This 14-in. bandsaw from Rikon features a quick-release tension gauge and more than 13 in. of resaw capacity
Sep 01, 2007
From FWW #244 (Tools & Shops 2015)
By Roland Johnson
Street price: $1000 Motor (HP): 1-1/2 Resaw capacity: 13 in. Ease of blade changes: Fair Ease of guide adjustments: Poor Guide-post alignment: Very good Guide-post rigidity: Poor Dust collection: Fair Fence: Good Resaw cuts: Good Curve cuts: Very good
Yellow tires and window in upper housing make blade tracking very easy. Base cabinet provides convenient place to store blades and gear. Includes lamp.
From FWW #193 (September/October 2007)
by Thomas McKenna
The Rikon has plenty of cutting capacity and power and some great features, including a built-in light and window that gives you a plane view of the upper blade wheel for tracking purposes. But it dropped in the rankings of our test because of its overly complicated and poorly machined guide mechanisms. Still, it had the most resaw capacity of those we tested and had a good quality of cut.
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Makita LS1219L Miter Saw
This is the saw I want in my shop. For one, it’s easy to use. All of the controls are easy to reach and manipulate, and the glide mechanism is both robust and smooth. The handle works well for righties and lefties. Then there are added bonuses that no other saw has. For instance, its hold-down is superb, as it can move to different locations, hinges for a greater range of coverage, and actually holds down the work. In addition, the saw has two points of dust collection, letting it firmly beat the rest of the field. The one downside was the saw’s laser, which was so faint we had to turn off the shop lights to see it. Still, all these pluses in a package that fits tight to the wall? That’s a winner for me.
You’ll need help to get this heavy unit onto its bracket, but if you’re looking for a central dust collector that won’t gobble floor space, this may be the unit for you.
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