Hi All,
So starting to plan another large cast iron purchase, and thought I
would pole the group for thoughts.
I am thinking of replacing my Grizzly G0555 14" Bandsaw. There are a
couple reasons for this. I have been less than satisfied with the
purchase since uncrating and setting the guy up. It works well, but for
a decent amount of my needs it feels somewhat wimpy. I have a bunch of
8/4 african hardwoods that I attempt to book match in virtually every
project. I have found this saw to be less than ideal for this use. I
realize I am asking alot of the saw, and it might not be fair to judge
it harshly for this failing, but I would like something better. It
doesn't seem like I can get the blade tension tight enough using even
1/2" blades, let alone 3/4" which the saw is rated for. This seems to
cause some great degree of wander in the blade tracking when using the
wider blades, something I haven't noticed when using thinner blades. It
seems to me that even without the riser kit installed there is more
flex in the body of the saw than I would expect. The table is small,
and the included fence is downright hard to lock in place without
feeling like I am torking the table beyond ideal.
Alright, so I would like to recoup some of the expense of the saw, and
invest in a better one. I primarily use the band saw for resawing,
trimming odd little things where I don't want to setup another saw, and
to cut curves with a jig.
I would like a decent size motor, as large as a table as possible, and
a really solid frame.
So far looking to spend maybe an additonal 1000, after selling the
Grizzly that moves me into about 1300 range. Looking online and some in
person the Jet 16" jumps out at me, the Laguna 14LTSE and the 16" are
both appealing, and the Delta 18" seems worth looking at. Are there
other models I am overlooking? Does anyone have experience with these
saws? Also it seems like while the laguna 14LTSE is smaller than the
other models I am looking at it, it has all the same features and might
have higher quality despite the smaller size. I have found that the
blade depth on my Grizzly has never been a problem for me, or at least
not one i couldn't work around by using a different tool.
Thanks in advance, as any help will be well appreciated
Andrew
Joe
Thanks for the comments. I am not saying anything is wrong with the
G0555. I am saying it doesn't do what I want it to. I didn't have the
8/4 Mubangu when I purchased the saw, and other than a couple little
things it performed alright initially for my needs. I was attempting to
convey the uses I have for the replacement, didn't mean to insult
anyones love of Grizzly.
I knew when purchasing the G0555 it wouldn't be able to handle a 3/4"
blade, but even the half seems to be pushing its capabilities. The
Laguna LT14SE has a welded steel frame rather than a cast iron frame.
This makes its appearance, and I would assume its performance much more
like the 16" and larger Jet and Delta machines.
Never enough money,
Any other details about the laguna than sweet? Is there anything about
it you don't seem to like? Have you dealt with their customer service?
Any other info would be much appreciated.
Andrew
Andrew, I'm actually exaggerating the truth. I don't actually get my
Laguna till next week. Laguna sent me an e-mail saying it has arrived
from Europe and will be shipped next week.
I have seen it demo'ed at the Denver Woodworking show.
It is sweet because it is so strudy, accepts a 1 inch blade, has a nice
fence, the blade is pretty easy to change, and the dust port is
positioned in a nice place. The fit and finish is a grade above the
other 14" bandsaws, IMO.
The Laguna resaw king blade gets high ratings in everything I've read,
too.
I also bought the cabinet stand and the mobility unit. The mobility
unit has a nice handle that allows you to pull/push is like a childs
wagon.
Having someone else do it is always a good idea, but I rather like
being able to be as self sufficient as possible. I am supporting myself
with this work, so I have the capital to invest in new hardware at
least occasionally.
I have also found that while the G0555 works well enough for most
tasks, and fails only occasionally to get the job done. I feel a more
stable heavy duty unit would be better all around.
Andrew
Sometimes used has appeal, though I must admit buying used usually
means a lag in the work time before running. As I am starting going on
making custom furniture that usually isn't ideal. I have also regretted
the last two used equipment purchases, though I learned from both of
them.
I feel somewhat lost as to the comments about 1/2" thick blades. In my
initial post I mention I have been disapointed with the performance
using a 1/2" blade. When purchased I was under the assumption that a
3/4" blade wouldn't work all that well for resawing with a 14" bandsaw,
and to use a 1/2'. Am I missing something here?
