I just purchased my first real bandsaw from Amazon. I chose the Delta
28-299A "Limited Edition" 14" Band Saw for $799. I considered Jet and
Grizzly, as I already own several of their products and am very
satisfied. I am curious to find out if anyone else has purchased this
saw and what they think about it, and if anyone else has made a
selection of a similarly priced bandsaw and would like to hear what
comments they have.
Matt
You never can tell, seems like there would be one still sitting on a show
room floor somewhere in the boonies. Todd Stock wrote an interesting post
back in February about the differences in the 299 and 299A. It's re-posted
below for the OP's information, with full credit to Todd:
<Todd Stock post, 02/03>
You did get the best of the 14" saws, but in adding power to
the package, Delta made a cost engineering change that moved them in the
direction of the imports, quality-wise.
The problem with the new Delta 1.5 hp is that they upp'd the motor speed
from 1750 to 3450 (to keep the price point for the motor and drive train
identical to the old 28-299) and replaced the excellent balanced steel and
iron pulleys that were supplied with the old 3/4 and 1 hp saws with the
same crappy cast alloy sheaves that the Jets and other imports are using.
This drive train vibe is more noticeable than on the imports because speed
is doubled and power is higher on the new Deltas.
Junk the alloy sheave (the motor is likely a machined steel sheave and is
probably OK) and invest in a cast iron, balanced Browning sheave for the
driven shaft - about $28 from MSC. Make sure you get the proper bore
(3/4") and correct 4L pitch diameter (NOT the same as the outside
diameter).
Also - swap to a link belt. These are the fixes that Iturra recommends for
the Jet and other imports, and appears to be necessary for the new Delta
1.5 hp as well.
I hope Delta gets enough complaints to change the drivetrain back to a
balanced system - just one of the many things that justified a higher
price tag for the saw."
</Todd Stock>
Hopefully the above will provide some information if he does have the
problem with vibration that you, and others, have reported.
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 9/21/03
"Bay Area Dave" wrote in message
> if he just got it, it should be the 299A.
>
> dave
>
> Swingman wrote:
>
> > There is a good deal of difference between the 299 and the 299A. If you
> > indeed got the 28-299, you good a good band saw... if you got the 1
1/2HP
> > 28-299A, maybe not.
I get mine at a local WoodCraft. Below is the url to Suffok Machinery, the
manufacturer of the Timberwolf blades:
http://www.suffolkmachinery.com/
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 9/21/03
"Matt Zach" wrote in message
> Thanks Swingman.... mind if I ask you where a good place to buy them? I'll
order
> a couple tomorrow.
> Matt
>
> > For your new saw I'd say a 1/2" 3 tpi TimberWolf would be ideal for
> > resawing.
I'll be GLAD to...IF you spot me the difference in cost! :)
dave
Lawrence A. Ramsey wrote:
> Get a used Mini-max S45. You'll love it.
>
>
> On Sun, 12 Oct 2003 21:25:26 GMT, Bay Area Dave <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
>
>>that's pretty weird. it's the same basic saw. I know the price has
>>gone up, but it shouldn't be any lighter than the 299. If you check the
>>archives you will find lots of good info to "tune up" your 299. That
>>will include a new cast sheave and a link belt, if you follow popular
>>opinion on what will help tame the 'vibes'. I would not take the word
>>of any online reviews as they are as divergent as the number of
>>reviewers. Just like you don't need to take my word for what I'm saying
>>here; like I said a moment ago--check the archives. I just couldn't see
>>myself modifying a $950 tool the first couple of days of ownership to
>>make it "right". So guys get off on tweaking stuff that they paid good
>>money for, but I expect it to work well out of the box.
>>
>>I doubt the reviewer's claim that the whole saw and cabinet weighs 180
>>lbs. The older model is listed as 224 and the X5 at 275. Maybe the
>>reviewer works for Jet? <g> ... I just read the review. In light of the
>>fact that I got a base cabinet for my first Delta BS that lacked the
>>holes for the power cord, it is entirely possible that the reviewer did
>>indeed receive a unit with all the mentioned defects. But as far as the
>>weight is concerned, I doubt that it is LIGHTER than the model you
>>bought. I will make a call on Monday to see if the local store has got
>>one on display.
>>
>>BTW, if yours vibrates excessively, the FASTEST way to stop the
>>vibration is to grab a 2x4 and place it on the floor by the rear fence
>>rail and clamp it there. That dampened all of the large rocking motions
>>of the unit I had, but I wasn't willing to keep it.
>>
>>dave
>>
>>Matt Zach wrote:
>>
>>
>>>Dave,
>>>I considered the X5, but it was 899 plus local tax at over 8%, and did not
>>>come with a fence. I read the review of it (X5) on Amazon, and the only
>>>reviewer said it was actually kind of 'light' at 180 lbs, when the
>>>manufacturer claimed it was 270 lbs. He sounded a little disappointed in it.
