Replies

1. 
   swenson | Feb 25, 2011 07:28am | #1

   Many years ago I went with the Delta 14" and have never been sorry.  I can't compare it with others as it is the only one I have ever had but something to consider is this: does the saw you are looking at have the ability to add riser blocks to it?  At some point in time you may want to start resawing, and adding a riser block will give you a greater capacity.  I'm sure FWW must have done an article on bandsaws.  You might find some answers there.  Good luck.  Don't know how I ever lived without a bandsaw.

2. 
   RalphBarker | Feb 25, 2011 09:53am | #2

   uses?

   What uses are you going to put the saw to? Without knowing that, it's difficult to suggest what will be sufficient, saw-wise.

3. 
   AutumnWoods | Feb 25, 2011 10:06am | #3

   My Experience

   I bought the Rikon 14" a few years ago after FWW tool review rated it at the top.  I always regretted not getting the Laguna, though.  The guides on it were difficult to adjust after a while and a lot of play developed.  After aroung 6 months one of them actually fell off while I was sawing.  I bought a new precision set from Carter and haven't had a problem since.  Sure wish I had that near ceramic block setup on the Laguna, though.

   Overall it depends on what you're doing with it.  I wanted to do a lot of resawing and so it's come in handy to have a little more substantial of a machine.  If you're just a casual bandsaw user who just wants something to get curves, get a jet or delta small frame saw and add the riser block later.  Just remember that adding a riser block doesn't increase the power of your motor or the reach of your guide assembly.  Consider going used for your first purcase as well, until you find out how much you'll use it.  Those little saws cost almost as much as a full size saw nowadays.

1. 
   Red_F | Feb 27, 2011 08:52pm | #4

   I've been around a Laguna with ceramic guides in a school setting and I have to say that you shouldn't regret it.  It is one of the most disappointing tools I've been around.  I've not been impressed with the machine or the performance of it. 

   I worked in a hardware store that sold Rikon bandsaws and I will agree with you that the guides are a pain to set.  But if that machine is giving you a good cut with the Carter guides, then I think you are ahead of the Laguna.

   Back to the original poster's question.  If you are debating between a 10 and 14 inch, I would always pick the 14 if I could afford it.  Unless you are doing only small cuts, the 14 will make you much happier. 

   Pros:  Bigger work surface, most are expandable to 12" resaw capacity with a riser block, friends don't refer to it as "cute", more powerful motor, more variety of blades (I assume), and *probably* better quality.

   Cons:  Not as portable, heavy, can't tuck it away, a little more intimidating for intricate cutting.

   Those are the ones I can think of right now.  I will agree that the tolerances on older machines are typically better than new ones.

   Good luck,

   Blaine

4. 
   bduffin104 | Feb 28, 2011 12:36am | #5

   take a look at the grizzly 17"

   Nothing fancy but 2 hp, 12" cutting height and a nice little fence. This is what I have an I love it. I don't do intricate scroll work but I do cut a lot of curves, do a lot of resawing and use the band saw a lot to rough things out to size. This saw does not dissapoint, cuts very true and straight and follows a cured line beautifully. And yes I have re sawn boads a full 12" high, no problem with a sharp blade, 1/2" 6 tpi hook. Good dust collection too.

   I don't think you can get a better saw at this price, $795

   I don't work for Grizzly

   Bret

5. 
   xpayroll | Mar 25, 2011 05:32pm | #6

   Ridgid riser

   Does anyone know if Ridgid makes a riser for their band saw.