Thanks again for the comments that I can understand
Andrew
Thanks for the advice guys. I have been using a Timber Wolf blade
purchased at Woodcraft. Lookins around the suffolk site there seems to
be a couple maintance things I haven't been taking care of, lubricating
the blades, and maybe I can play with the tension some more.
In some ways I am looking for the next tool purchase, and for some
reason bandsaws are one of my favorite tools. For whatever reason
though my Grizzly G0555 doesn't fit the bill as being a favorite tool
to use.
I will try some of these ideas, and report if there is any improvement.
Andrew
Tattooed and Dusty wrote:
> Hi All,
> So starting to plan another large cast iron purchase, and thought I
> would pole the group for thoughts.
>
> I am thinking of replacing my Grizzly G0555 14" Bandsaw. There are a
> couple reasons for this. I have been less than satisfied with the
> purchase since uncrating and setting the guy up. It works well, but for
> a decent amount of my needs it feels somewhat wimpy. I have a bunch of
> 8/4 african hardwoods that I attempt to book match in virtually every
> project. I have found this saw to be less than ideal for this use. I
> realize I am asking alot of the saw, and it might not be fair to judge
> it harshly for this failing, but I would like something better. It
> doesn't seem like I can get the blade tension tight enough using even
> 1/2" blades, let alone 3/4" which the saw is rated for. This seems to
> cause some great degree of wander in the blade tracking when using the
> wider blades, something I haven't noticed when using thinner blades. It
> seems to me that even without the riser kit installed there is more
> flex in the body of the saw than I would expect. The table is small,
> and the included fence is downright hard to lock in place without
> feeling like I am torking the table beyond ideal.
>
> Alright, so I would like to recoup some of the expense of the saw, and
> invest in a better one. I primarily use the band saw for resawing,
> trimming odd little things where I don't want to setup another saw, and
> to cut curves with a jig.
>
> I would like a decent size motor, as large as a table as possible, and
> a really solid frame.
>
> So far looking to spend maybe an additonal 1000, after selling the
> Grizzly that moves me into about 1300 range. Looking online and some in
> person the Jet 16" jumps out at me, the Laguna 14LTSE and the 16" are
> both appealing, and the Delta 18" seems worth looking at. Are there
> other models I am overlooking? Does anyone have experience with these
> saws? Also it seems like while the laguna 14LTSE is smaller than the
> other models I am looking at it, it has all the same features and might
> have higher quality despite the smaller size. I have found that the
> blade depth on my Grizzly has never been a problem for me, or at least
> not one i couldn't work around by using a different tool.
>
> Thanks in advance, as any help will be well appreciated
>
> Andrew
>
I just bought a 40 year old Delta 20" with variable speed gear box
because my old 12" didn't have the jam for resawing. This baby will
allow me to dial in speeds from around 350 fpm to 5000. I would
recommend keeping your eyes open for some of the older used equiment.
The comparable saw to what I bought runs about $7,000 CDN up here, I
paid 1,500 with extra blades and blade welder. I had to spend about 300
on some Carter guides but I've been resawing Jatoba, Wenge, Maple and
various other hardwoods up to about 10" and haven't had a burp. Needless
to say I'm pretty happy.
JC
"Tattooed and Dusty" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi All,
> So starting to plan another large cast iron purchase, and thought I
> would pole the group for thoughts.
<snip>>
> Andrew
>
I have a Jet 14", and faced some of the same resaw problems...
I went with the Minimax 24" and it came with a 1" carbide tipped blade. (I
kept the Jet for smaller detail work)
So far I have resawn a cherry panel 36" long and 14" wide (3/4" thick) as
well as resawing buttonwood, lacewood and several other species from log to
lumber.
Some of the pieces look to need only minimal sanding right off the saw!
Tom
"woodworker88" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> You might also try one of the aftermarket springs sold in catalogs
> (woodcraft for example) that allows you to crank up the tension for
> resawing.
Wouldn't do that, based on several inside looks at Grizz casting and curing.
Seemed a weakness throughout the five pieces we bought from them.
"Edwin Pawlowski" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Bruce Barnett" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Andy Dingley <[email protected]> writes:
> >
> >> I've never seen a 14" machine that could really use 3/4" blades.