>>>On the other hand, the vast majority of reviews on the 299 were very
>>>positive. That's what pushed my decision to the 299. I also heard that he
>>>felt that he couldn't put enough tension on it to carry a 3/4" blade.
>>>Anyway, the was the only review that I could find on the X5.... it was
>>>pretty nice looking though, especially the polished table. Thanks for your
>>>feedback.
>>>Matt
>>>
>>>Bay Area Dave wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>It's a POS. You should have gotten the new X5 version. It has a quick
>>>>release for the blade, and more importantly the motor is attached with
>>>>an isolation mount. I had the one you just bought - for about 4 days.
>>>>I had the dealer pick it up for a full refund. It has a tendency to
>>>>oscillate front to back at about 3-5 hz, making it a true PITA to follow
>>>>a cut line. But hey, if YOU like it that's all that matters. I'm gonna
>>>>wait until one of the local stores has the X5 on display and see if it
>>>>has fixed all the drawbacks of the 299.
>>>>
>>>>dave
>>>>
>>>>Matt Zach wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>I just purchased my first real bandsaw from Amazon. I chose the Delta
>>>>>28-299A "Limited Edition" 14" Band Saw for $799. I considered Jet and
>>>>>Grizzly, as I already own several of their products and am very
>>>>>satisfied. I am curious to find out if anyone else has purchased this
>>>>>saw and what they think about it, and if anyone else has made a
>>>>>selection of a similarly priced bandsaw and would like to hear what
>>>>>comments they have.
>>>>>Matt
>>>>>
>>>
>>>
>
Dave,
I considered the X5, but it was 899 plus local tax at over 8%, and did not
come with a fence. I read the review of it (X5) on Amazon, and the only
reviewer said it was actually kind of 'light' at 180 lbs, when the
manufacturer claimed it was 270 lbs. He sounded a little disappointed in it.
On the other hand, the vast majority of reviews on the 299 were very
positive. That's what pushed my decision to the 299. I also heard that he
felt that he couldn't put enough tension on it to carry a 3/4" blade.
Anyway, the was the only review that I could find on the X5.... it was
pretty nice looking though, especially the polished table. Thanks for your
feedback.
Matt
Bay Area Dave wrote:
> It's a POS. You should have gotten the new X5 version. It has a quick
> release for the blade, and more importantly the motor is attached with
> an isolation mount. I had the one you just bought - for about 4 days.
> I had the dealer pick it up for a full refund. It has a tendency to
> oscillate front to back at about 3-5 hz, making it a true PITA to follow
> a cut line. But hey, if YOU like it that's all that matters. I'm gonna
> wait until one of the local stores has the X5 on display and see if it
> has fixed all the drawbacks of the 299.
>
> dave
>
> Matt Zach wrote:
>
> > I just purchased my first real bandsaw from Amazon. I chose the Delta
> > 28-299A "Limited Edition" 14" Band Saw for $799. I considered Jet and
> > Grizzly, as I already own several of their products and am very
> > satisfied. I am curious to find out if anyone else has purchased this
> > saw and what they think about it, and if anyone else has made a
> > selection of a similarly priced bandsaw and would like to hear what
> > comments they have.
> > Matt
> >
Thanks for all the very valuable information from you all. I am very
anxious to get it, and I will be sure to give you my feelings after I get
it. Can anyone recommend a good blade for resawing quartersawn white oak?
I'm thinking of a 3/4" 2 or 3 TPI blade, but I'm not sure if that's going
overboard. I'm remodeling an old American four square just outside of
Chicago, by the way. Thanks again for all the great info.
Matt
Matt Zach wrote:
> I just purchased my first real bandsaw from Amazon. I chose the Delta
> 28-299A "Limited Edition" 14" Band Saw for $799. I considered Jet and
> Grizzly, as I already own several of their products and am very
> satisfied. I am curious to find out if anyone else has purchased this
> saw and what they think about it, and if anyone else has made a
> selection of a similarly priced bandsaw and would like to hear what
> comments they have.
> Matt
Thanks Swingman.... mind if I ask you where a good place to buy them? I'll order
a couple tomorrow.
Matt
Swingman wrote:
> For your new saw I'd say a 1/2" 3 tpi TimberWolf would be ideal for
> resawing. They are low tension and track very well when sharp. I use one for
> that purpose on an older 28-299 and can attest to the fact that it works
> well with QSWO.
