Hey all –
I was just checking out the latest review of 14″ bandsaws – and I was stumped by some of the results. I’m in the market for a new, good all purpose bandsaw, and I thought the new Rikon was my one – but after reading the test, I’m not so sure.
One thing I have to ask John White ( and I know this an obvious one) – did you have the saw on the higher speed. The rikons have a 2- speed set-up correct? I assume having it wired to I’ve would make a noticeable difference. Taking 2+ minutes to resaw a block seems like an eternity. Since Rikon came out with there 18″ and now there 14″ Deluxe saws – I’ve been intrigued by there features and value.
And a follow up question – have the Grizzly machines really improved over the years. I’ve used some of them in other shops, but I was never impressed.
Brian
Replies
Brian,
Im not sure about the 14" Rikon, but I have had zero problems with my 18" Rikon.
Jeff
I rececntly purchased the 14 deluxe Rikon and I love it. I was considering the Laguna 14se and read another reveiw in a different magazine that claimed the Rikon was better over the Laguna. With the recent knots on Laguna service and a price tag that was double and less features than the Rikon I decided on Rikon and I love it. I am not going to let this reveiw dampen my spirits.
Mike
Heeeyy Brian,
Welcome to Knots.
I too have the 18" Rikon and love the saw immensely. It is truly a wood devouring brute.
I had a chance to 'play' with a 14" Deluxe and think the saw is excellent. Pretty much top of the line as far as 14"ers go. I would venture a guess that John had the saw set on the higher speed, since as a general rule, the lower speed is for metal or extremely tough hardwoods. The time it took to resaw the wood was probably due more to the saw having a 1.5hp motor, me thinks. The newer 18"ers have a 2.5hp motor (which mine does), and set up with a good blade (I use Timberwolves), will chew through anything (wood wise at least) you send into the blade.
To answer your question about Grizzly's quality, yes they are good machines. I was up at the local Grizzly store (Muncy, PA) to buy me a radial drill press about a month ago (a fine machine if I may say so), and had a chance to look over and 'play' with some of their bandsaws, nnniiiiiicccce machines, they are. You would not go wrong buying either Rikon or Grizzly if that's your budget allowance. Both brands perform right up there with the more expensive machines relative to this group ($800. to $1600).
For comparison, the 18" Rikon and the 19" Grizzly are pretty much the same. Both have 18 7/8" cast iron wheels, 142" band for Rikon, 143" band for Grizzly, 2.5hp motor for Rikon, 3hp for Grizzly. I have to admit, I do like the Grizzly fence system better than Rikon's.
Hope this helps,
Chris.
Brian,
I agree with MP72. I have had the Rikon 14" Deluxe for about 6 months and am very, very happy with it.
George
You don't stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing. - Michael Pritchard
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