> >
> > My Jet JWB14SDX with a Riser seems to handle one. I have a low-tension
> > PS Wood 3/4" blade.
>
> Have you done any comparison with a 1/2" blade? People more experience
that
> I am has said the 1/2" actually gives a better cut with less resistance on
a
> 1`4" saw. That is the only one I've tried so far so I don't know if it
> makes a difference.
>
That thin Suffolk 3/4 they market for resawing on a 14" has done a great job
for me. I was reluctant, having used 1/2 for years, but the guy said I
could send it back for two if it wasn't all he said. Seems to be, though,
for Andy's benefit, it measures a touch under 3/4....
"Andy Dingley" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Sun, 8 May 2005 08:39:06 -0400, "George" <george@least> wrote:
>
> >for Andy's benefit, it measures a touch under 3/4....
>
> For Andy's benefit, Suffolk could arrange distribution in the UK. I've
> never seen one of these things for sale.
http://www.timberwolf1.com/silicon_steel_slection.asp
3/4 3 AS-S Then there's VAT....
"Joe" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:Ovpfe.66064$WI3.17818@attbi_s71...
> Is Suffolk the same outfit that makes Timber Wolf? I believe TW's blades
> are called silicone steel blades and are supposed to be the best on the
> market. I think they cost 2 to 3 times more than the other blades on the
> market,
>
Well, yes, than no on both counts. Silicon steel blades by Gschwind
group -Suffolk/Timberwolf - are about half again the price of name brands
like Olson. Pretty good throughout the line, too.
My Rockwell 14" uses Suffolk Machinery 3/4" as that's what they
recommended. They "allow" PS to sell their low tension blades.
On 8 May 2005 02:24:38 GMT, Bruce Barnett
<[email protected]> wrote:
>Andy Dingley <[email protected]> writes:
>
>> I've never seen a 14" machine that could really use 3/4" blades.
>
>My Jet JWB14SDX with a Riser seems to handle one. I have a low-tension
>PS Wood 3/4" blade.
"Bruce Barnett" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Andy Dingley <[email protected]> writes:
>
>> I've never seen a 14" machine that could really use 3/4" blades.
>
> My Jet JWB14SDX with a Riser seems to handle one. I have a low-tension
> PS Wood 3/4" blade.
Have you done any comparison with a 1/2" blade? People more experience that
I am has said the 1/2" actually gives a better cut with less resistance on a
1`4" saw. That is the only one I've tried so far so I don't know if it
makes a difference.
Is Suffolk the same outfit that makes Timber Wolf? I believe TW's blades
are called silicone steel blades and are supposed to be the best on the
market. I think they cost 2 to 3 times more than the other blades on the
market,
"Andy Dingley" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Sun, 8 May 2005 08:39:06 -0400, "George" <george@least> wrote:
>
> >for Andy's benefit, it measures a touch under 3/4....
>
> For Andy's benefit, Suffolk could arrange distribution in the UK. I've
> never seen one of these things for sale.
"Edwin Pawlowski" <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
>
> "Bruce Barnett" <[email protected]> wrote in
> message news:[email protected]...
>> Andy Dingley <[email protected]> writes:
>>
>>> I've never seen a 14" machine that could really use 3/4" blades.
>>
>> My Jet JWB14SDX with a Riser seems to handle one. I have a
>> low-tension PS Wood 3/4" blade.
>
> Have you done any comparison with a 1/2" blade? People more
> experience that I am has said the 1/2" actually gives a better cut
> with less resistance on a 1`4" saw. That is the only one I've tried
> so far so I don't know if it makes a difference.
>
Wasn't that the gist of the Michael Fortune article on bandsawing in a
recent FWW? I saw him give a presentation on inlay technique at the recent
wood show, and he seemed pretty lucid, in spite of having recently authored
an article which went against all conventional wisdom on veneer cutting.
Every once in a while, someone comes along with a new thought, and I have
to start thinking all over again. ;-)
Patriarch
"Tattooed and Dusty" <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> Having someone else do it is always a good idea, but I rather like
> being able to be as self sufficient as possible. I am supporting myself
> with this work, so I have the capital to invest in new hardware at
> least occasionally.