>
> --
> www.e-woodshop.net
> Last update: 9/21/03
>
> "Matt Zach" wrote in message
>
> > Thanks for all the very valuable information from you all. I am very
> > anxious to get it, and I will be sure to give you my feelings after I get
> > it. Can anyone recommend a good blade for resawing quartersawn white oak?
> > I'm thinking of a 3/4" 2 or 3 TPI blade, but I'm not sure if that's going
> > overboard. I'm remodeling an old American four square just outside of
> > Chicago, by the way. Thanks again for all the great info.
I appreciate your comments.
What types of equipment do you have?
Matt
"Henry St.Pierre" wrote:
> Matt Zach wrote:
>
> > I just purchased my first real bandsaw from Amazon. I chose the Delta
> > 28-299A "Limited Edition" 14" Band Saw for $799. I considered Jet and
> > Grizzly, as I already own several of their products and am very
> > satisfied. I am curious to find out if anyone else has purchased this
> > saw and what they think about it, and if anyone else has made a
> > selection of a similarly priced bandsaw and would like to hear what
> > comments they have.
> > Matt
> >
> There are no good bandsaws priced under $1000US. That isn't a bad
> starting point for "good bandsaws". There are some "not so bad" band
> saws for less than $1000. Your delta is somewhere in the middle of the
> "not so bad".
> Hank
>
> -----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
> http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
> -----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =-----
Scott Cramer wrote:
> Not that anyone pays much attention to the whining jerk, but it might
> keep some newbie from buying a front-end loader and a dumptruck when all he
> needs is a shovel and a wheelbarrow.
Jeeze, what's wrong with wanting a front-end loader? ;-)
--
Jack Novak
Buffalo, NY - USA
(Remove "SPAM" from email address to reply)
Who still wants a Bobcat B100 for his 30' x 120' lot.
Matt Zach wrote:
> I just purchased my first real bandsaw from Amazon. I chose the Delta
> 28-299A "Limited Edition" 14" Band Saw for $799. I considered Jet and
> Grizzly, as I already own several of their products and am very
> satisfied. I am curious to find out if anyone else has purchased this
> saw and what they think about it, and if anyone else has made a
> selection of a similarly priced bandsaw and would like to hear what
> comments they have.
> Matt
>
There are no good bandsaws priced under $1000US. That isn't a bad
starting point for "good bandsaws". There are some "not so bad" band
saws for less than $1000. Your delta is somewhere in the middle of the
"not so bad".
Hank
-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
-----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =-----
Matt Zach wrote:
> I appreciate your comments.
> What types of equipment do you have?
> Matt
Matt,
I was just being a smartass. I've got an older Delta 14" and it is a
fine saw for most of what I use it for. I've been using a friends 20"
and that is truly a "good saw". Quite a bit over $1000. Wish I could
afford it.
Hank
-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
-----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =-----
"Bay Area Dave" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Matt, I've got some news to share with you and the rest of the Wreck.
> Today I got a first hand look at the new X5 bandsaw, model 28-475X. I
> checked out the motor and to my surprise it is NOT resiliently mounted
> as per the literature from Delta. I called Delta to find out what the
> scoop is: the literature describing a "resilient mount motor" is an
> error! So there is one feature you DIDN'T miss by buying a 299A. And
> you saved some bucks, as well. Way to go.
Well that may have answered my comment to you about the supposedly isolation
mounted motor.. I really could not see any reason at all to mount a motor
in such a way to cut down on vibration when the motor itself is not the
source of vibration.
Leon, I can't say it (motor mount) caused the problem with my unit early
this year either. I know that if the base had been made more rigidly,
the whole unit wouldn't have rocked back and forth at 3-5 hz, but I
didn't want to re-engineer the base. Delta claims they haven't gotten
any complaints about vibration on the 299A...
My next move will be to have a local dealer fire one of those new bad
boys up and then I can judge for myself if the X5 units have less
vibration than the 299A that I had. The quick tensioner looks like a
good idea. I wonder how well the built in DC port in the base will work
compared to the chintzy plastic port on the older models?
dave
Leon wrote:
> "Bay Area Dave" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
>>Matt, I've got some news to share with you and the rest of the Wreck.
>>Today I got a first hand look at the new X5 bandsaw, model 28-475X. I
>>checked out the motor and to my surprise it is NOT resiliently mounted
>>as per the literature from Delta. I called Delta to find out what the
>>scoop is: the literature describing a "resilient mount motor" is an
>>error! So there is one feature you DIDN'T miss by buying a 299A. And
>>you saved some bucks, as well. Way to go.
>
>
>
> Well that may have answered my comment to you about the supposedly isolation
> mounted motor.. I really could not see any reason at all to mount a motor
> in such a way to cut down on vibration when the motor itself is not the
> source of vibration.
