>
> > 2) The Grizzly 14" "Ultimate Bandsaw" with a riser block
>
> > 3) Installing a bigger motor on the Ridgid (it has a 3/4HP motor now).
>
> > The last alternative was suggested by the sales guy at my local Woodcraft
> > store, where I was looking at the 14" Rikon.
>
> > Can y'all comment on these alternatives? Budget is an issue - so I'm
> > trying to get the most bang for the buck. Are there other alternatives
> > that I should consider?
>
> #3 may be the best and most cost effective option. IMO, the incremental
> increase in the other 14" saws is small for the cost. If you step up to a
> Laguna 18", that would make a bigger difference.

What brand blade are you using, and how long have you boon using it?
Wandering is a function of the blade.
Donna Menke, The Ultimate Band Saw Box Book author, www.woodworks-by-donna.com

On Sun, 27 May 2007 23:30:32 -0700, Steve <[email protected]> wrote:

>I have a Ridgid 14" band saw with a 6" riser block, and a 1/2" x 105"
>resaw blade installed. It does a pretty decent job of resawing
>hardwoods up to 8 or 9 inches wide, but I have to take it real slow or
>it starts to wander.
>
>So I'm considering some options:
>
>1) The new Rikon 14" bandsaw with a 1.5HP motor and 13" resaw capacity
>
>2) The Grizzly 14" "Ultimate Bandsaw" with a riser block
>
>3) Installing a bigger motor on the Ridgid (it has a 3/4HP motor now).
>
>The last alternative was suggested by the sales guy at my local
>Woodcraft store, where I was looking at the 14" Rikon.
>
>Can y'all comment on these alternatives? Budget is an issue - so I'm
>trying to get the most bang for the buck. Are there other alternatives
>that I should consider?
>
>Thanks!
>
>--Steve

I would stay away from a Grizzly. If budget is an issue, I suggest you wait and
lurk at your local craigslist, <at Tool, type "Delta" or "Bandsaw"> you will see
Delta tools and bandsaw for sales. From experienced, in SFO you can find a good
used Delta for $250 to $300. Even a vintage with solid cast-iron base Delta can
be purchase for less than $300, you may need to put a few bucks to bring it to
date. Just yesterday I found in craigslist SFO, Napa Valley another Delta 14"
bandsaw for $250, similar to the one I bought. Today, it's gone!

Try this:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/tls?hasPic=1&query=delta
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/tls?query=bandsaw&minAsk=min&maxAsk=max&hasPic=1

"Donna" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On May 28, 7:15 am, "Edwin Pawlowski" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> What brand blade are you using, and how long have you boon using it?
> Wandering is a function of the blade.
> Donna Menke, The Ultimate Band Saw Box Book author,
> www.woodworks-by-donna.com
>



Welcome Donna.

"Steve" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> So I'm considering some options:
>
> 1) The new Rikon 14" bandsaw with a 1.5HP motor and 13" resaw capacity
>
> 2) The Grizzly 14" "Ultimate Bandsaw" with a riser block
>
> 3) Installing a bigger motor on the Ridgid (it has a 3/4HP motor now).
>
> The last alternative was suggested by the sales guy at my local Woodcraft
> store, where I was looking at the 14" Rikon.
>
> Can y'all comment on these alternatives? Budget is an issue - so I'm
> trying to get the most bang for the buck. Are there other alternatives
> that I should consider?

#3 may be the best and most cost effective option. IMO, the incremental
increase in the other 14" saws is small for the cost. If you step up to a
Laguna 18", that would make a bigger difference.

"Steve" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I have a Ridgid 14" band saw with a 6" riser block, and a 1/2" x 105" resaw
>blade installed. It does a pretty decent job of resawing hardwoods up to 8
>or 9 inches wide, but I have to take it real slow or it starts to wander.
>
> So I'm considering some options:
>
> 1) The new Rikon 14" bandsaw with a 1.5HP motor and 13" resaw capacity

No.
>
> 2) The Grizzly 14" "Ultimate Bandsaw" with a riser block

No.

>
> 3) Installing a bigger motor on the Ridgid (it has a 3/4HP motor now).

Maybe.
>
> The last alternative was suggested by the sales guy at my local Woodcraft
> store, where I was looking at the 14" Rikon.


> Can y'all comment on these alternatives? Budget is an issue - so I'm
> trying to get the most bang for the buck. Are there other alternatives
> that I should consider?

The cheapest upgrade would be to change blades. Try a good brand blade with
no more than 3 tpi, if you see no suitable improvement you may want to go
the larger motor route provided you saw will handle it and hold up.

The other brand saws you mentioned would most likely be a lot of money spent
for a minimal amount of improvement over what you have now. I went from a
1/2 hp Craftsman to a 2 hp 18" Rikon and did enjoy more power but was
terribly disappointed in the overall performance of the saw. I paid $1K for
a upgrade saw and got $100 worth of improvement IMHO. The saws you
mentioned are a good value if you don't have a BS now but not much of a sep
up from any other BS. I got rid of the Rikon 2 to 3 weeks later and went
with a an LT16HD Laguna. Problem forever solved.

Remember, make sure you have a blade made for resawing before any other
improvement.