> I have also found that while the G0555 works well enough for most
> tasks, and fails only occasionally to get the job done. I feel a more
> stable heavy duty unit would be better all around.
>
> Andrew
>
>
If used has an appeal to you, there are always a bunch of experts hanging
out over at owwm.com. One of them, a member of our local club, sold me a
really sweet old longbed 8" made-in-Milwaukee Delta jointer last week.
Completely rebuilt, at about half of what the new X5 is going for.
He has a vintage Delta 20" bs in his shop, awaiting its turn. If only I
had space...
Patriarch
"Tattooed and Dusty" <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> Sometimes used has appeal, though I must admit buying used usually
> means a lag in the work time before running. As I am starting going on
> making custom furniture that usually isn't ideal. I have also regretted
> the last two used equipment purchases, though I learned from both of
> them.
>
> I feel somewhat lost as to the comments about 1/2" thick blades. In my
> initial post I mention I have been disapointed with the performance
> using a 1/2" blade. When purchased I was under the assumption that a
> 3/4" blade wouldn't work all that well for resawing with a 14" bandsaw,
> and to use a 1/2'. Am I missing something here?
>
> Thanks again for the comments that I can understand
>
I am so far from being a bandsaw expert, but the Michael Fortune article in
FWW stirred the pot significantly, in that he was consistently able to get
excellent results, without spending serious Euros on a monster Italian made
saw. I recommend a trip to the library, if possible.
Patriarch
Mark Thieme <[email protected]> wrote in news:d836c$427ecdc7
[email protected]:
> I have the first rendition of Jet's 18".
> Of course, they've added a couple of necessary features they forgot in
> the first model and have added a 16" version now.
> Anywho, this would be a cheap way to go if you don't mind a basic unit.
> With the proper blade, it serves me well. I've resawed cherry logs at
> capacity. With the wrong blade, you'll burn up the wimpy 2 HP motor
> (unless they've boosted this).
> Mark
>
I have the Jet 16 version of this saw. If you are going to step up from a
14" saw, I don't think that this one is enough of a change to make it
worthwhile. It is my first bandsaw, however, and I bought it well.
A Laguna or MiniMax, it is not.
Patriarch
Tattooed and Dusty wrote:
> Hi All,
> So starting to plan another large cast iron purchase, and thought I
> would pole the group for thoughts.
>
> I am thinking of replacing my Grizzly G0555 14" Bandsaw. There are a
> couple reasons for this. I have been less than satisfied with the
> purchase since uncrating and setting the guy up. It works well, but
> for a decent amount of my needs it feels somewhat wimpy. I have a
> bunch of 8/4 african hardwoods that I attempt to book match in
> virtually every project. I have found this saw to be less than ideal
> for this use. I realize I am asking alot of the saw, and it might not
> be fair to judge it harshly for this failing, but I would like
> something better. It doesn't seem like I can get the blade tension
> tight enough using even 1/2" blades, let alone 3/4" which the saw is
> rated for. This seems to cause some great degree of wander in the
> blade tracking when using the wider blades, something I haven't
> noticed when using thinner blades. It seems to me that even without
> the riser kit installed there is more flex in the body of the saw
> than I would expect. The table is small, and the included fence is
> downright hard to lock in place without feeling like I am torking the
> table beyond ideal.
>
> Alright, so I would like to recoup some of the expense of the saw, and
> invest in a better one. I primarily use the band saw for resawing,
> trimming odd little things where I don't want to setup another saw,
> and to cut curves with a jig.
>
> I would like a decent size motor, as large as a table as possible, and
> a really solid frame.
>
> So far looking to spend maybe an additonal 1000, after selling the
> Grizzly that moves me into about 1300 range. Looking online and some
> in person the Jet 16" jumps out at me, the Laguna 14LTSE and the 16"
> are both appealing, and the Delta 18" seems worth looking at. Are
> there other models I am overlooking? Does anyone have experience with
> these saws? Also it seems like while the laguna 14LTSE is smaller
> than the other models I am looking at it, it has all the same
> features and might have higher quality despite the smaller size. I
> have found that the blade depth on my Grizzly has never been a
> problem for me, or at least not one i couldn't work around by using a
> different tool.