>
>
You just couldn't resist the urge to confirm that you're a flaming idiot,
could you?
Matt made his decision, bought his new toy and it takes you two seconds to
dump on it. REMEMBER when people told you that your new tablesaw could have
been bought cheaper and how you started to rant and rave like a little baby?
And that was after you annoyed the newsgroup with 5000 questions about what
was best. Yet, you're the first one in line to belittle someone else.
YOU REALLY ARE AN IGNORANT TWIT.
And this is not a troll, just stating facts to an idiot.
"Bay Area Dave" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> It's a POS. You should have gotten the new X5 version. It has a quick
> release for the blade, and more importantly the motor is attached with
> an isolation mount. I had the one you just bought - for about 4 days.
Matt, I've got some news to share with you and the rest of the Wreck.
Today I got a first hand look at the new X5 bandsaw, model 28-475X. I
checked out the motor and to my surprise it is NOT resiliently mounted
as per the literature from Delta. I called Delta to find out what the
scoop is: the literature describing a "resilient mount motor" is an
error! So there is one feature you DIDN'T miss by buying a 299A. And
you saved some bucks, as well. Way to go.
dave
Matt Zach wrote:
> I just purchased my first real bandsaw from Amazon. I chose the Delta
> 28-299A "Limited Edition" 14" Band Saw for $799. I considered Jet and
> Grizzly, as I already own several of their products and am very
> satisfied. I am curious to find out if anyone else has purchased this
> saw and what they think about it, and if anyone else has made a
> selection of a similarly priced bandsaw and would like to hear what
> comments they have.
> Matt
>
It's a POS. You should have gotten the new X5 version. It has a quick
release for the blade, and more importantly the motor is attached with
an isolation mount. I had the one you just bought - for about 4 days.
I had the dealer pick it up for a full refund. It has a tendency to
oscillate front to back at about 3-5 hz, making it a true PITA to follow
a cut line. But hey, if YOU like it that's all that matters. I'm gonna
wait until one of the local stores has the X5 on display and see if it
has fixed all the drawbacks of the 299.
dave
Matt Zach wrote:
> I just purchased my first real bandsaw from Amazon. I chose the Delta
> 28-299A "Limited Edition" 14" Band Saw for $799. I considered Jet and
> Grizzly, as I already own several of their products and am very
> satisfied. I am curious to find out if anyone else has purchased this
> saw and what they think about it, and if anyone else has made a
> selection of a similarly priced bandsaw and would like to hear what
> comments they have.
> Matt
>
I have been considering a Grizzly bandsaw, specifically the 17" G0513 for
$750, or possibly the 16" G1073Z for $695.
Any thoughts or insight.
Thanks
Joe
Henry St.Pierre" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Matt Zach wrote:
>
> > I just purchased my first real bandsaw from Amazon. I chose the Delta
> > 28-299A "Limited Edition" 14" Band Saw for $799. I considered Jet and
> > Grizzly, as I already own several of their products and am very
> > satisfied. I am curious to find out if anyone else has purchased this
> > saw and what they think about it, and if anyone else has made a
> > selection of a similarly priced bandsaw and would like to hear what
> > comments they have.
> > Matt
> >
> There are no good bandsaws priced under $1000US. That isn't a bad
> starting point for "good bandsaws". There are some "not so bad" band
> saws for less than $1000. Your delta is somewhere in the middle of the
> "not so bad".
> Hank
>
>
>
> -----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
> http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
> -----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =-----
You couldn't resist the urge to be a bit of a twit YOURSELF, could you
"UpYours"? I gave him some solutions in case HIS saw turns out to be a
POS like mine was. I was given him constructive help in the matter;
unlike you who use up bandwidth for character assassination. Think you
are a big man, dontcha? I take you out of my twit list, and in the
space of a couple of days you go right back to being a CLASS-A JERK.
You will be back on the list in a few seconds...
dave
Upscale wrote:
snip
"Bay Area Dave" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> John,
>
> Maybe I just got "lucky" and got a clunker. However, the Delta rep
> showed up at the store, AFTER I returned it. The salesman swears that
> the rep said that the vibration level of the one I returned was
> "normal". Do I believe him? No! I wonder if he even bothered to plug
> it in. In any event, if ALL of the 299A's are as jumpy as the one I
> had, they would have gotten a raft of complaints...then again, Delta DID
> put an isolation mounted motor in the X-5!
I often wonder just what good putting on an isolation mounted motor does for
a band saw. I have never seen an induction motor as being the source for
any vibration. The belt, pulleys, wheels and blade are what vibrates on a
BS.
Your first one did not have a gasoline motor on it, did it? ;~)
"Matt Zach" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I just purchased my first real bandsaw from Amazon. I chose the Delta
> 28-299A "Limited Edition" 14" Band Saw for $799.
