New to this forum and I am sure this topic has been covered before. I looking to purchase my first bandsaw. I am a believer in buying a good quality tool so I don’t have to re-buy in a couple of years. I am mainly looking to re-saw some wood and to cut curves. I would like a floor model machine. I have a feeling I am looking at a 14″ saw for minimum. I don’t want to spend thousands, but have a budget of $900 or so. I am open to used or refurbed machines. Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions would be great. Thanks.
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Replies
The 17" Bridgewood that I purchase about 2 years ago has handled everything that I have thrown at it. It has good capacity, the fence is quite good, and resawing has been a breeze when set up with a good quality blade. This saw has no power problems. The 2 hp motor that came with mine really delivers it's rating. The cast iron wheels and quick release blade tension lever are very nice extras. The only modification I had to make was to the dust collection setup.
Ron
The Delta 14-inch which I purchased at Lowe's bargain price is still the power tool with which I am most pleased. I have a height kit on it. I did not have to adjust tracking when I installed it! That takes precision manufacturing. I am not a resaw expert, but I was told that I don't need a lot of horsepower for that. My own results have been variable, but I can't tell much difference from 3/4-HP to 1-1/2-HP. I suspect that my choice of wood to resaw or my blade tension was not optimal. LOL!!
Cadiddlehopper
shakka13
The nice thing about the Delta 14" (the one I wish I had bought) is that it is so common as to be the standard, so that you can get parts and accessories for it easily. If you are going to re-saw, the blade is the most important thing. I would suggest getting one of the books on bandsaws first, and that might help make a decision. Also call these folks whose catalpg of parts is full of good basic information on bandsaws.
Iturra Design
4636 Fulton RD
Jacksonville, FL 32225-1332
1.888.722.7078 voice
Best way to start is to lay your hands on a few. Any dealer you talk to will encourage you to buy their favorite, but don't rush. Look for quality construction. You're going to adjust the top guide a lot so make sure that feels good and it locks in well. The tilted table is amazingly useful sometimes, so make sure those adjusters are good. A bigger table is always nice.
Don't do any comparison of motor horsepower unless you are familiar with the differences between some manufacturers' ratings and reality.
Good luck! A band saw is a great tool.
Pete
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