>
> Thanks in advance, as any help will be well appreciated
>
> Andrew
Try looking at the Rikon 18". It got pretty good reviews recently and was
rated best buy on machines up to around $2000. Here's one place to look
at
it.<http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/ak/Tools/Power_Tools/Rikon/Band_Saws/Band_Saws_2654/RIK_10_340_Bandsaw_18_2_HP_12_5_Amos_2_Speed_1510_prod/index.html>
or http://tinyurl.com/bel5t.
here's another http://cwd-web.net/rikon/10-340-18BS.htm
Woodcraft carries them, too. Drawback is the 220V setup.
I haven't read any negatives about the saw yet.
Gary
"Tattooed and Dusty" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Joe
> Thanks for the comments. I am not saying anything is wrong with the
> G0555. I am saying it doesn't do what I want it to. I didn't have the
> 8/4 Mubangu when I purchased the saw, and other than a couple little
> things it performed alright initially for my needs. I was attempting to
> convey the uses I have for the replacement, didn't mean to insult
> anyones love of Grizzly.
>
> I knew when purchasing the G0555 it wouldn't be able to handle a 3/4"
> blade, but even the half seems to be pushing its capabilities. The
> Laguna LT14SE has a welded steel frame rather than a cast iron frame.
> This makes its appearance, and I would assume its performance much more
> like the 16" and larger Jet and Delta machines.
>
> Never enough money,
> Any other details about the laguna than sweet? Is there anything about
> it you don't seem to like? Have you dealt with their customer service?
> Any other info would be much appreciated.
>
> Andrew
This is from the Grizzly site for the 0555 14" version:
a.. Blade size: 92 1/2 - 93-1/2" (1/8" to 3/4" wide)
If you install the extension on the saw it takes a 105" blade.
"Joe" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:Ovpfe.66064$WI3.17818@attbi_s71...
> Is Suffolk the same outfit that makes Timber Wolf? I believe TW's blades
> are called silicone steel blades and are supposed to be the best on the
> market. I think they cost 2 to 3 times more than the other blades on the
> market,
If you buy direct from Suffolk, they cost less than most.
I think Lee Valley also has the under another name but I'm not 100% sure.
Andy Dingley <[email protected]> writes:
> I've never seen a 14" machine that could really use 3/4" blades.
My Jet JWB14SDX with a Riser seems to handle one. I have a low-tension
PS Wood 3/4" blade.
--
Sending unsolicited commercial e-mail to this account incurs a fee of
$500 per message, and acknowledges the legality of this contract.
"Edwin Pawlowski" <[email protected]> writes:
>> My Jet JWB14SDX with a Riser seems to handle one. I have a low-tension
>> PS Wood 3/4" blade.
>
> Have you done any comparison with a 1/2" blade? People more
> experience that I am has said the 1/2" actually gives a better cut
> with less resistance on a 1`4" saw.
No. I'm not too experienced with it. I've practiced resawing, and done
some test cuts, so it seems to work. I'm not sure what I should see if
it doesn't work.
--
Sending unsolicited commercial e-mail to this account incurs a fee of
$500 per message, and acknowledges the legality of this contract.
"Joe" <[email protected]> writes:
> Is Suffolk the same outfit that makes Timber Wolf?
Yes. There some sort of legfal issue with using the trademark. I
think only one dealer is allows to use the "Timberwolf" name. I
learned this from the Iturra catalog, which used ANOTHER name for the
blades. The one I bought from Woodcraft was called "PS WOOD - by the
makers of Timberwolf."
--
Sending unsolicited commercial e-mail to this account incurs a fee of
$500 per message, and acknowledges the legality of this contract.
I have the first rendition of Jet's 18".
Of course, they've added a couple of necessary features they forgot in
the first model and have added a 16" version now.
Anywho, this would be a cheap way to go if you don't mind a basic unit.
With the proper blade, it serves me well. I've resawed cherry logs at
capacity. With the wrong blade, you'll burn up the wimpy 2 HP motor
(unless they've boosted this).
Mark
Tattooed and Dusty wrote:
> Hi All,
> So starting to plan another large cast iron purchase, and thought I
> would pole the group for thoughts.