>if anyone else has made a
> selection of a similarly priced bandsaw and would like to hear what
> comments they have.
I bought the Jet, but the Delta is a better saw. Every budget has a limit
and mine topped out at (just short of) the Jet price. I'm very happy with
it, but I can see differences between the two. I could not justify the
extra $250 difference there was at the time. Things like the wheels in the
Delta are a bit beefier.
I went to the store with the intention of buying the Jet 12". Glad I wend
the extra and got the 14".
Ed
On 13 Oct 2003, Upscale spake unto rec.woodworking:
> You just couldn't resist the urge to confirm that you're a flaming
> idiot, could you?
>
> Matt made his decision, bought his new toy and it takes you two
> seconds to dump on it. REMEMBER when people told you that your new
> tablesaw could have been bought cheaper and how you started to rant
> and rave like a little baby? And that was after you annoyed the
> newsgroup with 5000 questions about what was best. Yet, you're the
> first one in line to belittle someone else.
>
> YOU REALLY ARE AN IGNORANT TWIT.
>
> And this is not a troll, just stating facts to an idiot.
Amen.
I wish someone would write a bit of code that would automatically
append the following to each and every one of his posts:
"WARNING! The preceeding is BAD advice, based on
ignorance and inexperience."
Not that anyone pays much attention to the whining jerk, but it might
keep some newbie from buying a front-end loader and a dumptruck when all he
needs is a shovel and a wheelbarrow.
that's pretty weird. it's the same basic saw. I know the price has
gone up, but it shouldn't be any lighter than the 299. If you check the
archives you will find lots of good info to "tune up" your 299. That
will include a new cast sheave and a link belt, if you follow popular
opinion on what will help tame the 'vibes'. I would not take the word
of any online reviews as they are as divergent as the number of
reviewers. Just like you don't need to take my word for what I'm saying
here; like I said a moment ago--check the archives. I just couldn't see
myself modifying a $950 tool the first couple of days of ownership to
make it "right". So guys get off on tweaking stuff that they paid good
money for, but I expect it to work well out of the box.
I doubt the reviewer's claim that the whole saw and cabinet weighs 180
lbs. The older model is listed as 224 and the X5 at 275. Maybe the
reviewer works for Jet? <g> ... I just read the review. In light of the
fact that I got a base cabinet for my first Delta BS that lacked the
holes for the power cord, it is entirely possible that the reviewer did
indeed receive a unit with all the mentioned defects. But as far as the
weight is concerned, I doubt that it is LIGHTER than the model you
bought. I will make a call on Monday to see if the local store has got
one on display.
BTW, if yours vibrates excessively, the FASTEST way to stop the
vibration is to grab a 2x4 and place it on the floor by the rear fence
rail and clamp it there. That dampened all of the large rocking motions
of the unit I had, but I wasn't willing to keep it.
dave
Matt Zach wrote:
> Dave,
> I considered the X5, but it was 899 plus local tax at over 8%, and did not
> come with a fence. I read the review of it (X5) on Amazon, and the only
> reviewer said it was actually kind of 'light' at 180 lbs, when the
> manufacturer claimed it was 270 lbs. He sounded a little disappointed in it.
> On the other hand, the vast majority of reviews on the 299 were very
> positive. That's what pushed my decision to the 299. I also heard that he
> felt that he couldn't put enough tension on it to carry a 3/4" blade.
> Anyway, the was the only review that I could find on the X5.... it was
> pretty nice looking though, especially the polished table. Thanks for your
> feedback.
> Matt
>
> Bay Area Dave wrote:
>
>
>>It's a POS. You should have gotten the new X5 version. It has a quick
>>release for the blade, and more importantly the motor is attached with
>>an isolation mount. I had the one you just bought - for about 4 days.
>>I had the dealer pick it up for a full refund. It has a tendency to
>>oscillate front to back at about 3-5 hz, making it a true PITA to follow
>>a cut line. But hey, if YOU like it that's all that matters. I'm gonna
>>wait until one of the local stores has the X5 on display and see if it
>>has fixed all the drawbacks of the 299.
>>
>>dave
>>
>>Matt Zach wrote:
>>
>>
>>>I just purchased my first real bandsaw from Amazon. I chose the Delta
>>>28-299A "Limited Edition" 14" Band Saw for $799. I considered Jet and
>>>Grizzly, as I already own several of their products and am very
>>>satisfied. I am curious to find out if anyone else has purchased this
>>>saw and what they think about it, and if anyone else has made a
>>>selection of a similarly priced bandsaw and would like to hear what
>>>comments they have.
>>> Matt
>>>
>
>
"Bay Area Dave" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:LWyib.842$a%[email protected]...
