I am looking at purchasing a band saw and was almost convinced that I would purchase the 14” Powermatic but the price difference between this one and other brands in the 14″ class is huge. To make things more difficult, I could get a Rikon 18” or a similar machine in its class for almost the same price (both have great reviews in their class). I need your help in making this decision. Here are a few criteria that may be helpful:
- I am primarily going to use the band saw for curve cut and not necessarily re-sawing,
- Resawing capability is a plus but since I am not experienced with the process I can not quantify it’s importance to me, but having the capability in the future (after I learn more) would be great.
- Would like a band saw that I will not outgrow and have to trade in a few years. In other words, I would like to buy a keeper for many years to come.
- Looking for a
- The band saw could be 110V or 220V as I have both in my garage.
- The machine will have to be placed on a mobile base as I work out of my garage when I do woodworking.
- I am a woodworking hobbyist that spends 10-12 hours per week on average
- I will consider purchasing a used band saw (I am located in <!—-><!—-> <!—->Indianapolis<!—->, <!—->IN<!—-> <!—->)
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Any suggestions you may have would help.
Thank you
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GBez
Replies
Look for a good older Delta 14”, lots of great used stuff out there at good prices. Get the Ittura Design catalog and use it to tune it up, (Carter guides, riser block, cast iron pulleys, etc.). You’ll spend less and end up with a classic that will really perform. I LOVE mine and would not think of going to the new welded steel frame “euro type” saws.
Do you have a web site or phone # I can request this catalog?
Thank you
They do not have their website up yet. 1-888-722-7078 and they will send you a catalog. It is really more like the bible on 14" bandsaws, you will get a lot of info out of it. Rebuilding older machinery is a great part of woodworking.
Good on ya for recommending he get the Iturra catalog! BTW: "They do not have their website up yet." I don't think there's any "yet" -- I doubt they have any plans for having a web site. They had such a surge in business after introducing their blade guides, they seem to be where they want to be. I dunno, it's just a feeling I have about the type of business they want to run.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
I based that comment on what they told me when I ordered my catalog, they said a site is comming in November if it's ready.
Wow, that's cool! So much for my intuition. :-)forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
Check out the Shop Fox W1706. I bought one about 3 months ago. It was standing along side the Delta, and Jet and after comparing them and trying all three out in the store I purchased the Shop Fox. It comes with ball bearing guides for the rear blade thrust and side guides. It also came with a fence, and miter head. Both the Delta and Jet were 14" closed stand models. All three had quick blade release etc. All had motors that appeared to be identical and all had the same tensioning mechanism. The off on switches were identical, looked like they all came of the same assembly line. Brought it home and it went together with no surprises. Took about 1 hour. Big problem was lifting the crate it weighed about 242 pounds. It weighed a little more than the other too. It has a 14" square table versus the Jet & Delta at 15". I have given it some pretty heavy use and I am pleased with its performance. Have even resawed wood which I was not able to do with my 30 year old Sears band saw. Good luck.
Edited 10/25/2005 7:41 pm ET by mrbird90
In the wwing tool business, older is generally better.
For years and years, Delta was the standard for 14" machines -- against which all others were measured.
A few years back, companies like Laguna and Minimax started to promote bigger machines (in the 16" - 20" range).
In most areas I suspect there is a steady stream of older 14" Deltas that people would like to get rid of so they can move on to a bigger model.
You might therefore want to consider digging around some to see what might be available (Craig's list, classifieds, local woodworking club, etc.). You might find a really good, older, lightly used Delta that would perform as well (maybe better) and be way less expensive than a new model. Chances are also good, the seller might throw in a flock of jigs and accessories (such as a mobile base).
Good luck........................
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"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
The bigger the motor the better. 3/4 is good, but I would want a 1 HP at minimum. Do not settle for a 1/2 hp motor like I have. I now regret it.
I agree with all the other posts on old Delta's. Unfortunately, mine is not old enough.
Look for ability to install narrow blades 1/8 or 1/16 or ability to retrofit blade guides like from Carter. I bought the carter retrofit to do 1/16 blades and it has worked very well.
I originally purchased my saw just for curves, but now am wanting to do more resawing and cannot decide whether to upgrade my saw or buy new. Would love a laguna or Minimax, but $2500 is too rich for my blood. I am halfway looking at the Rikon and Delta.
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