>
> I am thinking of replacing my Grizzly G0555 14" Bandsaw. There are a
> couple reasons for this. I have been less than satisfied with the
> purchase since uncrating and setting the guy up. It works well, but for
> a decent amount of my needs it feels somewhat wimpy. I have a bunch of
> 8/4 african hardwoods that I attempt to book match in virtually every
> project. I have found this saw to be less than ideal for this use. I
> realize I am asking alot of the saw, and it might not be fair to judge
> it harshly for this failing, but I would like something better. It
> doesn't seem like I can get the blade tension tight enough using even
> 1/2" blades, let alone 3/4" which the saw is rated for. This seems to
> cause some great degree of wander in the blade tracking when using the
> wider blades, something I haven't noticed when using thinner blades. It
> seems to me that even without the riser kit installed there is more
> flex in the body of the saw than I would expect. The table is small,
> and the included fence is downright hard to lock in place without
> feeling like I am torking the table beyond ideal.
>
> Alright, so I would like to recoup some of the expense of the saw, and
> invest in a better one. I primarily use the band saw for resawing,
> trimming odd little things where I don't want to setup another saw, and
> to cut curves with a jig.
>
> I would like a decent size motor, as large as a table as possible, and
> a really solid frame.
>
> So far looking to spend maybe an additonal 1000, after selling the
> Grizzly that moves me into about 1300 range. Looking online and some in
> person the Jet 16" jumps out at me, the Laguna 14LTSE and the 16" are
> both appealing, and the Delta 18" seems worth looking at. Are there
> other models I am overlooking? Does anyone have experience with these
> saws? Also it seems like while the laguna 14LTSE is smaller than the
> other models I am looking at it, it has all the same features and might
> have higher quality despite the smaller size. I have found that the
> blade depth on my Grizzly has never been a problem for me, or at least
> not one i couldn't work around by using a different tool.
>
> Thanks in advance, as any help will be well appreciated
>
> Andrew
>
On Sun, 08 May 2005 07:28:17 -0400, Kenneth
<[email protected]> wrote:
>they had never seen a 14" saw that would handle a 3/4" blade.
Does yours ? I did admire one of these things S/H once, as it was
indeed a lovely resaw, but was told that it wasn't possible to run any
blade on it other than the enormous resaw blade and so didn't buy it.
On 7 May 2005 13:57:32 -0700, "Tattooed and Dusty"
<[email protected]> wrote:
Have you tuned the saw?
Are you pushing too hard?
if you have a LOT of work, then spend the money
even with inadequate tnesion, it's possible to get a good cut
Try a narrower blade with large teeth. IIRC M Dugi8nske mentions that
wider blades can be _harder_ to keep straight
Have you bought the best blades?
Are they sharp?
Is the wander always in one direction for a given blade?
If so you need to look at setting up your fence to allow for
this.
Are you just looking for an excuse to buy another piece of iron? <G>
>Hi All,
>So starting to plan another large cast iron purchase, and thought I
>would pole the group for thoughts.
>
>I am thinking of replacing my Grizzly G0555 14" Bandsaw. There are a
>couple reasons for this. I have been less than satisfied with the
On Sun, 08 May 2005 10:50:02 +0100, Andy Dingley
<[email protected]> wrote:
>On Sat, 07 May 2005 19:51:57 -0400, Kenneth
><[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>my Hitachi 14 1/2" bandsaw happily uses
>>a 3" blade for resawing.
>
>Yes, but that's hardly mainstream is it ? Nor is the frame design
>quite comparable to the Grizzly et al.
Hello again,
I saw no mention of "mainstream" or "frame design." I
responded to someone who said that they had never seen a 14"
saw that would handle a 3/4" blade.
All the best,
--
Kenneth
If you email... Please remove the "SPAMLESS."
On Sat, 07 May 2005 22:50:58 +0100, Andy Dingley
<[email protected]> wrote:
>I've never seen a 14" machine that could really use 3/4" blades. Since I
>found a supplier who could put big teeth on a narrow band, I've not used
>anything more than 3/8" wide, even for resawing, and I get much better
>results.
Howdy,
Perhaps I am missing something here (Hey, it wouldn't be the
first time...) but, my Hitachi 14 1/2" bandsaw happily uses
a 3" blade for resawing.
All the best,
--
Kenneth
If you email... Please remove the "SPAMLESS."