> You couldn't resist the urge to be a bit of a twit YOURSELF, could you
> "UpYours"? I gave him some solutions in case HIS saw turns out to be a
> POS like mine was. I was given him constructive help in the matter;
No, you told him outright he'd purchased a POS and to replace it.
> You will be back on the list in a few seconds...
Do us all a favor and put yourself in the twit list.
For your new saw I'd say a 1/2" 3 tpi TimberWolf would be ideal for
resawing. They are low tension and track very well when sharp. I use one for
that purpose on an older 28-299 and can attest to the fact that it works
well with QSWO.
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 9/21/03
"Matt Zach" wrote in message
> Thanks for all the very valuable information from you all. I am very
> anxious to get it, and I will be sure to give you my feelings after I get
> it. Can anyone recommend a good blade for resawing quartersawn white oak?
> I'm thinking of a 3/4" 2 or 3 TPI blade, but I'm not sure if that's going
> overboard. I'm remodeling an old American four square just outside of
> Chicago, by the way. Thanks again for all the great info.
There is a good deal of difference between the 299 and the 299A. If you
indeed got the 28-299, you good a good band saw... if you got the 1 1/2HP
28-299A, maybe not.
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 9/21/03
"Matt Zach" wrote in message
> I considered the X5, but it was 899 plus local tax at over 8%, and did not
> come with a fence. I read the review of it (X5) on Amazon, and the only
> reviewer said it was actually kind of 'light' at 180 lbs, when the
> manufacturer claimed it was 270 lbs. He sounded a little disappointed in
it.
> On the other hand, the vast majority of reviews on the 299 were very
> positive. That's what pushed my decision to the 299. I also heard that he
> felt that he couldn't put enough tension on it to carry a 3/4" blade.
> Anyway, the was the only review that I could find on the X5.... it was
> pretty nice looking though, especially the polished table. Thanks for your
> feedback.
>
I have the 28-299A and I'm real happy with it.
Since it's the only bandsaw I've ever owned, I can't compare its
performance to any other models, but I looked at the 14" Jet along
with the Delta and there was no doubt in my mind of the Delta's
superior construction. One of these days I'll probably take Todd's
advice about upgrading the sheave and replacing the v-belt with a link
belt (just on general grounds of tuning up my tools as best I can).
But unlike Dave, I've experienced no problem with vibration or sway or
other strange behavior and I'm quite happy with the saw just the way
it is.
BTW, there's a book around called the Bandsaw Handbook by Mark
Duginske that's has a huge wealth of information about tuning and
using a bandsaw, choosing blades, etc. If you don't have a copy of
this book, get one. It's well worth the money.
On Sun, 12 Oct 2003 20:03:14 GMT, Matt Zach <[email protected]>
wrote:
>I just purchased my first real bandsaw from Amazon. I chose the Delta
>28-299A "Limited Edition" 14" Band Saw for $799. I considered Jet and
>Grizzly, as I already own several of their products and am very
>satisfied. I am curious to find out if anyone else has purchased this
>saw and what they think about it, and if anyone else has made a
>selection of a similarly priced bandsaw and would like to hear what
>comments they have.
> Matt
-- jc
Published e-mail address is strictly for spam collection.
If e-mailing me, please use jc631 at optonline dot net
On Sun, 12 Oct 2003 20:51:53 GMT, Matt Zach <[email protected]>
wrote:
>Dave,
>I considered the X5, but it was 899 plus local tax at over 8%, and did not
>come with a fence.
FWIW, band saw fences are REALLY easy to make. In my experience, a
straight hardwood board clamped to the table is all you need for jobs
like tenon cutting. I find most band saw jobs to involve cutting at a
mark, rather than setting a fence to scale, as you would with a table
saw. Also, since the blade is usually around 1/2" wide, compared to
the 5-8" width of a table saw blade (above the table), the fence does
not have to be as square to the blade as on a table saw.
I find band saws to require similar precision to a router table when
it comes to fences, hence the shop made suggestion.
For resawing I actually prefer a pointed fence, rather than the more
common straight fence, as I can easily move the board to deal with
drift.
Barry
Swingman brings up a good point. You DID get the 299A, not 299,
correct? If you got the "A" that's the one I had all the trouble with.
The plain "299" was a lot smoother, but had a 1 hp motor.
dave
Matt Zach wrote:
> Dave,
> I considered the X5, but it was 899 plus local tax at over 8%, and did not
> come with a fence. I read the review of it (X5) on Amazon, and the only
> reviewer said it was actually kind of 'light' at 180 lbs, when the
> manufacturer claimed it was 270 lbs. He sounded a little disappointed in it.
