I am about to purchase a new bandsaw and need some advice. I thought I had it down to the Rikon 14″ with 13″ resaw capacity. Then I was shown a Delta X5 which has been discontinued. The X-5 comes with the mobile base, fence and a router for about $900, plus $100 for the riser. The Rikon has the fence, light and does not need the riser and is about $700. Of course I was told I may never need to resaw over the 6″ limit on the X-5 but I was also told this on my 6″ jointer (which I have had lots of times I could have used a 12″ or wider jointer). I am also considering the Laguna. A lot more expensive than the others but it looks to be a great bandsaw and it would mean waiting until I save a little more $$.
Having never used a bandsaw, would I be wise to get the larger resaw capacity or not? Does anyone have experience with either of the above tools and thier performance, ease of use and blade changes? Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jerry
Replies
Having never used a bandsaw......
I have the early Ricon 18" and a old Delta 14 inch.. Both are fine saws in my opinion... However, I never learned to use a band saw that well! I guess I was always in a hurry? I would say the blade used is more important than the saw!
Resaw capacity
I have a Jet 14" with riser block and use it a lot. The original 6" capacity just wasn't cutting it for me. But would still love an 18" unit with more "guts". I also replaced the original knob with a crank handle with no regrets.
I too don't think a 6" resaw
I too don't think a 6" resaw ability is enough. For 6" I believe could be done on the table saw. And the Delta would require the purchase of the riser block.
Thanks,
Jerry
Saw Selection
Jerry,
You have to think hard about what you want to do. The original 14 design almost seems to be a compromise that allows very fine sawing with 1/8" bands right up to re-sawing 10" planks with up to 3/4" bands. In order to accommodate the fine work, the tables are 42" - 43" off the floor. If you are doing the fine work great, but for cutting stock with any size and weight to it, your handling the material above your and the machine's centre of gravity. Just about all of the saws in the 17" class and up, place the table at a more reasonable 36" height.
I would take the Rikon as it is ready to go for re-sawing greater than 6", larger motor and if you are unsure about table height, at least you can move the main saw to a lower home made cabinet with out having to mess with the motor mounting.
While you are looking, Grizzly have a pretty sweet looking 17" Dual voltage unit on sale for $698.00 plus $94.00 freight.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/17-2-HP-Bandsaw-Polar-Bear-Series/G0513P
Don't let price drive our decision and it is much nicer to grow into a tool over time than to find out after a couple of months that the machine is inadequate.
Don
I appreciate your advise and comments. I too would rather buy something I would "grow" into. I've found buying something that is relative to one small job is not worth it. Like I indicated, my jointer is 6" and would much rather have a 10 or 12 inch. The Rikon does seem to be the best buy with everything already set up. I don't know just how much I'll use it but that is something for the future to decide.
Thank you!
Jerry
I purchased the Rikon 14"
I purchased the Rikon 14" Deluxe model this past January and have been very pleased. I used it on a cherrry frame and panel sideboard and resawed the panels - mostly 11" - 12" wide from 8/4 planks. With a Timberwolf blade (3tpi/3/4" wide I think) it resawed 3 ft long boards in about 45 seconds. I could not stall it. Assembly was straightforwaard and with very little adjustment, it resaws nicely with uniform cuts. Fit and finish was very good. It is heavy - you will need help putting it on to the cabinet base. I would buy it again in a flash.
Jerry
Thanks for your reply. I am leaning towards the Rikon as it seems to come already equipped the way I want it. The resaw capacity is one thing I am interested it. I am wanting to build a desk and a dinning room table and believe matching boards are a must.
Thanks,
Jerry
I got the Grizzly 457 a little while ago. It's a great saw, 2HP, nice resaw fence included, and the price is about 900. If I had a bigger shop I would have gotten one of their larger ones for about the same price.
The Laguna's look nice, but they are at a different price point.
Simon
Laguna Band Saw
I bought the SUV 14" last year and I just couldn't be happier with it. It does everyting I wanted plus more. The most used tool in my shop now, and, the customer service was incredible.
I have watched the videos at Lagunas web site. The saw looks totally awsome. I am not sure if future use is worth the extra $$ on it although I must say, it is nice. My one question though about Laguna is service work. I wonder how that is handled?
Thank you!
Jerry
Some time ago and just my opinion..
I called them for my first choice of a big bandsaw.. I was treated like dirt. I have traveled Europe many times durning my working life. Been treated bad and very much like a local folk. I will only say I did NOT purchase a Laguna bandsaw... I am not knocking the saw for what it can or cannot do. I have no idea... I judged the product on the person that took my telephone call. I WAS NOT IMPRESSED!
I bought a early Ricon 18".. It has worked well for me.. I had a ball bearing freeze up it caused the lower bearing casting to break.. I called Ricon.. I expected to pay for a New ball-bearing.. and casting plus shipping. I received both parts without paying for the shipping or for the parts.. I think I had the saw for about two years and told the person at the other end at the phone the same...
I for one.. Love my saw and the service I received.. I would not expect free after five years of use....
Grizzly G0513P 17"
I have the G0513 17" and I use the 12 " resaw capacity.
I bought the saw used and didn't expect much but I have been more than pleasantly surprised by the excellent usability of this saw. For fine detail work as well as resawing it has power as well as finesse.
The g0513p has an introductory price of $700, which I find almost unbelievable.
Bret
rikon
I just bought the Rikon saw. I have done re-sawing of pieces I have harvested myself.
When you harvest pieces of wood yourself they tend to be on the large side.
One of the most satisfying things i have done in woodworking to re-saw a large figured piece of wood I harvested.
I really enjoy bookmatching them and the larger they are the more impact they have.
there really is nothing like re-sawing figured wood and bookmatching it.
So, large capacity is important to me.
I haven't done it yet, but would love to bookmatch some panels and use them in some furniture.
That and milling the frame as well. 1/4 sawn?
When people ask about the panel or piece you can say it came from my yard or someone elses.
It's like cooking from scratch. To me cooking from scratch is always a lot better than out of a box.
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