On 7 May 2005 13:57:32 -0700, "Tattooed and Dusty"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>doesn't seem like I can get the blade tension tight enough using even
>1/2" blades, let alone 3/4" which the saw is rated for.
I've never seen a 14" machine that could really use 3/4" blades. Since I
found a supplier who could put big teeth on a narrow band, I've not used
anything more than 3/8" wide, even for resawing, and I get much better
results.
You can also address the lack of tension problems with a better spring
for higher tension (or at least better stability at the same tension)
and a blade that's happier at lower tensions.
There's a lot you can do yet to make a 14" machine perform.
In article <[email protected]>,
"Tattooed and Dusty" <[email protected]> wrote:
> So starting to plan another large cast iron purchase, and thought I
> would pole the group for thoughts.
OUCH! Hey buddy I think you're looking for the alt.rec.abughraib
newsgroup.
--
Owen Lowe
The Fly-by-Night Copper Company
__________
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
Corporate States of America and to the
Republicans for which it stands, one nation,
under debt, easily divisible, with liberty
and justice for oil."
- Wiley Miller, Non Sequitur, 1/24/05
On Sat, 07 May 2005 19:51:57 -0400, Kenneth
<[email protected]> wrote:
>my Hitachi 14 1/2" bandsaw happily uses
>a 3" blade for resawing.
Yes, but that's hardly mainstream is it ? Nor is the frame design
quite comparable to the Grizzly et al.
On 7 May 2005 15:25:58 -0700, "Never Enough Money"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>The Laguna LT14SE can take a 1 inch blade.
You mean it will fit. I doubt very much if it will do anything useful
with it.
(If that's the same 14" Laguna we have round here, it certainly won't)
"Tattooed and Dusty" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi All,
> So starting to plan another large cast iron purchase, and thought I
> would pole the group for thoughts.
>
> I am thinking of replacing my Grizzly G0555 14" Bandsaw. There are a
> couple reasons for this. I have been less than satisfied with the
> purchase since uncrating and setting the guy up. It works well, but for
> a decent amount of my needs it feels somewhat wimpy. I have a bunch of
> 8/4 african hardwoods that I attempt to book match in virtually every
> project. I have found this saw to be less than ideal for this use. I
> realize I am asking alot of the saw, and it might not be fair to judge
> it harshly for this failing, but I would like something better. It
> doesn't seem like I can get the blade tension tight enough using even
> 1/2" blades, let alone 3/4" which the saw is rated for. This seems to
> cause some great degree of wander in the blade tracking when using the
> wider blades, something I haven't noticed when using thinner blades. It
> seems to me that even without the riser kit installed there is more
> flex in the body of the saw than I would expect. The table is small,
> and the included fence is downright hard to lock in place without
> feeling like I am torking the table beyond ideal.
>
> Alright, so I would like to recoup some of the expense of the saw, and
> invest in a better one. I primarily use the band saw for resawing,
> trimming odd little things where I don't want to setup another saw, and
> to cut curves with a jig.
>
> I would like a decent size motor, as large as a table as possible, and
> a really solid frame.
>
> So far looking to spend maybe an additonal 1000, after selling the
> Grizzly that moves me into about 1300 range. Looking online and some in
> person the Jet 16" jumps out at me, the Laguna 14LTSE and the 16" are
> both appealing, and the Delta 18" seems worth looking at. Are there
> other models I am overlooking? Does anyone have experience with these
> saws? Also it seems like while the laguna 14LTSE is smaller than the
> other models I am looking at it, it has all the same features and might
> have higher quality despite the smaller size. I have found that the
> blade depth on my Grizzly has never been a problem for me, or at least
> not one i couldn't work around by using a different tool.
>
> Thanks in advance, as any help will be well appreciated
>
> Andrew
Andrew
What you are trying to do is the same thing as trying to build a house with
a tack hammer. I have the G0555 with the riser kit and I just love it. I
have done all kinds of resawing on it using Oak, Ash, and Walnut with a 1/2"
and 3/4" scilicone steel blade. You should have realized that if you were
going to do industrial work you should have bought an industrial type
bandsaw. Grizzly has several. --- No, I wouldn't even think of trying to
cut any wood that was the consistency of Ironwood or Mesquite on the 555 or
even on a comparable Delta saw.