> On the other hand, the vast majority of reviews on the 299 were very
> positive. That's what pushed my decision to the 299. I also heard that he
> felt that he couldn't put enough tension on it to carry a 3/4" blade.
> Anyway, the was the only review that I could find on the X5.... it was
> pretty nice looking though, especially the polished table. Thanks for your
> feedback.
> Matt
>
> Bay Area Dave wrote:
>
>
>>It's a POS. You should have gotten the new X5 version. It has a quick
>>release for the blade, and more importantly the motor is attached with
>>an isolation mount. I had the one you just bought - for about 4 days.
>>I had the dealer pick it up for a full refund. It has a tendency to
>>oscillate front to back at about 3-5 hz, making it a true PITA to follow
>>a cut line. But hey, if YOU like it that's all that matters. I'm gonna
>>wait until one of the local stores has the X5 on display and see if it
>>has fixed all the drawbacks of the 299.
>>
>>dave
>>
>>Matt Zach wrote:
>>
>>
>>>I just purchased my first real bandsaw from Amazon. I chose the Delta
>>>28-299A "Limited Edition" 14" Band Saw for $799. I considered Jet and
>>>Grizzly, as I already own several of their products and am very
>>>satisfied. I am curious to find out if anyone else has purchased this
>>>saw and what they think about it, and if anyone else has made a
>>>selection of a similarly priced bandsaw and would like to hear what
>>>comments they have.
>>> Matt
>>>
>
>
Best bandsaw blades to my knowledge are the Woodslicer from Highland
Hardware in Atlanta and a Sufflok Machinery called Timberwolf. I tried
both and am equally happy with either although I seem to order Suffolk
blades most of the time. Keep the old dull ones for aluminum, brass,
whatever I would not use a good one for. They work great!
On Mon, 13 Oct 2003 03:06:02 GMT, Matt Zach <[email protected]>
wrote:
>Thanks Swingman.... mind if I ask you where a good place to buy them? I'll order
>a couple tomorrow.
>Matt
>
>Swingman wrote:
>
>> For your new saw I'd say a 1/2" 3 tpi TimberWolf would be ideal for
>> resawing. They are low tension and track very well when sharp. I use one for
>> that purpose on an older 28-299 and can attest to the fact that it works
>> well with QSWO.
>>
>> --
>> www.e-woodshop.net
>> Last update: 9/21/03
>>
>> "Matt Zach" wrote in message
>>
>> > Thanks for all the very valuable information from you all. I am very
>> > anxious to get it, and I will be sure to give you my feelings after I get
>> > it. Can anyone recommend a good blade for resawing quartersawn white oak?
>> > I'm thinking of a 3/4" 2 or 3 TPI blade, but I'm not sure if that's going
>> > overboard. I'm remodeling an old American four square just outside of
>> > Chicago, by the way. Thanks again for all the great info.
John,
Maybe I just got "lucky" and got a clunker. However, the Delta rep
showed up at the store, AFTER I returned it. The salesman swears that
the rep said that the vibration level of the one I returned was
"normal". Do I believe him? No! I wonder if he even bothered to plug
it in. In any event, if ALL of the 299A's are as jumpy as the one I
had, they would have gotten a raft of complaints...then again, Delta DID
put an isolation mounted motor in the X-5!
dave
john carlson wrote:
> I have the 28-299A and I'm real happy with it.
>
> Since it's the only bandsaw I've ever owned, I can't compare its
> performance to any other models, but I looked at the 14" Jet along
> with the Delta and there was no doubt in my mind of the Delta's
> superior construction. One of these days I'll probably take Todd's
> advice about upgrading the sheave and replacing the v-belt with a link
> belt (just on general grounds of tuning up my tools as best I can).
> But unlike Dave, I've experienced no problem with vibration or sway or
> other strange behavior and I'm quite happy with the saw just the way
> it is.
>
> BTW, there's a book around called the Bandsaw Handbook by Mark
> Duginske that's has a huge wealth of information about tuning and
> using a bandsaw, choosing blades, etc. If you don't have a copy of
> this book, get one. It's well worth the money.
>
> On Sun, 12 Oct 2003 20:03:14 GMT, Matt Zach <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
>
>>I just purchased my first real bandsaw from Amazon. I chose the Delta
>>28-299A "Limited Edition" 14" Band Saw for $799. I considered Jet and
>>Grizzly, as I already own several of their products and am very
>>satisfied. I am curious to find out if anyone else has purchased this
>>saw and what they think about it, and if anyone else has made a
>>selection of a similarly priced bandsaw and would like to hear what
>>comments they have.
>>Matt
>
>
> -- jc
> Published e-mail address is strictly for spam collection.
> If e-mailing me, please use jc631 at optonline dot net
Get a used Mini-max S45. You'll love it.
