If you had about $500-600 to spend on a bandsaw, what would you do? At that price range, I seem to be sort of “in-between” new 14″ 1 HP saws and larger 1 1/2 HP saws. For example, the Grizzly “Ultimate” 14″ saw is about $400, while their 2HP 16″ is about $675. I could stretch to get the larger saw, but since I’m still quite new to woodworking, I don’t know if this is a wise use of funds or not. I’ve read as many posts here as I could find, and read the FWW bandsaw review article from Jan 2002. I clearly understand that the larger, more powerful saw is better for resawing — but since I’ve never even *used* a bandsaw before, I dont’ know how “advanced” resawing really is. If it’s something a beginner shouldn’t even contemplate, perhaps it’s wiser to get the smaller saw and upgrade in a couple of years. If, on the other hand, I’m going to be regretting the smaller saw a year from now, I’d rather get the bigger one now an learn to use it.
Finally, I realized it was silly of me not to just ask. What do you think?
Replies
I have the older 1019Z 14", and wish the new saw had been available then. Much better guides, fence, other stuff.
Depends a lot on what you might be doing. The 16" gives you more space between the blade and the frame, but less resaw capacity -- if you add the extension block to the new 14" saw, you can resaw a wider board (or bigger log) than if you have the 16".
The motor in the 14" saw has done well in tests that I've read about, and if you put an excellent blade (Timberwolf, for example) and tension it correctly you should be able to resaw quite comfortably. Blade quality is very important, and the Timberwolf blades are designed to require lower tension than most other blades. The stock blades that come with saws are generally not all that good.
The money left over from the 14" could be spent on good blades, and some other accessories that help out, and still have some left.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Edited 3/8/2003 12:40:52 PM ET by forestgirl
Mark you have to decide what you want to do. Do you want to buy thick, thick plank & resaw them to what you want, or need for a job. Under the best of conditions that is hard work. I resaw what is called 4-4's (A plank a full 1 in. thick. & 8-4's which is a plank 2 in. thick) If all you want is to do cut outs of animals or trees, tyhen a smaller band saw will do. By the way when you resaw you have to set up the blade tension correctly, or risk making a mess out of you wood.
Good luck Blacksmith3
Mark: if I had $500.00 to $600.00 and was looking for a Good Band Saw in the 14 inch range I would buy the tried and true and often copied Delta with the 11/2 hp motor,it doesnt get any better than that.. also throw on some Olson all pro blades and your going to have one lean mean wood cutting saw.. I should know I have one..<G>...
ToolDoc
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