On Sun, 12 Oct 2003 21:25:26 GMT, Bay Area Dave <[email protected]>
wrote:
>that's pretty weird. it's the same basic saw. I know the price has
>gone up, but it shouldn't be any lighter than the 299. If you check the
>archives you will find lots of good info to "tune up" your 299. That
>will include a new cast sheave and a link belt, if you follow popular
>opinion on what will help tame the 'vibes'. I would not take the word
>of any online reviews as they are as divergent as the number of
>reviewers. Just like you don't need to take my word for what I'm saying
>here; like I said a moment ago--check the archives. I just couldn't see
>myself modifying a $950 tool the first couple of days of ownership to
>make it "right". So guys get off on tweaking stuff that they paid good
>money for, but I expect it to work well out of the box.
>
>I doubt the reviewer's claim that the whole saw and cabinet weighs 180
>lbs. The older model is listed as 224 and the X5 at 275. Maybe the
>reviewer works for Jet? <g> ... I just read the review. In light of the
>fact that I got a base cabinet for my first Delta BS that lacked the
>holes for the power cord, it is entirely possible that the reviewer did
>indeed receive a unit with all the mentioned defects. But as far as the
>weight is concerned, I doubt that it is LIGHTER than the model you
>bought. I will make a call on Monday to see if the local store has got
>one on display.
>
>BTW, if yours vibrates excessively, the FASTEST way to stop the
>vibration is to grab a 2x4 and place it on the floor by the rear fence
>rail and clamp it there. That dampened all of the large rocking motions
>of the unit I had, but I wasn't willing to keep it.
>
>dave
>
>Matt Zach wrote:
>
>> Dave,
>> I considered the X5, but it was 899 plus local tax at over 8%, and did not
>> come with a fence. I read the review of it (X5) on Amazon, and the only
>> reviewer said it was actually kind of 'light' at 180 lbs, when the
>> manufacturer claimed it was 270 lbs. He sounded a little disappointed in it.
>> On the other hand, the vast majority of reviews on the 299 were very
>> positive. That's what pushed my decision to the 299. I also heard that he
>> felt that he couldn't put enough tension on it to carry a 3/4" blade.
>> Anyway, the was the only review that I could find on the X5.... it was
>> pretty nice looking though, especially the polished table. Thanks for your
>> feedback.
>> Matt
>>
>> Bay Area Dave wrote:
>>
>>
>>>It's a POS. You should have gotten the new X5 version. It has a quick
>>>release for the blade, and more importantly the motor is attached with
>>>an isolation mount. I had the one you just bought - for about 4 days.
>>>I had the dealer pick it up for a full refund. It has a tendency to
>>>oscillate front to back at about 3-5 hz, making it a true PITA to follow
>>>a cut line. But hey, if YOU like it that's all that matters. I'm gonna
>>>wait until one of the local stores has the X5 on display and see if it
>>>has fixed all the drawbacks of the 299.
>>>
>>>dave
>>>
>>>Matt Zach wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>>I just purchased my first real bandsaw from Amazon. I chose the Delta
>>>>28-299A "Limited Edition" 14" Band Saw for $799. I considered Jet and
>>>>Grizzly, as I already own several of their products and am very
>>>>satisfied. I am curious to find out if anyone else has purchased this
>>>>saw and what they think about it, and if anyone else has made a
>>>>selection of a similarly priced bandsaw and would like to hear what
>>>>comments they have.
>>>> Matt
>>>>
>>
>>
On Sun, 12 Oct 2003 20:03:14 GMT, Matt Zach <[email protected]>
wrote:
>I just purchased my first real bandsaw from Amazon. I chose the Delta
>28-299A "Limited Edition" 14" Band Saw for $799. I considered Jet and
>Grizzly, as I already own several of their products and am very
>satisfied. I am curious to find out if anyone else has purchased this
>saw and what they think about it, and if anyone else has made a
>selection of a similarly priced bandsaw and would like to hear what
>comments they have.
> Matt
I have the Delta model 28-203 which is similar to yours. I examined a
lot of band saws and closely compared the Delta and the Jet. The
Delta gets my vote, although more $.
Matt Zach wrote:
> I just purchased my first real bandsaw from Amazon. I chose the Delta
> 28-299A "Limited Edition" 14" Band Saw for $799. I considered Jet and
> Grizzly, as I already own several of their products and am very
> satisfied. I am curious to find out if anyone else has purchased this
> saw and what they think about it, and if anyone else has made a
> selection of a similarly priced bandsaw and would like to hear what
> comments they have.
> Matt
>
================================================
Seems a little late to be asking this question now in my opinion...since
you have already made you purchase...
Just live with it....
Bob Griffiths